Fur-iffic dog park upgrade brings community together

Published on 03 March 2021

Picture: Inga Whitman-Holmes (far left) and daughter Harlow Holmes, 4, and Terry Isaaks and Willow the dog, with Blacktown City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Griffiths (centre) and Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP, enjoying the upgraded facilities at Faulkland Crescent Reserve dog park in Kings Park.

A beloved local dog park has been given a fur-iffic upgrade thanks to a collaboration between Blacktown City Council and Kings Park residents.

Faulkland Crescent Reserve dog park, on Garling Road off Camorta Close in Kings Park, has been at the heart of social gatherings in the area for years.

In consultation with the park’s regular users, Council has delivered a new off-leash area for local pooches and their owners to enjoy.

The upgrade was designed by the community, for the community, with 2 picnic shelters, including seating and tables, specifically built into the concept to facilitate get-togethers and foster relationships.

Faulkland Crescent Reserve dog park now also includes a dog bag dispenser, HUB seats with back rests, and a new entry gate.

The picnic shelters, along with 2 bubblers, will be installed in the coming weeks.

Landscape embellishments of the 4,175m2 area include returfing and the installation of trees around the perimeter of the off-leash zone.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM, said he was delighted to see how locals had worked with Council on the project.

“It gives me such joy to see our residents engage with the important work Council does in delivering beautiful spaces for the whole community to enjoy,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“As a dog lover myself, and former breeder, I’m so pleased to see the way a community of people and pooches has developed at Faulkland Crescent Reserve.

“This exciting, purpose-built off-leash dog park is just one example of Council’s commitment to providing the best possible recreation and community facilities for our residents.

“I’d like to encourage locals and visitors to our great City alike to visit one of the nearly 800 parks and reserves across Blacktown City.”

The $116,397 upgrade was funded through $75,000 from Council’s Works Improvement Program for 2020/2021 and $41,397 grant funding secured through the Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP, under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.