Shellharbour City Council will be adding more dog-friendly spaces to the city, with new agility parks to be built in Warilla and Croom at Albion Park. 

Project designs have been finalised and the spaces are expected to be constructed and ready for use mid-2022. 

Spaces that are known as being ‘dog friendly’ are areas where dogs are permitted to enjoy off-leash time, providing areas for exercise and socialisation for both owners and dogs. 

Council invited community consultation to determine the appropriate equipment and features to be included in the new spaces. 

The new dog parks at Warilla and Croom will include fencing, bins, dog waste bags, seating, drinking fountains and parking spaces. 

The existing dog park at Oak Flats is also set for improvements following community consultation and feedback, with additional equipment for small dogs. 

Shellharbour City has more than 27,000 registered dogs, which is more than one for every three humans. 

Shellharbour City Council CEO Mr Carey McIntyre said that Council currently provided several dog friendly spaces for dogs and owners to spend quality time together. 

“Community consultation used to inform Council’s Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy in 2019 found that more than 80% of those surveyed wanted to see an increase in dog-friendly spaces across the city,” Mr McIntyre said. 

“Council has been working to provide additional dog-friendly spaces throughout the city to facilitate opportunities for socialisation and exercise,” Mr McIntyre said. 

The new dog park designs can be found at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/dog-friendly-spaces-croom-and-warilla  

For more information about Shellharbour City’s dog-friendly spaces and the Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy visit: https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parks-and-playgrounds/dog-friendly-spaces  

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008