This hidden gem with a dog friendly lagoon that no one tells you about, has a rich Florida history that began over 130 years ago.

Snyder Park was established in 1895 when brothers John and David Snyder donated the land to the City.  The park was officially inaugurated in 1897, with a parade and celebration with over 5,000 people in attendance.

In 1914 Pioneer Road Builders -S.P.  Snyder and his son Byron, became the first professional road contractors in Broward county and for forty years constructed numerous roads in the area.

Rocks taken from this land resulted in the lakes in the park and was used in the building of Route 1 and the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

The  dog friendly lagoon is an actual beach style swimming area,  just for pups.   The water is clear, mostly fresh rainwater, park runoff, and the natural effects of the limestone keep it blue.

With 226 acres this park is a great place to take children and grandchildren, but there’s more.

The nature trails are full of wild monkeys, iguanas and people canoeing, paddle-boarding and kayaking.   There’s even a butterfly garden, shaded bike trails and a great frisbee golf course.

There’s even a children’s’ water park, plenty of picnic areas and the fishing is good here too.

The big news is there they are building the world’s first pickleball stadium and entertainment complex.  It’s nearing completion in a 12-acre $25 million project, with 43 tech-enhanced courts.

So the next time you’re in South Florida with a car load of kids, dogs and relatives, this might be the one place to be for the day right off Route 1.