Orlando's first dog park with a bar to open this summer

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Orlando-area residents will soon have a new place to let their furry friends play while they enjoy a drink.

Boozehounds Dog Bar will open a location late summer less than five miles south of Downtown Orlando in Edgewood.  This bar will be the first of its kind in the area, joining other major cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Denver, who provide similar spaces. 

Co-creators Lainie Pekich and Paul Jaszczenski said they were inspired after many trips to the dog park with their own pooch, Kaia. They said it’s always fun to watch the dogs play, but it’d be better with something for the people.

"We got dog parks, we got dog friendly restaurants, dog friendly bars," said Pekich, "but why can't we combine both?" 

So, after visiting similar parks across the country, the duo bought the lot and designed Boozehounds.  The park will include a full bar and facility made out of repurposed shipping containers, large park space for both small and large dogs, water features, agility course pieces, and plenty of space for socializing and even live music performances.

"Edgewood's really trying to expand and get some businesses in here and we feel like we're going to hopefully be a good compliment to that,” said Jaszczenski.

Long-time bar and restaurateur Jeff Norwood will join the duo in handling the bar operations.

“It's a really great concept and it's going to be an amazing thing for the community,” said Norwood.

The bar area, which will span 2000 sq. ft, will feature big screen televisions and local craft beers on tap. A rooftop bar will also be available to rent for private events.

Access to Boozehounds Dog Bar will be membership based. There will be several options, including $10 day passes to a pre-opening special $149 annual pass. Extra fees apply for multiple dogs. These fees will help maintain the park and provide 'Bark Rangers' to lend a hand. 

Membership also requires that dogs be over four months of age, current on vaccinations, spayed or neutered if over eight months old, and friendly with people and other dogs. 

In an effort to promote safety and responsibility, all areas of the establishment are reserved for humans ages 16 and up.

“We are thrilled to bring this positive environment to the local dog community, and aim
to provide a happy, healthy space for dogs and their owners to connect”, said Pekich. 

Lainie and Paul are both Florida natives and graduates of the University of Central Florida.  They said the bar will specifically be located in the Edgewood Central District, at 5501 S. Orange Avenue.  They hope to open the park by this summer, pending permits