Residents call for Hornsby Council to upgrade Cherrybrook Dog Park

A successful campaign to see an off-leash small dog park built next to Greenway Dog Park at Cherrybrook has received overwhelming support from residents.

Councillor Vince del Gallego, Cherrybrook resident John Watson and councillor Emma Heyde with Mr Watson’s dogs, Major and Rags in the current Greenway Dog Park at Cherrybrook. Picture: Troy Snook

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A successful campaign to see an off-leash small dog park built next to Greenway Dog Park at Cherrybrook has received overwhelming support from residents.

Cherrybrook resident Barbara Watson represented more than 150 residents to Hornsby councillors last week, calling for a ‘small dog park’ to be developed to ensure the safety of smaller dogs, who have become the victim of attacks and trampling at the much-loved dog park.

Dogs of all sizes play in Greenway Dog Park at Cherrybrook. Picture: Troy Snook

Ms Watson told the Times a total of 151 signatures delivered to Hornsby councillor Emma Heyde last week, following a campaign launched in November.

“We realised that there needed to be more protection for smaller dogs,” she said.

“We knew nothing would be done if we didn’t petition for increased safety at the dog park because dogs are attacked or trampled by bigger dogs on a daily basis.

“Dogs of all shapes and sizes deserve to be able to play without fear of injury.”

At the meeting, Ms Watson said council should reserve a section of the dog park for small dogs, puppies, frail and older dogs.

Small dogs Major and Rags at play in Greenway Dog Park, Cherrybrook residents have campaigned for a small fenced off dog run for little dogs adjoining the Cherrybrook Off-Leash Dog Park. Picture: Troy Snook

“It is appropriate that the area be fully fenced and secured with a separate entrance,” she said.

“We agree that the larger area of the dog park should be reserved for larger dogs as they require more room for running, exercising and socialising in

“Small dogs need a safe, smaller area to socialise and currently small dog owners avoid Cherrybrook Dog Park for safety reasons.”

Hornsby deputy mayor Vince Del Gallego said council was working to upgrade facilities at the park.

“When Barbara first raised the issue I walked around the park with council staff,” Cr Del Gallego said.

The area that could become a small dog off-leash area next to Greenway Dog Park. Picture: Troy Snook

“We want to redevelop the footpath leading to the park and we are proposing a plan to see a smaller off-leash dog park above the current facility.

“Once the plans are drawn up for the park, we will provide extensive community consultation and then move forward with the proposal.”

Cr Del Gallego said it was a good idea to separate dogs of different sizes.

Between January and July last year, 34 dog attacks occurred in The Hornsby Shire, while 26 occurred in The Hills Shire Council.

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