Darwin residents consulted on preferred dog park locations

Darwin Council is asking residents to provide their preferences on five potential locations for developing a dog park in close proximity to the city area.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said creating a new dedicated space to exercise dogs is another step towards Council's goal of ensuring pets and their owners and neighbours live together in safety and harmony in the Darwin community.

In July last year, Council requested Officers investigate the feasibility of a dog park within or in close proximity to the Darwin city area.

An assessment of 16 central Darwin parks was undertaken for suitability of becoming a dog park.

The assessment criteria consisted of park overall size based on the requirement of approximately 3000 metres2, location, town planning zones, event bookings, park popularity, existing infrastructure and current usage.

From this assessment the five Darwin locations deemed as most suitable Frog Hollow, Woods Street Park, Harriet Park, Gardens Park and Vestey’s Reserve.

Lord Mayor Vatskalis notes “there are over 8000 dogs registered in Darwin and creating a new Dog Park will provide a safe fenced park for pet owners to bring their furry friends to exercise, play and learn.

“Exercising and socialising dogs is one of the best proven ways to keep dogs happy and reduce nuisance behaviours such as barking and boredom behaviours.”

“A well-designed dog park doesn’t just provide dogs with a safe, socialising environment and encourage responsible pet ownership, they can also improve people’s mental and physical health through reducing stress, facilitating social interaction and building a sense of community.”

Community consultation will run until 2nd March to determine which of the five potential locations for a Darwin City Dog Park is preferred by the community. To complete the dog park survey or provide a written submission, visit engage.darwin.nt.gov.au