City of Greater Geraldton boosts off-lead dog parks with recently opened Leonard T. Green Memorial Park

It would be hard to argue against the claim Geraldton is fast becoming a dog-obsessed city, so a new off-lead park is sure to quickly become a popular attraction for citizens both canine and human.

Dog owners looking to exercise their furry friends can now test out the off-lead area recently opened in the Leonard T. Green Memorial Park in Mahomets Flats.

The new space is in the centre of Olive Street Reserve and takes up more than 1000sqm with two fenced areas, dog waste bag dispensers, and bins.

Drinking fountains with dog bowls will soon be installed, with delivery delayed by COVID-19.

Almost 10,000 dogs are registered in Greater Geraldton, with demand growing for more off-lead dog areas.

“Up until a few weeks ago we only had one fenced, off-lead area, located at Woorree Park,” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said.

“This facility is well used by the community and also by the Geraldton and Districts Kennel Club who offer formal dog obedience and agility training on site.

“The addition of a second facility in Mahomets Flats will make it much more convenient for dog owners living in the southern suburbs to exercise their pets in contained off-the-lead areas.”

To help meet the growing demand to exercise dogs off-lead, four new off-lead areas have been added including Bayside Park in Drummond Cove, Bellimos Park in Wandina, the south-west corner of the Leonard T. Green Memorial Park in Mahomets Flats, and the Mullewa Recreation Grounds.

Dog owners are still required to have their pets under control while in these public open spaces, and are legally responsible for the behaviour of their dogs at all times.

“If your dog doesn’t listen to voice commands or runs up to other dogs or people, they are not permitted to be off-lead in these designated areas,” Mr Van Styn said.

In all other public open spaces where dogs are allowed, they must be on a lead.