Rockingham council: Seahaven Reserve in Waikiki, St Clair Reserve in Port Kennedy to become off-leash dog exercise areas

Seahaven Reserve in Waikiki and St Clair Reserve in Port Kennedy will be transformed into enclosed off-leash dog exercises areas.

The two sites will be the latest additions to the range of dog parks on offer across the City of Rockingham, the first opening at Bayview Reserve in Rockingham in 2016, and a second at Barri Barri Park in Baldivis in mid-2018.

A team of City officers initially identified seven reserves in the central suburbs and 12 reserves in the southern suburbs as suitable locations.

However, Seahaven Reserve and St Clair Reserve were chosen given their location in central and easily accessible areas with “good passive” surveillance from surrounding roads, their parking options and size and suitable to accommodate a variety of design options.

The City advertised the locations for public comment from December 11 last year until 17 January, with 396 responses received. A total of 75.4 % of the responses were supportive of the Seahaven location and 78.4% supportive of the St Clair location.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the two new sites would service the growing demand for enclosed off-leash dog exercise areas in the central and southern suburbs of the City.

“Since the first two dog parks were opened in Rockingham and Baldivis their popularity and use has continued to rise, with residents requesting more spaces in other areas to exercise their dogs,” he said.

“Enclosed off leash dog parks offer a range benefits and these include better socialised and well-exercised dogs, which are found to be happier, healthier and less aggressive.

“Additionally, enclosed dog parks provide a safe, accessible area to those who might find it challenging to exercise their dogs by walking extended distances, such as elderly residents and people with disabilities.”

The $155,590 Waikiki site will be set up for use by the end of 2020, while the $160,000 park in Port Kennedy will be constructed in 2021-22.