Off-leash dog park proposed in Port Lincoln’s Open Space Strategy

Port Lincoln Council has released its long-term recreational plan, which will see improvements to parks, reserves, playgrounds and sporting grounds – and even a dog park.

Kids and pooches will be the ones to benefit out of Port Lincoln Council’s long-term recreational plan.

The five-year plan will see improvements to parks, reserves, playgrounds, sporting grounds, creeks and even includes an off-leash dog park.

The 2021-2026 Open Space Strategy draft examines the existing public open space and considers what the community may want in the next five years.

The draft plan has established six key goals as a result of community feedback including a highly anticipated dog park at Nelson Square.

City of Port Lincoln Council Draft Open Space Strategy.

Other projects outlined in the Open Space Strategy draft include:

• Upgrading Whait Reserve

• Delivering the Port Lincoln Foreshore Project

• Delivering scaled upgrades to Puckridge Park

• Planning and delivering improvements to other reserves including Murray’s Point, Harbour View

• Reserve, Flinders Park, Seaview Park Reserve, Centenary Oval, Ravendale Sports Reserve and Mallee

• Park Drainage Reserve

• Exploring the demand and opportunities for a community garden in Port Lincoln

• Establishing a sustainable funding model for open space developments – including the establishment of an Open Space Reserve Fund, and seeking external funding sources.

Port Lincoln council are calling for public consultation on foreshore facelift. Picture: Supplied by Port Lincoln Council

The council will now rely on community response to the proposal before moving forward with changes and improvements.

The importance of this strategy is crucial to future budgeting and funding for the City of Port Lincoln Council which “seek(s) to leverage this against external funding from both federal and state governments”.

“We are fortunate to have an impressive mix of public open space – from our sportsgrounds and parks to our bush reserves and enviable foreshore,” Mayor Brad Flaherty said.

“This strategy will ensure we are continuing to plan for the ongoing maintenance, activation and enhancement of our public spaces to deliver the best outcomes for our community.”

The draft comes after the benefits of the plan not only identify recreational improvements for Port Lincoln’s diverse community, but offers opportunities for conservation biodiversity, ecological greening, storm water management, transport access for pedestrians and cyclists and smoother tourism experiences.

The City of Port Lincoln Council is encouraging residents to have their say until September 9 at yoursay.portlincoln.sa.gov.au.