Fenced Dog Exercise Area
Consultation has concluded
The Fenced Dog Exercise Area (FDEA) at Riverside Gardens in Bayswater is now open. Thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement. Your feedback helped us find a suitable location for the FDEA.
There are two areas for dogs - a large dog area and a small dog area. We have also installed dog agility equipment, shade shelters, seating and connecting pathways.
We hope you enjoy the space with your furry companion / s.
What is a fenced dog exercise area?
A fenced dog exercise area is a fenced space within a reserve where dogs can exercise off lead and may contain elements such as sand, agility equipment and turf.
Why is a fenced dog exercise area being planned?
Following the Dog Exercise Area Review conducted in 2018 Council resolved to consult with the community on where they would like to see a fenced dog exercise area located.
How was Riverside Gardens determined as the preferred location?
Early in the project, the list of potential sites within the City was reduced from over 170 parks and reserves down to 20 potential locations. This was determined using a set of criteria including proximity to homes and impact on the environment. We then consulted with the community to understand where people would prefer to have the fenced dog exercise area located, resulting in Riverside Gardens being identified as the preferred location. More details about the process are available in the Project Frequently Asked Questions.
In consideration of this feedback, Council decided to undertake a feasibility assessment of Riverside Gardens Bayswater, including consulting with the community, to determine the preferred location within that site. Four suitable locations for a fenced dog exercise area at Riverside Gardens have been identified, based on:
- Available space and existing uses
- Site topography, irrigation and drainage
- Accessibility to pathways and carparks.
The map of four potential locations can be viewed here.
In response to some objection from community members, a report was considered by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 23rd February 2021. At this meeting Council resolved to 'approve the revised Location C-1, being the midpoint between the first preferred location (C) and second preferred location (B) identified by the community during recent engagement'. The full report can be found in the Council meeting minutes here.
This project has now been completed.
