Harden pooches will soon have a new space to run around in, with the local council approving a dog park. Photo: File.
A small town in south-west NSW has been given the green light for a new park dedicated to man’s best friend.
At a recent meeting, Hilltops Council voted to set aside $40,000 for a new off-leash dog park.
It will be built in Albury Street, Harden, in the open space between the caravan park and the town’s pool.
According to the meeting documents, the park will be built on a site measuring about 3000 square metres.
It is already fenced on two sides and has mature trees for shade.
However, major concerns were raised about its flood risk, with the council not having enough money for a full set of stormwater works that would make it usable in extended wet weather.
During the meeting, Councillor Alison Foreman questioned whether it was still the right site, pointing to its flood risk and the possibility it would need to be closed in bad weather.
“It does say [in the meeting documents] that if we have light to minimal rainfall, the dog park could be closed … I’m just questioning whether or not this is a location that is ideal for dogs, users,” she said.
In response, a staff member described the site as “ideal, locationally”, and said it could be easily accessed by users.
“But it’s acknowledged that there are site limitations and that’s why there is a provision for some very modest drainage works to address some of the concerns.”
The papers propose a partial subsurface drainage solution that would mean the park could stay open amid light rain.
The staff member said the park would be unmowed at certain times of the year because the ground would become “too boggy”, but closures were not anticipated.
“It is going to be fit for purpose, particularly at the peak times … On balance, we’re recommending that this site is the best that we can find in the Harden area to meet your needs.”
Cr Tony Flanery sought to reassure his fellow councillors of the site’s suitability.
“Having grown up in the town, I can assure you it’s subject to occasional flash flooding,” he said.
“I very much doubt the conditions you would get, when that occurs, would be conducive to people out walking their dogs.”
A map showing the updated design of the dog park. Image: Hilltops Council.
The vote follows a decision made late last year to defer a proposal for the park at the same site until a later meeting, according to the documents.
The papers also state that the park will be divided into separate small- and large-dog areas.
Once built, the dog park will also have water fountains, dog bag dispensers, and bins for owners to dispose of their pets’ waste.
Seating, maintenance gates and two airlock gates will also be installed.
During the meeting, Mayor Brian Ingram welcomed the news that the project’s estimates had come in under the $40,000 budget.
Meeting documents estimate its cost as just over $39,000 (including $9000 in contingency funds).
“Concerns about water issues have been addressed … It’s located in the right spot, I think, between the park and the pool, as mentioned,” Cr Ingram said.
“Hopefully, it gets the use that it was meant for.”
Ultimately, Crs Ingram, James Blackwell, Jake Davis, Mary Dodd, Fiona Douglas, Flanery, Michelle Gallo, Neil Langford and Joanne Mackay supported the proposal.
Only Cr Foreman voted against it.
