MAN’S best friend has a new place to play in Raymond Terrace with the opening of a new fenced off lead dog area in Boomerang Park.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says it’s a fantastic new addition to the park.

“Boomerang Park is fast becoming a recreation hub not just for the Raymond Terrace community but for people across our region.

“With a children’s playground, fitness equipment, shared pathways, the Men’s Shed, croquet and petanque court and now a fenced off lead dog park, it’s a fantastic place to come and spend some quality time,” he said.

“This is one of our community’s Port Stephens 2020 priority projects and it’s great our four-legged friends can enjoy the new fenced off lead area in time for the Christmas holidays,” he added.

Council’s Community and Recreation Coordinator Brock Lamont says dog-friendly facilities are in high demand across Port Stephens.

“The success of our existing fenced dog parks at Fingal Bay, Soldiers Point and Medowie really highlights how much our community value these park improvements.

“After consulting with our community on the options for Raymond Terrace in 2019, we decided Boomerang Park was the best location as it has an existing off lead area, plenty of parking options, connecting pathways and of course, public amenities.

“We know our community want more places to exercise their dogs, so we anticipate this will be a well-used addition for the park,” he said.

Port Stephens Council is currently asking for community feedback on dog exercise areas at Anna Bay, Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour.

To get involved, visit haveyoursay.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/dog-off-lead-review.

For more information about dog off lead areas in Port Stephens, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/play/recreation-in-port-stephens/cycling-and-dog-park-maps/dog-parks.