A ratepayer believes an off-leash dog park's success in Port Macquarie will depend on whether a community group oversees the facility.
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Ray Thompson takes his red kelpie named Red to a dog park in the Sydney suburb of Westleigh when in Sydney and to Nobbys Beach when spending time in Port Macquarie.
"If you love your dog, you want your dog to socialise with other dogs," he said.
A group of volunteers successfully looks after the Westleigh dog park.
Mr Thompson said the dog park in Port Macquarie would not work without a group of volunteers to maintain the area.
The retiree said important dog park features included shade, seats, water and the availability of dog poo bags.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is amid the planning for an off-leash dog park as part of Port Macquarie's Stuart Park precinct.
The council is seeking community feedback about the draft concept plans for two projects - a dog park as well as a playground in the Stuart Park area.
Ideas for the off-leash dog park include separate areas for active and quiet dogs, natural play elements, dog agility equipment and seating.
The dog off-leash area will offer a central location with established shade trees in close proximity to parking and public toilets.
Meanwhile, ideas for the children's playground include a climbing net, swings, wheelchair accessible spinner, picnic tables, wave seats, bubbler and bike racks.
There will be a pop-up engagement session in the foyer of the Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium from 3pm to 5pm on Monday, May 6 and on Wednesday, May 8 from 6pm to 7.30pm at Stuart Park (Woods Street).
The council asks the community to provide feedback on the draft concept plans for the playground and dog park by May 21.
Online submissions can be made through the council's website.
The council hopes to start construction of the dog park and playground in August.
The two projects are part of the broader $4 million Stuart Park upgrade.
The endorsed masterplan includes the new dog off-leash area, playground, parking, footpath network and improved sports amenities.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's group manager recreation and buildings Liam Bulley said the council was seeking to maximise the use of the precinct.
"It will be a destination for people from a recreational perspective and sporting perspective, and for some people, it will offer opportunities for both," Mr Bulley said.
The council will contribute $800,000 to the Stuart Park upgrade, including the playground and dog park, while the state government will provide almost $3.2 million through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund to transform the sporting precinct.
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