Feedback sought about off-leash dog park plans at Stuart Park and Blackbutt Park

Stuart Park in Port Macquarie and Wauchope’s Blackbutt Park are each earmarked for an off-leash dog park.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed locations and kinds of elements people would like in the parks.

The designs include fenced areas, shade and seating, dog agility equipment, waste bins and dual water fountains for dogs and their owners.

Geoff Bynon, who lives near Stuart Park, believes people need somewhere for their animals to run.

Mr Bynon said the Stuart Park location would be OK as long as the off-leash dog park was fenced and the owners were responsible.

Another resident opposes the off-leash dog park plan at Stuart Park.

“It’s a children’s place, not a dog place,” she said.

“There has to be somewhere better that can be just for dogs.”

The resident believes Stuart Park is the right place for children and families.

“It’s a happy place, it really is,” she said.

Meanwhile, another nearby resident Derrick Taylor said he didn’t have any objections to the Stuart Park proposal if the dog park was fenced and the pet owners collected their dogs’ droppings.

Mr Taylor said if there was any thought about opening Woods Street to through traffic, he would totally object to that.

People have until August 17 to have their say to the council about the Stuart Park and Blackbutt Park proposals.

Council director Melissa Watkins said the community’s feedback was critical to ensuring public spaces were user-friendly and inclusive for all residents.

The council dropped an off-leash dog park plan at The Boom Reserve due to parking issues.

“Council listened to the community and their feedback on the proposed dog park at The Boom Reserve and as a result have identified Stuart Park as a more suitable location,” Ms Watkins said.

“We continue to receive great feedback on the dog park in Laurieton and are excited to be able to provide similar facilities to dog owners in Port Macquarie and Wauchope.

“Council also has plans to integrate an off-leash space at the Hastings Regional Sports Fields in  Wauchope, creating even more opportunities for dogs to run free in a safe and enclosed environment.”

The council provides 11 unleashed and six leashed dog areas across the region.

The council encourages anyone with feedback on the proposed dog park locations or designs to have your say at the council’s website, at council offices and libraries in Laurieton, Port Macquarie and Wauchope or call the council on 6581 8111.