A dog park named after two pets that once roamed a century-old cattle ranch opened Aug. 1 inside Vida's Way, PulteGroup's 350-acre master-planned community off Watergrass Boulevard in Wesley Chapel.

Fudge & Rusty's Dog Park honors the dogs of the DePue family, whose ranch occupied the land for more than 100 years before Pulte Homes purchased a portion for residential development. The community carries the name of Vida Barnes DePue, who ran the ranch alone for more than 50 years after her husband died in 1954.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the park's opening, the Laker/Lutz News reported. The park connects to miles of walking and nature trails winding through the neighborhood.

The DePue Ranch was founded in the 1920s and spans roughly 1,800 acres. The family transferred 350 acres to Pulte Homes for the Vida's Way development. The Business Observer reported in August 2023 that the sale price was $16 million for 332 acres. The remaining ranch land still operates as an active cattle ranch.

According to community materials and the Laker/Lutz News, Pulte designed the neighborhood to reflect the property's ranching roots. A 35-foot custom steel windmill greets residents at the entrance. Street names reference the family's history. At the center sits Stewards Park, a farmhouse-inspired 6,683-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, screened game room, wet bar and outdoor event spaces.

The first phase, called Vida's Way Legacy, includes nearly 700 homesites with homes ranging from 1,662 to 4,272 square feet and two to five bedrooms. Prices start in the $300,000s. The community is zoned for Watergrass Elementary, Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School.

Other amenities include a resort-style pool with cabanas, pickleball courts, a community garden called Vida's Bloom and a ranch-inspired playground.

Pulte's listing for the community shows a "Heritage Amenity" marked as coming soon, signaling additional buildout ahead. No timeline has been announced for that addition.