Emma Pritchard

A new dog park encompassing a variety of fun-filled features for four-legged visitors including a digging pit, agility equipment, and specialised play areas is currently under construction at Corcoran Park in Grafton.

Funded by the Australian and NSW Governments in association with Clarence Valley Council (CVC) through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, the $982000 project will be the first of its kind in the region.

CVC Manager of Open Spaces and Facilities Peter Birch said prior to the current construction taking place at Grafton’s Corcoran Park, the Clarence Valley did not have a specialised dog park.

“This was identified as a very important facility for the community, which is why we put it forward,” he said.

As detailed in their 2023/24 Operational Plan, CVC revealed their intentions to review the off-leash, dog-friendly areas available to locals and visitors in the area.

Currently, there are 18 designated public areas across the Clarence Valley where dog owners can supervise their canine companions off-leash.

When asked if CVC are investigating options to construct other dog parks, similar in structure and design to the one presently being built in Grafton, Mr Birch said while no other locations are specifically earmarked, council are open to looking at other dog parks and off-leash areas.

“The challenge in many areas is finding a suitable location,” he said.

 “It could be a possible recommended outcome from the review, especially given the growing population, and rising number of pet owners.”

In relation to the funding allocations for the dog park, Mr Birch said specified projects did not necessarily have to be in bushfire prone locations, but rather provide a benefit to the whole community.

“This particular fund allowed bushfire-affected councils to apply for projects that provided ongoing economic and social benefit,” he said.

The dog park will be fully fenced with double gate access and will also feature water bubblers with a dog bowl, waste bins, and dog bag dispensers.

It will also include an internal compacted gravel road, and two accessible parking bays.

The project is expected to be completed by September 2023.