Dog off-leash park to remain open after successful trial

Published on 27 April 2018

Mildura Rural City Council’s dog off-leash facility at Rio Vista Park will remain open indefinitely following a successful eight-month trial.

Councillor for Recreation and Sport Glenn Milne said the trial ends this Monday, 30 April, however due to ongoing and strong demand for the park, it will remain open while the trial is assessed.

“Our eight-month trial has shown us first of all the level of demand for this facility, but also a lot of positive suggestions on how we can improve it,” Cr Milne said.

“This is exactly what the trial period was designed to achieve and I’d like to thank residents and visitors who’ve contributed and provided their feedback.”

Cr Milne said a formal review would now begin and a reference group established to provide future direction for dog off-leash provision across the municipality.

He added that evaluation of the trial would form part of Council’s new Public Open Space Strategy.

“We recognise dog owners as legitimate users of public open space and as such, the trial and subsequent feedback will help us determine the future needs for dog off-leash provision in our area,” Cr Milne said.

“Assessment of the trial and any permanent future facility provision will look at fenced and unfenced areas and the type of equipment which could be installed to provide the best experience for users.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure this facility meets the needs of users, and we’ve already seen that during the eight-month trial, with the installation of some fencing, and most recently a bubble tap for both animals and their owners, all based on the feedback we’ve received from users, which is fantastic.”

For more information about this project contact Council’s Manager Leisure and Cultural Services Scott Umback on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au