First dedicated dog park opens in Rockingham to much tail wagging

WITH much tail wagging and champing at the leash, Rockingham dogs big and small bolted into their new dedicated play area.

Rockingham’s first enclosed off-leash dog exercise area opened at Bay View Reserve in Rockingham on Saturday .

The area includes an all-dog or big dog area while a smaller enclosed area is specifically for little dogs.

Mayor Barry Sammels opened the park.

“The City has 19,000 registered dogs living here being exercised at any of the more than 100 reserves in Rockingham but these areas are not fenced, and they are shared with playgrounds, sporting facilities and other recreation areas,” he said

“This is the City’s first designated enclosed off-leash dog exercise area for the exclusive use of dog owners.

“It’s fantastic to have a space where dogs – and their owners – can have fun and socialise.”

The project cost$165,000 due to strict requirements the enclosure had to meet Cr Sammels said.

“It is a big cost but it had to be secure and built from high quality materials resistant to weathering,” he said.

The dog park has various activity zones to minimise high-speed free running and encourage interaction, dog drinking fountains, seating and a 1.8m high boundary fence with a 1.5m solid, internal dividing fence.

The park has also been designed for wheelchair access.

Cr Sammels said there are plans for further parks throughout Rockingham with the next one earmarked for Baldivis.