Councillors at Wednesday’s strategic and general services committee meeting discussed the request for the reserve to be used for that purpose between midnight and 9am every day.
Under the existing law, dogs can use the reserve only if they are on a leash at all times.
Other possible issues included the need for more lighting to make it safer; dog owners sharing the reserve with nightclub users on the weekend and the irrigation of the reserve through the night.
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READ NOWThe meeting decided to approve the request with an amended time of 5am to 9am. The recommendation will go to the full council on May 22.
Fremantle resident Louise Ainsworth, who made the request, said it would benefit inner- city dog owners.
‘If you have a small dog or an old dog or it’s hot or you’re short of time like on workdays, Fremantle Park, South Beach and Stevens Reserve are too far to walk so you have to drive,’ she said.
‘It seems ridiculous when the Esplanade Reserve is a five- minute walk away and it is all but deserted in the early morning when most people walk their dogs.’
She said the result on Wednesday gave her hope it would eventuate.
‘I hope council will continue to be positive and find a way to make it happen,’ she said. ‘It’s a complex process and there will be objections and issues to be resolved but I hope the council will take a problem-solving approach and that my dog Oscar will be able to run legally on the Esplanade in his lifetime.’