Furry friends flock to city’s new fenced dog park

They say every dog has its day, and that is certainly the case for local pooches who can now roam free in the city’s first fenced dog park.

The new facility at Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton was officially opened today with creatures great and small converging on the park to celebrate.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the unveiling of the dog park is fantastic for our dog-loving city and is the culmination of significant community feedback.

“After a strong response to the development of our Dogs in Open Space Plan, including more than 1,000 community submissions, it was clear that catering for our four-legged friends is extremely important to our city,” he said.

“Delivering a fenced off-leash area for the city came through as one of the major pieces of feedback and we’ve worked since then on identifying the best location in consultation with the community.

“The community’s input has been reflected in the unique way the park has been constructed with special areas for both large and small dogs to play in comfort. I’m thrilled with this space and know it will be a vibrant and popular place for people and their pets to be active and play outside.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the new park was a premier facility for dog owners wanting their pets to enjoy time off-leash and socialising in a contained environment.

“The dog park is encircled by a 1.5 metre-high chain-mesh fence and contains 452 metres of accessible pathway throughout,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The park is now equipped with two shelters and tables, two dog bubblers and dog dispenser bags, ensuring comfort for dogs and their owners.

“A unique and popular feature of the park is the dedicated areas for small and large dogs to enjoy. The 1.5 hectare fenced area is the ultimate space for pet owners to bring their dogs without the worry of them wandering off into traffic.”

The City of Newcastle has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the State with more than 44,300 registered dogs calling the city home.

The existing off-leash area at the reserve's lower level will be retained providing an overflow from the fenced area.

City of Newcastle rangers were on hand at the opening event to provide free microchipping, dog care packs and information on responsible dog ownership.