Kate Furst's letter

Dear councillors

I am writing in relation to the Off-Leash Proposal – Pyrmont Park. I support your recommendation that Gatehouse Park, Giba Park and Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont
be designated as off-leash parks at all times. I would however encourage you to reconsider your decision to make Gadi Park and Pirrama Park on-leash at all times.

Gadi Park and more recently Pirrama Park have become regular meeting places for residents of Pyrmont where both dog owners and their pets can socialise. While it is true that dogs can socialise to a certain degree while on-leash, opportunities for proper interaction and play is quite limited. Socialisation of dogs should be encouraged for both the sake of the wellbeing of the dogs as well as other park users.

I am also concerned that if these two parks in particular cease to be off-leash, opportunities for residents who are less mobile to access off-leash areas will be limited.

Pyrmont has prided itself on being a dog-friendly precinct and I am personally aware of many non-residents who travel to this area so that their dogs can exercise in off-leash areas. This in turn has had the benefit of increased patronage to the many businesses in and around the Pirrama Park area. Unfortunately, the survey did not capture the view so these park users.

I also think it is important to acknowledge the increased social capital of the area which I believe can be directly attributed to dog ownership. I lived in Pyrmont for 5 years prior to owning a dog but did not know any of the residents. Over the past two and half years, since owning my dog, I am now on first name basis with a large number of residents which makes living in Pyrmont so much more enjoyable. Also, during the dark winter evenings, I feel much safer going to a park where I know there will be other residents walking their dogs.

I am not sure what the concerns are in relation to Cadi Park and Pirrama Park being off-leash but I can assure you that in my experience all of the dog owners I have met are vigilant about cleaning up after their dogs, discouraging barking and ensuring that the dogs do not go near BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds. The same cannot be said for other park users.

I urge you to consider the issues I have raised when making your decision. Perhaps consideration could be given to a timeshare arrangement, for instance parks could be off-leash between 4pm and 9:30am.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards

Kate Furst