By Karlene Brummer
Dog ownership is extremely high in both the Hornsby & Hills Shire Council areas, with around one in four households having a canine companion in the family. However, not everyone has the luxury of a ¼ acre block (or more) for their furry friend to frolic freely – and gone are the days when the neighbourhood mutts roamed the streets without fear or favour – only going back home at dinnertime!
Dogs need exercise and stimulation to be at their happy best, and judging from the amount of people you can see in and around Galston walking their pets, this information is probably a ‘no brainer!’ there is a myriad of reasons why people visit off-leash dog parks, and the increase of such facilities across both the Hornsby & Hills Shire areas is a testament to the need.
According to Hornsby Council’s Off-leash Dog Park Strategy document, (adopted in June 2021), “Dog ownership is not evenly distributed across Hornsby Shire. Higher rates of dog ownership are recorded in suburban areas such as Cherrybrook, Berowra/Berowra Heights and Mount Colah where low density housing types are most common.
Increased housing density in Hornsby’s urban centres and the rise in apartment living mean that space available for exercising dogs in backyards is decreasing in some parts of the Shire. As private space is becoming smaller, the use of public space for dog socialisation and recreation is becoming increasingly important.
Ownership rates are generally lower in high density areas such as Waitara however, the NSW government introduced legislation in November 2016/18 which makes pet ownership possible for many people living in strata buildings and there is an expectation that pet ownership may increase due to this legislative change.
These factors combine to create an increased demand for public spaces in which to exercise pets. Demand for off-leash dog parks is greatest in urban and suburban areas where people rely heavily on public open space to exercise their dogs. Accordingly, the majority of Council’s off-leash dog parks are located in the more heavily populated southern areas of the Shire where demand is greatest”.
The latest Off-leash park to open in the Hornsby Shire catchment, is a little different, as it is positioned within the grounds of our very own Fagan Park, prompting some people from the community to second guess the need for it at this site. One of the major reasons for the location is the fact that Fagan Park is visited by so many people from out of area who like to bring their dogs and enjoy the wide open space and beautiful scenery.
I spoke to dog owner, John, who visits with his two pooches several times a week and drives from Glenhaven. He enjoys walking his dogs on leash, but now that there is somewhere to let them run freely he likes to add this extra little bonus to his routine. He enjoys the social aspects of meeting other dog owners, and it gives his own two a chance to socialise with new furry friends. John’s one small critique about the site is that it can become quite hot at certain times of the day, until the shade from trees finally settles in the afternoon.
DOG PARK RULES & ETIQUETTE
Before you decide to take your best friend to an off-leash park, remember that there are several guidelines that must be adhered to. Every Council may have a few different regulations, so make sure you check out the relevant ones to the park you wish to visit. For example, these are the parameters from Hornsby Shire Council:
• Keep your dog in sight at all times;
• Make sure your dog is under control by voice;
• Pick up and dispose of all waste correctly;
• Do not let your dog rush at or harass other dogs and people;
• Keep your dog on a lead until it is inside the fenced area and put it back on a lead before leaving.
It is also a good idea to treat your dog as you would taking a child to the local playground.
Stay off your phone so you can see your dog at all times. Not seeing him/her poop because you were texting someone won’t cut the mustard with other visitors. This will also ensure that you are aware of any changes in your (or other peoples’ dogs) behaviour.
Practice your voice commands and recalls – this is an ideal time to put them into action. Avoid taking too many treats or toys to reduce the risk of possessive behaviour.
If taking a throwing ball, make sure it stays within the fenced area. The fence height at Fagan Park off-leash is the minimum required height for a dog park and is 1.2m. Large dogs COULD jump the fence if you don’t have control over them. So, finally it’s time to decide if you want to let Fido free in an Off-leash Dog Park.
The Pluses:
• They promote exercise and mental stimulation so your dog can engage in better behaviours
• They foster Socialization, where your dog learns how to react to different types of dogs
• Encourages training reinforcement so your dog learns to listen in high distraction environments
• Community building and getting to know your neighbourhood dogs as well as your neighbouring peeps!
The Minuses:
• Dog parks may spread parasites, such as canine flu or giardia
• Unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk of contracting diseases
• Dog fights may cause injuries which also result in long-term reactive or anxious behaviours
• Introverted dogs may not actually want to exercise at parks and become overwhelmed
Designated off-leash or free run areas are located at the following reserves:
Off-Leash Dog Parks | The Hills Shire Council
• Balcombe Heights Reserve, Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills (within the fenced area)
• Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, Marella Ave, Kellyville (within the fenced area)
• Colbarra Place Reserve, Colbarra Place, West Pennant Hills (within the fenced area)
• Connie Lowe Reserve, Adelphi Street, Rouse Hill (within the fenced area)
• Coolong Reserve, Coolong Street, Castle Hill (within the fenced area)
• Crestwood Reserve, Peel Road, Baulkham Hills (within the fenced area)
• Castle Hill Showground (lower dog arenas) – please note lower dog arenas to be generally off-leash for all dogs at all times. However when formal training or competitions organised by Clubs or Associations are taking place, only participating dogs may be off-leash.
• Indwarra Avenue Reserve in North Kellyville. Just 200m north of North Kellyville Square shopping centre. Ideal for smaller dogs.
• Parraweena Avenue Reserve, Parraweena Ave, Baulkham Hills (between the hours of 4pm and 7pm, seven days per week)
• Rutherford Avenue Reserve, Rutherford Avenue, North Kellyville (within the fenced area)
Fenced off-leash areas
There are eight existing dedicated off-leash areas in Hornsby Shire:
• Asquith Park, Rotherwood Ave, Asquith
• Crossroads Reserve, corner Turner and Berowra Waters Rds, Berowra Heights
• Greenway Park, Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook
• Fagan Park, Arcadia Rd, Galston • Hunt Reserve, Mount Colah
• Rofe Park, Galston Rd, Hornsby Heights
• Ruddock Park, Eucalyptus Drive, Westleigh
• Dawson Avenue Parkland, Dawson Ave, Thornleigh
All the areas are fully fenced with double gate entrances and have waste bins, dog waste bags and water.
Note: Hornsby Dog Training Club has exclusive use of Rofe Park on Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. No other dogs will be allowed on the park during this time frame.
Unfenced off-leash area
The site at Lyne Rd Reserve, Cheltenham, has water, waste bags and a bin, but no fence.
Shared off-leash areas
Two other shared sites are available.
• Epping Oval, Norfolk Rd, Epping
• Ron Payne Reserve, Woods St, North Epping
At both of these sites dogs are NOT PERMITTED during organised sport and games or maintenance activities.
