You told us you want a dog exercise area in your community, so we’re building one for you. Now tell us where you want it: Links View Drive Reserve or Precious Family Reserve?
Background: Why are we adding a dog exercise area in Ōmokoroa?
Up until October 2023 there was just one off-leash fully fenced dog exercise area in our District at TECT Park. Following its popularity, we asked the community (through the Long Term Plan 2021-31) would they support us creating more dog exercise areas, and which towns should they be in? The answer was yes: 68 percent of people supported more fenced dog exercise areas, and the top four locations were Te Puke, Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Waihī Beach.
The Te Puke dog exercise area opened at Lawrence Oliver Park in October 2023 to fantastic public feedback. The space came to life with funding from Council, Te Puke Community Board, TECT and hard mahi from the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway Society.
Construction of the Katikati dog exercise area will start in early 2024, Ōmokoroa’s dog exercise area is currently in planning phase (in consultancy with you), and Waihī Beach is still to be looked at.
Location options: Why Links View Drive and Precious Family Reserve?
The initial planning for both the Ōmokoroa and Katikati facilities was informed through our previous consultation with you: Your Place Tō Wāhi community kōrero. In this engagement we received nearly 500 pieces of feedback on the proposed dog exercise area locations and features.
In this engagement, Council suggested Links View Drive Reserve as a location for the Ōmokoroa dog exercise area. Although 56 submitters supported the location of Links View Drive Reserve, we received 35 responses suggesting alternative locations, with Precious Family Reserve being the most common option. This was important feedback that helped us to reconsider our approach for Ōmokoroa.
Although Links View Drive Reserve was a popular location, we recognised that Precious Family Reserve deserved further investigation. It has potential as a location for a dog exercise area, so we’re keen to see what the community thinks.
What happens next?
After you tell us which location you prefer, we'll start planning to bring this facility to life for you.
How will this be funded?
Council has allocated $30,000 towards the Ōmokoroa and Katikati dog exercise areas through the Long Term Plan 2021-2031 to kick start their creation. This has come from 80% dog registration fees and 20% general rates. We will work with the community, external funders and the Community Boards to source additional funding.
Other options were suggested by the community in the last feedback. Why aren't they an option now?
During our last feedback, as well as Precious Family Reserve, you suggested three other possible locations. These were all investigated and discounted for the following reasons:
- Cooney's Reserve - Ecological values (this is a nesting site for native birds) and dogs are not allowed on parts of it (they are prohibited under Council's Dog Control Bylaw).
- Margaret Drive - There is no Council owned land on this road other than Cooney's Reserve.
- Ōmokoroa Domain - This site has high existing use, and dogs are not allowed on parts of it (they are prohibited under Council's Dog Control Bylaw).
Since this engagement began, a few of you have also suggested Huharua Park as an additional possible location. Just to keep you in the loop, this location had been previously considered, but discounted for the following reasons:
- Huharua Park (Plummers Point) - It’s a sub-regional park (jointly owned by Tauranga City Council and ourselves) - so not just ours. There are also many archaeological sites around, so it's a culturally sensitive area.
What is a dog exercise area anyway?
A dog exercise area is a designated, fully-fenced space where dogs can stretch their legs, play, and socialise. These areas have several benefits to community members, whether they are dog owners or not:
- Safe exercise space for dogs: Dog exercise areas provide a secure environment for dogs to run, play, and explore off-leash. It also gives our four-legged friends an opportunity to build their socialisation skills with other dogs so they know how to behave when out in the wider community.
- Community bonding: Dog parks become meeting points for owners, providing a place for connecting with others in your neighbourhood and a place to bond over shared experiences.
- Reduced noise and nuisance: By providing safe areas, we minimise dogs running loose in non-designated spaces in our community.
For an example of how a dog exercise area is set out, see the concept plan for Links View Drive Reserve further up on this page.
Have further questions, want to give feedback in person or talk to someone?
If you would rather give feedback in person, either fill in a feedback form at the Ōmokoroa Library or Council offices at Barkes Corner.
You can also come down and talk to our team at the Doggy Day Out event on Saturday 16 March, 10am - 2pm, at Ōmokoroa Sportsground. It's also free family fun and a great day out!
Otherwise, you can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732), or email us at haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz.
