NEW FULLY FENCED DOG PARK FOR MARYLAND DRIVE RESERVE SET FOR DELIVERY UNDER NEWCASTLE LABOR

Maryland Reserve will be home to the City's newest fully-fenced off-leash dog park under a re-elected Newcastle Labor-led Council.

Labor Councillors have today committed to delivering the new fully-fenced area at Maryland Drive Reserve alongside Maryland Creek at the existing off-leash dog reserve.

The Maryland Reserve Off-Leash Area will be upgraded to include a brand new fully-fenced dog park, with new shade tree plantings, installation of seating, shelter and paths, becoming a dedicated fenced off leash area for the dogs of Newcastle's western suburbs. 

The City of Newcastle LGA is home to more than 45,000 registered dogs, indicating one of the highest levels of dog ownership per household in Australia. 

Council’s Dogs in Open Spaces Plan previously identified Maryland Reserve for upgrading to a fully-fenced off-leash facility, however recent drainage improvements and rehabilitation works to the adjacent Maryland Creek were necessary prior to any dog park construction. 

Labor Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the city's Dogs in Open Space Plan had been delivered by the Labor-majority Council, following the strong advocacy of Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who recognised the strong need for upgrades to local off-leash area, including the strong community desire for more fully-fenced off-leash dog parks.

"Our Dogs in Open Space Plan has provided us with the clear strategic direction to deliver great improvements at our local off-leash areas across the City."

"Today's commitment will see the first fully-fenced dog park delivered in our City's Western Corridor at Maryland Drive Reserve, which is a huge win for local dog owners looking for a dedicated and safe, fully-enclosed off-leash area for their pups to enjoy," said the Lord Mayor.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who has spearheaded the delivery of the City's strategy to deliver fully-fenced off-leash dog parks, said he was pleased that the City would now deliver a new dedicated dog park in the Western Corridor.

"Novocastrians absolutely love their pups and the resounding feedback I get is that residents are very keen to see even more upgraded fully-fenced dog parks delivered throughout our suburbs."

"As a keen dog owner myself, I make regular use of our North Lambton and Islington fenced Dog Parks which are such amazing facilities for my dog Toby to socialise with his pals in a safe and controlled way.”

"Our fenced dog parks are win-win for our community green open spaces, as they help to both further activate our existing off-leash areas by providing a dedicated, safe space for our furry friends to play, while ensuring that local park users are not burdened by dogs off-leash where they shouldn't be," said the Deputy Lord Mayor. 

“Since adopting the Dogs in Open Space Plan, we have delivered our first fully fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue, North Lambton and significant amenity and safety upgrades to the fenced off-leash dog park at Islington Park.”