PORT Stephens councillors have given local pooches and their owners something to smile about this week with the installation of a park bench, bubblers and a water tap at Medowie’s Coachwood drive Dog park.

The dog park, which has seen a significant rise in numbers of residents using the facility, is free for anyone to use, and offers dog owners the chance to safely exercise their pooches off-lead in a safe environment.

Residents using the park when News Of The Area visited expressed their gratitude that money has been spent to upgrade the park.

Councillor Chris Doohan explained that the upgrades were paid for with the remainder of the allocated council ward funding for central ward.

Brian Muntz, who resides close to the dog park told News Of The Area, “The exercise area is being extremely well patronised and has been since it first became enclosed – The addition of the permanent water supply both outside and inside is a great asset and council is to be congratulated for its inclusion.”

Neighbouring residents have, until now, been supplying the water for the park in tubs and plastic water dispensers – averaging 10 litres a day during Winter, and about 15-25 litres during the height of Summer.

News Of The Area also extends a thank you to those residents who have gone above and beyond to assist with this service until the facility’s upgrades took place.

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN