Off Leash Dog Park officially opened

Every dog has its day and for Gunnedah’s canines it was Saturday, September 7, for the official opening of the Off Leash Dog Park.

After years of anticipation, the Wandobah Reserve park was officially opened by Cr Ann Luke.

The park is double fenced and allows for dogs to interact in the designated enclosed areas, with sections to separate sizes of dogs.

Gunnedah Animal Welfare League’s (AWL) Linda Taylor was at the opening and felt the morning was thoroughly enjoyed by guests – human and canine alike.

She pointed out the park features multiple attributes such as water fountains for pups and their owners, trees, agility courses for the big dogs, tunnels for small dogs, seating and the overall advantage of a large sized yard.

“I think it is going to be a wonderful thing for Gunnedah if people do the right thing,” she said.

Guests are expected to clean up after their animals, with waste bags provided to make the job easier.

The Gunnedah Shire Council requested people be mindful of others using the park and respect signage.

Linda felt it was a much needed asset for the community that also provides peace of mind for owners.

“People may feel taking their dog for a walk can be dangerous as some [unsupervised] dogs roam,” she said.

“People might feel a bit safer with the enclosed area.”

Gunnedah AWL was a big part of the day, adding extra flair with a best dressed competition and raffle, along with free microchip checks and Companion Animal Register updates.

It was Kelvin Tytherleigh’s Maltese Terrier, Phoebe, in a pink dress who claimed the top prize in the dress up competition while Lissa Fordham won the raffle.

Community consultation about an off-leash dog area came about in 2018 and the proposed location was at Athol Gallen Park, off Walter Rodd Street.

Woolshed Reserve in Maitland Street was the only area for off-leash dogs in Gunnedah but it lacked fencing.

Since then, the council and community were in discussion before the Wandobah location was endorsed last year.

“It has been a long time in the making and it is great it came to fruition,” Linda said.

Gunnedah Shire Council director infrastructure services Jeremy Bartlett acknowledged the community’s involvement saying, “the construction and final design of the Off Leash Dog Park is a direct result of an extensive amount of community consultation that was undertaken as part of the project”.