The park is named in honor of Mike E. Sansone, a former Plant City commissioner who was a significant advocate for community youth sports.
The facility was designed to double as a storm water retention area to assist with local flood management.
The dog park area includes built-in agility equipment for canine exercise.
The park grounds serve as a secondary parking overflow site during the annual Florida Strawberry Festival.
Mike E Sansone Community Park is a comprehensive 20-acre recreational facility located in Plant City, Florida. The park is anchored by a dedicated, fenced-in dog park that features separate areas for large and small breeds. Sports facilities include four lighted youth baseball fields and two multi-purpose fields utilized for soccer and football. Visitors can access a series of paved walking trails that wind through the grounds. A large picnic pavilion is available for community gatherings and events. The park serves as a hub for local youth athletic leagues during their respective seasons. It is situated adjacent to the Plant City Strawberry Festival fairgrounds area, linking it to the city's major event infrastructure.
The perimeter of the dog park during sunset provides an unobstructed view of the field lights and open landscape.
Bring a portable water bowl for pets, as water stations are sometimes limited in the dog park zones.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid the heavy congestion caused by youth league practices in the evenings.
Utilize the paved trail perimeter if you prefer a flat, consistent surface for running away from the active sports fields.
Do not attempt to park in the sports complex lots during major youth tournament weekends if you are not participating in the events, as parking becomes extremely limited.
Leashes are mandatory outside of the designated off-leash dog park areas; pick up after your pets immediately.