Ermington: Changes for dog park at Cowells Lane Reserve

Dog lovers at a western Sydney park are fighting against a proposal to drastically reduce the space their furry friends can roam free without a leash.

Chris Miles and Kirstin McGregor with their dogs Millie, Baxter and Jenna, and Patrick Haluza, 11, Pavel Haluza, Olivia Haluza, 9, and Roslyn Bathgate with their dog Freddy in Cowells Lane Reserve at Ermington. Picture: John Appleyard

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Dog lovers at Ermington’s Cowells Lane Reserve say a council plan to restrict the dog leash-free area in their park could be slashed by 94 per cent.

The entire 129,271sq m park is an off-leash area but Parramatta Council wants to make just 8400sq m an enclosed, off-leash zone.

“It’s very frustrating because at the moment dogs and humans get access to exercise together in an unrestricted space,’’ dog owner Kirstin McGregor said.

Chris Miles plays and Kirstin McGregor with Millie, Baxter and Jenna. Picture: John Appleyard

“There are many other parks in the immediate vicinity that are completely dog-free. This is the only place where we can walk with our canine companions leash-free, which is therapeutic, not only for our mental health and physical well being, but for our dogs as well.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost a lot of parkland in the Parramatta area; these parkland areas are few and far between.”

Chris Miles, Georgia McMahon, Kirsten McGregor and Prue Weber with their canine companions. Picture: John Appleyard

She said the restricted leash-free area would isolate the community and be in an inconvenient location near the basin.

“There is no access for elderly or disabled people,’’ Ms McGregor said.

“If the weather is inclement it’s not an easy place to get to.

Patrick Haluza, Pavel Haluza, Olivia Haluza and Roslyn Bathgate with their dog Freddy support a plan to keep the park leash-free. Picture: John Appleyard

“We have people who come to the park who don’t have dogs at home because they’re not allowed because of where they live.

“We have a 94-year-old gentleman who walks around the park to see the dogs.”

Parramatta Councillor Pierre Esber will present a petition to the council at Monday night’s meeting.

So far it has amassed 430 signatures.

A Parramatta Council spokeswoman said the proposed design included a “substantial” fenced off-leash area for dogs to play and exercise.

“The rest of the reserve will also remain available for exercising dogs on-leash,’’ she said.

“Council is looking at ways to ensure the space is accessible and enjoyable for all park users.”

The council will consider feedback after submissions close on March 23 at 4pm.