The western suburb of Maryland is set to become home to the region’s newest fenced off-leash dog park.
City of Newcastle (CN) has unveiled a multi-stage masterplan, featuring dedicated areas for both large and small canines, at Maryland Drive Reserve.
The site’s concept design, which is now on public exhibition for community feedback, incorporates two large, fenced areas that will provide separate spaces for different sized dogs to enjoy.
Council hopes to deliver the first step of the project by mid-2023.
“With more than 63,000 dogs registered in our city, we know Novocastrians are passionate about their canine companions and want spaces where their four-legged friends can safely exercise and mix with other pets,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re committed to providing a variety of off-leash options throughout Newcastle and have already delivered the city’s first fully-fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, as well as upgrades to the existing popular area in Islington Park.”
Shelters with tables, informal sandstone seating, canine bubblers and extensive landscaping including trees for shade, will provide added comfort for pets and their owners, while concrete pathways and a formalised car park with accessible parking will ensure the facility is suited to everyone.
The Maryland Dog Park forms part of the Dogs in Open Space Plan, which was adopted by CN in 2019 to guide the provision, improvement and management of off-leash dog areas during the next 10 years.
“Formalised off-leash dog areas enable people to take their dogs to a place where they can legally run free, exercise and socialise with other dogs,” Cr Nelmes said.
“They also provide pet owners with a meeting place and an opportunity to connect with others in the community.”
Residents can have their say on the Maryland Dog Park draft masterplan until 5pm on Friday 16 December.
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