The City of Greater Bendigo is expecting to commence construction of a new dog park in Herriot Street Heathcote in August.
City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Debbie Wood said following comprehensive community consultation Council had announced in August 2019 that the new dog park was to be constructed on a site in Depot Road, however this had now changed.
“Unfortunately, when the City undertook soil and water testing for the Depot Road site it found that the site was unsuitable for use as a dog park,” Ms Wood said.
“Three sites, along with their strengths and limitations, were originally presented to the community during the consultation located in Depot Road, Herriot Street and Pink Cliffs Road for consideration.
“The City received a total of 200 responses and while the Depot Road site was voted by the community as the most preferred site (38%), it was only just slightly ahead of the Herriot Street site (34%).
“The Herriot Road site is a large site that is located close to the main township with great connections to the O’Keefe Trail and a path to the town centre. There is also an existing car park that was constructed as part of the trail head for the O’Keefe Trail and plenty of off-road parking.
“The City has now completed the design of the new dog park which will be enclosed by a 1.8 metre fence with two air lock entry points and two separate areas for large and small dogs.
“The large dog area will incorporate a compacted gravel walking path and a large concrete trough to provide water and water play options. Extensive advanced tree planting will be undertaken and drinking water fountains will be installed.
“This is a project that many in the Heathcote community really want to see completed and the City is expecting to commence work at the site in August.”
