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Yarragon dog lovers celebrate official opening of newest premium off-leash dog park at Dowton Park Reserve in Baw Baw Shire

Yarragon dog lovers and their four-legged friends have celebrated with Baw Baw Shire Council at the official opening of the Shire's newest premium off-leash dog park at Dowton Park Reserve.

By news@gippsland - 20th December 2021 - Back to News

The pooches were out enjoying the sunshine as Mayor Michael Leaney, Cr Peter Kostos, Council officers and members of the community formally opened the fantastic community asset with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday afternoon.

Dowton Park's existing off-leash area will be fully upgraded within the next year to include a range of features and variety of dog-friendly design elements will be installed

Government supporting the project

Trafalgar resident, Cassie Speakman attended the opening with her adorable kelpie X, Otis. "The new Yarragon dog park is a great addition to the community," she said "Everyone that uses the parks is friendly, and the dogs are well behaved which makes it enjoyable for everyone."

Yarragon resident Adam Robinson is also a fan of the park. "With the football oval no longer being dog friendly, this really is a great option. They've considered the needs of everyone - it's got fresh water, dog poop bags and bins, agility spaces, shaded areas and places to sit. We love it."

The Dowton dog park project is one of 10 dog parks built in regional Victoria this year as part of the State Government's $2.7 billion Building Works package. The Victorian Government has supported the project, contributing $177,000 to fully fund the park upgrades. After securing State Government funding, Council sought community feedback on the initial design and proposed layout of the park throughout November/December 2020.

From left to right, Coordinator Open Space Maintenance, Rohan Skee, Mayor Michael Leaney, Manager Infrastructure Maintenance Will Cheatley, Open Space Supervisor Scott Jinks, Cr. Peter Kostos and Tilly and Stanley

Community requests for the project

At the community's request, the park includes:

Installation of dog-friendly design elements including mounds, rocks and agility equipment
Landscaping works include pathways, trees and garden beds for shade and green space, along with drinking water (for dogs and humans), shelter, signage, bins and seating
Upgrade of the existing off-leash area to include different zones that cater for dogs of all sizes and behaviours

The new dog park is the fourth fully fenced premium dog park in Baw Baw Shire, after the council officially opened parks in Warragul, Trafalgar and Drouin in June 2020. To learn more about the council's designated dog off leash areas please visit Dog Parks.

Funding for the upgrade

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "It was a pleasure to officially open this fantastic new community asset in Yarragon. Council's other fenced off dog parks in Warragul, Drouin and Trafalgar have provided so much benefit to our community so it is wonderful we were able to secure the funding to revamp Dowton Park reserve for the dog owners in Yarragon and surrounds to enjoy."

"Off leash dog parks provide the perfect space for dogs to exercise, socialise with other dogs. Our shire's latest off-leash dog park at Dowton Reserve gets a big thumbs (and paws) up from Tilly and I!" Mayor Leaney said.

Mayor Michael Leaney and Tilly officially opening the park!