Feedback theme

How we have responded in the design

Design features – Respondents indicated support for the drinking fountain with dog bowl and waste bin. Some respondents called for more design features including dog bag dispensers and additional lighting.

We will add dog bag dispensers to the design in key locations, including desired entry and exit points. Lighting may be considered in the future but is not included in the scope of this project.

Project location and site conditions – Some respondents expressed concern about the size of the central agility area. Poor drainage was also raised.

We will make the central agility area smaller, to provide more general green open space. To do this, we removed some of the trees, boulders, logs and gravel surface. We have engaged civil engineering advice to further consider drainage.

Safety – Concerns about shared use between children, dogs, park users and snakes.

Safety remains an ongoing management issue in all open spaces. The current draft design considers how we best support shared use.

Fencing – Varied views on fencing were expressed.

We will remove gaps in the landscape mounding to provide a more cohesive physical barrier between the dog off-leash area and soccer pitch. We will also investigate whether swing gates can be included along Yambla Street to create a safer buffer between traffic and dogs.

Soft landscaping – A small number of respondents (16) commented on the planting proposal, with 9 supportive and 7 unsupportive, due mainly to concerns that plants might encourage more snakes.

We will remove some trees from the central agility area to create a more open space. We have not proposed any other planting design changes. The planting proposal is consistent with Council’s adopted strategies and plans, and the general planting palette in the surrounding parkland. Rewilding planting is planned for June 2025 and will take place independently of the dog off-leash improvements.