Community to help decide next dog park location

A second dedicated fenced off-leash dog area is a step closer to reality with City of Newcastle inviting the community to have their say on the next potential site.

Residents and community groups can provide feedback on dedicated off-leash spaces in Lambton, with areas at Lambton Park and Armstrong Park flagged as potential locations.

^{(L-R): Lambton resident Mark Brooker with dog Wesley, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen with dog Toby, and Lambton Residents Group member Mary Webster with dogs Jem and Scout at Lambton Park.}

Community feedback received on the Dogs in Open Space Plan showed high demand around the suburb. Council is also exploring opportunities to improve dog infrastructure in Islington, Adamstown and Maryland.

Council has identified the need for additional fenced dog parks across the city under the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan. Consultation has opened for site selection of the next park and if a suitable site is determined, a more detailed dog park design will be available for community feedback.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was committed to providing open spaces where the city’s 45 thousand dogs small and large could safely run free.

“We know that Novocastrians are passionate about their dogs and having dedicated spaces for their canine companions to exercise and socialise safely with other dogs is important to them,” Cr Clausen said.

“A Council survey found 60% of people want more fenced, off-leash dog areas in Newcastle and provided valuable insights on desired features such as shade, seating, signage and designated areas for small and large dogs.

“This is reflected in the overwhelming success and popularity of the City’s first fenced, off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue, North Lambton, which opened last October and is enjoyed by countless two and four-legged friends on any given day.

“City of Newcastle will incorporate the lessons learned from the success of the Acacia Avenue dog park along with the community’s feedback to continue to deliver on the outcomes of the Dogs in Open Space Plan to provide, improve and manage off-leash dog areas over the next decade.”

Community views are welcome to help select the location of our next fenced off-leash dog area and can be made via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay until 5pm Thursday 6 August 2020.