Callan Park: Residents fight to reclaim park for off-leash walking

The paws are out as residents in Sydney’s inner west fight to have their local park open for off-leash walking of their four-legged friends.

One of the most popular parks in the inner west has become the battleground for a suburban stoush between the state government and pooch lovers fighting to reclaim their park for man’s best friend.

The war over Lilyfield’s Callan Park is being fought by residents who say the land would be primed up for developers and commercial interests if it remains a totally on-leash green space.

Greater Sydney Parklands Authority recently took control over the 60 hectares of heritage-listed greenery and residents are concerned their four-legged companions, already strapped for free roaming space in the inner west, will be shut-out of their favourite park.

Callan Park is considered an on-leash park except for sporting fields when they are not in use.

Locals and their furry friends however are now arguing the park should be a majority off-leash area, pointing to Centennial Park which is also run by the authority where 43 per cent of the space is free for dogs to run unleashed.

Greater Sydney Parklands is currently running consultations and asking residents for their views on how the park should be managed with animals in mind.

Lisa Thornton and her dog Molly. Picture: Lisa Thornton

Lilyfield dog owner Lisa Thornton said in the last 10 years she’s been walking her dog Molly there’s never been an issue with dogs off-leash sharing the Callan Park with humans.

She said if the park remained totally off-leash it would be easier for developers and businesses to build on the park.

“This is such rare space and with this precious amount of space don’t go chucking in cafes,” she said.

“It would get busier and have rubbish everywhere and that takes away the very few spaces we have like this for dogs.

“They (Greater Sydney Parklands) are people who are developers and have commercial backgrounds which is interesting.

“I think there will be some commercialisation of the parks (run by Greater Sydney Parklands).”

Molly is one of 35,000 dogs in the inner west. Picture: Red Kordial Kids

Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne said residents have walked their pooches at the park for decades without a problem and pushed for more off-leash freedom for locals in Callan Park.

“For many years, members of the public have been able to walk their dogs off-leash in Callan Park because it is exactly the sort of place where dogs can run freely without interfering with other park users,” Cr Byrne said.

“If the State Government had bothered to talk to the community before inventing new rules, they would know that there is no conflict between dog walkers and other park users, the park is already shared perfectly well.”

Callan Park is also the favourite stomping ground of Insta-famous pugs Norton, Mouse and Perry.

More than 7000 people have signed a petition asking planning minister Rob Stokes to make all of Callan Park off-leash.

The Inner West Local Government Area is currently home to 35,000 according to the most recent and 42 per cent of households own a pooch, according for figures from the NSW Companion Animals Register.

“It’s vital dog owners and the wider community have their say in this important first step, to ensure we get the plan right,” Greater Sydney Parklands chief executive Suellen Fitzgerald said.

“We’re seeking input on the issues, challenges and opportunities for various users sharing the park, to develop a plan that balances the needs of dog owners and other park users.

“This plan will clearly identify where on and off-leash areas will be located, and support dog owners and their pets with new amenities. It will also ensure the park is accessible, safe and enjoyable for all users, now and in the future.”