Destination: Pet Park, Condado

Located on a quiet street in one of San Juan's most high-priced real estate areas is Puerto Rico's one and only public dog park. Opened back in 2008, the pet park in Condado has drawn people from all over the San Juan metro area who are aware that dogs (just like humans) need to exercise and interact with one another. Back in March, when I was in New York for a visit, I noticed quite a few public parks with a fenced-off area for dogs. I lamented to a friend, also a dog-owner, the unfortunate fact that there is only one dog park in Puerto Rico. This certainly isn't something earth-shattering, as public parks are few and far between on the island.

Studies have shown that the prevalence of city parks can help improve the health of its local residents. I would venture that the same could be said for dogs. In Puerto Rico, the lack of open space for both humans and canines indicates how public health issues have been shoved to the back burner. As I've mentioned in a previous blog entry, the mistreatment of animals is notorious on the island. In addressing this issue, San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini opened El Centro de Control y Adopción de Animales (The Center for the Control and Adoption of Animals), which offers affordable vaccination and sterilization services. Hats off to Santini as well for opening the island's only public dog park, which is open everyday (except for holidays) from 7AM to 7PM. It's a wonderful place for dogs to roam and play off-leash. The park has a water fountain, benches, an agility course and even plastic bags for picking up your dog's poop. The park is very clean and very well maintained. All canines are welcome, as long as they are at least four months old and completely vaccinated.

Destination: Parque Central, San Juan

About two weeks ago, I went to Parque Central (translation: Central Park) for a run and to buy fish. Perhaps this sounds a bit strange. Well, Parque Central, which has about 35 acres, is the largest plot of green open space in the San Juan metro area where people can bike, walk and run along a system of trails. There are also tennis courts, two swimming pools (at the Natatorium), spinning studio, running track, a fish market and cafeteria! There is now also a driving range next to the park. Although it is a lot smaller than New York's Central Park, which is 843 acres in size, San Juan's Parque Central is a great and safe place to get some exercise. This is not a place frequented by tourists, but more for locals.

In my previous visits, I've come across Sierra Club guided groups exploring the mangroves and looking out for special flora and fauna. There are indeed many different species of birds, and lots of iguanas! I had also noticed a pescadería (translation: fish market) located immediately to the right of the entrance of the park. Unfortunately, the day I went, only sierra (sawfish) and chillo (red snapper) were available. Both of which are the most widely fished on the island. I ended up getting the sawfish, which was very good. For those who are interested in visiting the pescadería, they are open everyday except for Mondays. Word of advice: get there early in the morning!