TALK about a doggy town!
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First of all it was the off leash dog area in Victoria Park, now there is a new dog park in Eastgrove - and pooch and person alike are barking its praises.
While the new dog park will officially open in about two weeks time, dogs have been dragging their faithful owners down to the new facility already.
The new dog park is on 3000m2 of Council owned land near Hercules St - where the old hall and playground used to be.
Goulburn Mulwaree Utilities Director Matt O’Rourke said the new park, which cost $20,000 to establish, was a hit already with dog owners.
“Feedback from the community about the new park has largely been positive, despite some initial concerns from some residents about how close the dog park was to nearby horse paddocks.
“There were some concerns around the proximity of the nearby horse paddocks however these were addressed through consultation with user groups,” Mr O’Rourke said.
There is now a wide barrier between the two areas so the horses and dogs are not in close proximity.
Ray and Sheila Smith and ‘Boston” and Larraine Browne and “Mollie” are regular dog park devotees.
“We come here every day,” Ray said.
“The Victoria Park off leash dog area is a long way for us to go and there are so many dog owners in Eastgrove.
Mr Smith said the Eastgrove dog park has been coming for a long time.
“Larraine (Browne) and I have been talking to the council for over three years about this,” he said.
“We wanted one here because the Victoria Park off leash dog area is a long way for us to go to. Also there are too many snakes in the bushland on Rocky Hill in summer to take dogs for a walk.
“We used to also walk them along the hedgerow of the golf course but that was never going to last because dogs and golfers don’t mix and we also were not allowed to run them on the ovals (Eastgrove Park or Carr Confoy Oval). So we needed our own off leash area.”
Mr Smith praised the Council on the design.
“Thumbs up to the council for a great job on this. We wanted a large area for them to run in to get exercise. Also - with such a large area it is neutral area, all sizes and breeds can come in here,” he said.
Another happy user of the dog park was Phil Joyce, who posted his praise on the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Facebook page.
“Congratulations to our Council for the tremendous work they have done in erecting a marvellous dog pen in Eastgrove, just off Park Road. It is well built with plenty of space, bench seats and plenty of separation from the nearby horse paddocks. I am sure the community will enjoy using it,” Mr Joyce posted.
One aspect of the design that is yet to be completed is the holding yard at the park’s entry, which will stop the rush of dogs to the new dog when they come into the park. A water fountain and other amenities are also planned.
The off leash dog area in Victoria Park has developed into a real social hub - not only for the dogs, but also for their owners - with its own notice board and get togethers for birthday parties (of dogs and humans). If this is anything to go by, the Eastgrove Dog Park will probably also turn into canine party central.
“It is expected the Eastgrove Dog Park will develop its own social identity, similar to that at Victoria Park. The design was influenced by the users and some amenities have also been included to enhance the experience of those who use the facility,” Mr O’Rourke said.
And it seems another dog park is also planned for pooches in Bradfordville.
“The next dog park will be built at Bradfordville. There will be some community consultation before this is finalised by the end of the year,” Mr O’Rourke said.