Dog owners looking for a new reason to leash up can head to Chewy Bark Park on Wednesday, Aug. 26, for the first in a monthly series of guided group walks along The Underline.

The inaugural Chewy Pack Walk runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the park, 4500 Ponce de Leon Blvd., and is free to attend. Friends of The Underline organized the event, which is timed to National Dog Day, according to the Gables Gazette. Advance registration is available through Eventbrite.

The format goes beyond a simple group stroll. Participants rotate walking partners every few minutes along the route, with conversation prompts provided to ease introductions among strangers connected by their dogs. Check-in and socializing begin at 6:30 p.m., with the guided walk running from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Walkers return to the park afterward for giveaways, photo opportunities and time to mingle.

Adoptable dogs on site

Paw Patrol Animal Rescue and Sanctuary plans to bring three adoptable dogs to the walk. Chewy is covering adoption fees for select dogs as part of the company’s “Dog-ust” promotion.

One of the dogs scheduled to attend is Karri, a 3-year-old English bulldog the rescue describes as sweet and playful despite a difficult past that included significant medical care.

A park building momentum

Chewy Bark Park opened Jan. 31 with a ribbon-cutting that drew more than 500 pet parents and their dogs. The 17,000-square-foot park was pet retailer Chewy’s first dog park. According to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from May 14, Miami-Dade County funded and constructed the facility, then turned operations and maintenance over to the city’s Community Recreation Department. Chewy holds naming rights and sponsors programming but did not fund construction.

The park set a Guinness World Records title May 9 for the most dogs attending a pool party, with 276 dogs participating.

At the January opening, Mayor Vince Lago noted that Coral Gables, which once had no designated dog parks, is on track to have as many as six open by the end of 2026.

If you go

When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Chewy Bark Park, 4500 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, near Douglas Road Metrorail station and across from Trader Joe’s
Cost: Free; RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite
What to bring: A dog comfortable around others, a nonretractable leash, water for you and your dog, and comfortable walking shoes
Parking: Lot 41, 4520 Ponce de Leon Blvd., or street parking through PayByPhone. The park is also accessible from Douglas Road Metrorail.

Upcoming community events

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Sustainability and Coastal Resiliency Advisory Board meets to discuss living seawalls and fall programming.

Monthly, date to be announced: The next Chewy Pack Walk at Chewy Bark Park. Organizers say the series will continue each month.