The off-leash dog area at Islington Park will soon receive upgrades to its fencing and facilities, helping to increase safety for local pets and enhance the park’s usability.
The planned work includes improvements to fencing, new seating, shade, landscaping, dog drinking water facilities, garbage bins and new park signage.
These upgrades were identified in the Dogs in Open Space Plan, a 10-year strategy for improving and managing off-leash dog areas throughout Newcastle.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the improvements would make visiting the off-leash area in Islington Park a safer and more comfortable experience for pets and owners.
“The people of Newcastle are passionate about their dogs, which is why the City is committed to improving our off-leash areas, with Islington Park our next focus area,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With over 84,000 dogs registered in our City, it’s important that there are a variety of safe off-leash options for our furry friends to run free and socialise with other pets.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the City of Newcastle had delivered a fully fenced off-leash area in North Lambton and was looking at further opportunities to upgrade off-leash areas.
“In addition to the works planned for the Islington Park off-leash area, we are currently undertaking planning work for a fully-fenced off-leash area in Maryland,” Cr Clausen said.
“We’re also exploring the potential for a fenced dog park in the Adamstown area.”
The upgrade works in Islington Park are due for completion by June 2021, and during construction, the off-leash area will be unavailable for use.
A full list of the City’s off leash areas is available online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au
Information source: Media release, May 17, City of Newcastle