Construction has started on a fenced dog exercise area at a Sunshine Coast suburb where residents have been calling for one for years.
Work began this month on the $150,000 facility at Scribbly Gum Park at Pelican Waters and it should be completed next month.
The 1800sqm enclosure will include two entries, a shaded seating area, trees and a dog drinking station.
But some locals have expressed concerns about a lack of car spaces around the park.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the exercise area was a long time coming.
“Over the past several years, council received numerous requests for a fenced dog exercise area for the Pelican Waters community,” they said.
There was also a change.org petition from Joey Mogg with more than 1000 signatures in early 2023.
The spokesperson said council invited community feedback that year.
“Review and analysis (from 242 responses) concluded that 87 per cent of respondents supported a fenced dog exercise area (in the area),” they said.
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Council and residents considered two locations: Scribbly Gum Park on Bledisloe Boulevard and Judy Henzell Park on Agincourt Street.
“Additional survey feedback was sought from the community and, as a result, Scribbly Gum Park was identified as the preferred location,” the spokesperson said.
The project overview stated that it is more valued as a park for active recreation and well utilised by people who live nearby.
Judy Henzell Park receives less visitation from locals and is valued for its natural leafy character and quiet atmosphere.
Some locals stressed the importance of protecting trees, especially in Judy Henzell Park, and some said they were concerned about the impact of insufficient car parking at both parks.
But most respondents felt that car parking was the least important aspect compared to other preferred characteristics for a successful dog exercise area.
Additional off-street parking is not being considered at the new dog park and users will need to park on-street or be within walking distance.
Related story: Plan for dogs includes more parks but less beach space
The design for the exercise area includes a fence with two twin-gated entries, including one that will be connected to the existing pathway network.
A new pathway with a drainage swale crossing will provide access to a new seating area and open turfed area.
Other features will include new shade trees, a dog drinking station with a tap and bowl, dog bag dispensers and a rubbish bin.
Councillor Terry Landsberg was delighted that the fenced area would become a reality “after years of community consultation and planning”.
“This is a big win for our local community and our four-legged friends,” he said.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas and feedback throughout the planning process. I can’t wait to see this space come to life.”
Some locals voiced their opinions on social media.
“Great to have a fenced dog park on this side of town,” Tess Farrow said.
“This is wonderful: a happy place for the dogs to run free and enjoy themselves,” Clive N Sue Patridge said.
“Thank you, Joey, for your persistence in this matter. We’ve waited years for this,” Beverley Free added.
“Sounds good. However, I would like an agility course,” Janeene Maree Mansey said.
“Years of planning and both entrances on the same side? Smart,” Adam Brookes said.
“We need segregated little and big dog areas, like the one in Buderim,” Barney Rumble suggested.
“For big dogs, it’s really not long enough to run,” Lucie Lu said.
The nearest fenced dog parks are at Little Mountain, Aroona and Baringa, about 13 to 18 minutes’ drive away.
The Golden Beach and Pelican Waters Community Association has been contacted for comment.
