Council rejects plea for action at Close St Reserve from frustrated dog owners

CANTERBURY residents are fighting to have their dog park upgraded after they say it has become a dangerous “dust bowl” littered with broken glass, barbed wire and land fill.

Canterbury residents and their dogs are unhappy with the dilapadated state of Close St Reserve. Picture: Tim Clapin

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RESIDENTS are fighting to have their dog park upgraded after they say it has become a dangerous “dust bowl”.

Canterbury residents say broken glass, rusted fences, exposed tree roots and landfill are all common sights at Close St Reserve.

Local dog-walker Rohan Jarvis rolled her ankle at the park, and she said she is not game to take her rescue greyhound Griffin back after finding a “bagful” of broken glass at the park.

“It’s unsafe and it needs improving,” Ms Jarvis said.

“Neighbours have said they have had to take their dogs to the vet because their dogs have eye irritations from all the dust.”

Rohan Jarvis with her recue greyhound Griffin. Picture: Tim Clapin

Ms Jarvis also noted that the condition of the park is causing increased sedimentation along the adjacent Cooks River.

To help get the park get upgraded­, local residents have sent a signed petition with 80 signatures to the council’s general manager Matthew Stewart.

“In a perfect world we’d like to see the dog park relocated to another part of the park where there’s grass to let the area rejuvenate,” Ms Jarvis said.

“Another option is to replace­ the topsoil and returf the area.

“With the emergence of more residential dwellings and the beautification of Canterbury Rd, we need our park lands to reflect­ the pride we take in improving our urban environment.”

Rohan Jarvis has picked up these dangerous glass shards emerging fom the clay in the park over the past year. Picture: Tim Clapin

But Canterbury-Bankstown Council said the park would not get a facelift anytime soon.

“Council is not looking to expand the park at this time as it is currently progressing the development of a new facility­ at Virginius Reserve, Revesby,” a spokesman said.

“(Close St Reserve) is one of the most popular of our nine dog parks and its regular use naturally results in bare patches appearing from time to time.

“It is also cleaned twice a week, however we encourage all dog owners using the park to act responsibly by picking up pet waste and rubbish before they leave.”