By Jeremy Sollars
Warwick’s first ‘off-leash dog park’ was officially opened at Queen’s Park on Monday of this week by the Southern Downs Regional Council.
The enclosure includes 240m of 1.2m high-fencing and facilities such as picnic tables, park benches and dog waste bins and bags.
The dog park is located near the river walkway adjacent to the Warwick Water Rats Rugby Union field and the gym equipment.
Councillor for Events, Sports, Parks and Recreation Yve Stocks said it was “exciting for Warwick dogs and dog owners to have a designated area where dogs are welcome to run free and their owners can have fun and socialise”.
“This new off-leash dog park is the perfect pet-friendly space for Warwick’s dogs to run, exercise, train, play and socialise with other dogs and dog park visitors,” said Cr Stocks.
“Creating a designated fenced area for our region’s dogs is all about enhancing the liveability of our region and recreational spaces, but also helps to manage the impacts on other park users and any nearby residents.
“Off-leash dog parks promote our great outdoors, and encourage socialisation and exercise activities for dogs and their owners.”
Cr Stocks reminded dog owners to ensure their dogs were not a nuisance to other dogs and dog owners and to dispose of droppings in the bins provided when visiting the park.
A council spokeswoman said there are currently 4537 registered dogs in the Southern Downs council region.
“The park was funded through the 2018-19 Annual Budget after community members and dog owners lobbied for off-leash facilities during public consultation,” the spokeswoman said.
Stanthorpe’s off-leash dog park on Connor Street was officially opened yesterday, Wednesday 23 July. The dog parks have been constructed at a cost of $35,000 each with SDRC funds.
