Dog owners go wacko for new off-leash park at Dingley Village reserve
TIME to let the dogs out because Kingston’s newest park at Spring Rd reserve in Dingley Village is set to become home to a large off-leash area.
South East
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LET the dogs out because Kingston’s newest park will be home to a large off-leash area for man’s best friend.
The western side of the former landfill site, now 38ha of reserve in Spring Rd, Dingley Village, will become an off-leash area by the end of April.
Kingston Council has approved the use of a slice of the reserve for dog owners but is yet to specify its exact dimensions.
RELATED: Sports clubs, dog walkers vie for space at Spring Rd reserve
The area, which is expected to be several hectares at least, will be signed but not fenced.
A council officer’s report, presented at the February 27 meeting, noted the site’s former use complicated the installation of fencing.
Dingley Dog Owners member Eric Forcey said the off-leash area would be well received by the community.
“The use there has dropped off significantly since the council put up their sign in November notifying all people that it wasn’t an off-leash park,” Mr Forcey said.
“All the local residents will be overjoyed at the fact there will now be a new off-leash area.”
Mayor David Eden said 347 people took part in community consultation on the direction of the reserve and overwhelmingly backed an off-leash area.
Leader reported in September 2016 that Dingley football, netball and cricket clubs were all eager for the reserve to include sporting facilities.
The officers’ report said the lack of facilities at the reserve made it more attractive as an off-leash area.
Although there were no current plans for sporting facilities at the reserve, the decision to only designate a percentage of the land as off-leash leaves the council with the option of exploring other possibilities in the future.