Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the newly fenced leash-free dog area at Manning Park in Cessnock is now complete and ready for locals to enjoy with their furry friends.
The completion of this project has seen the existing leash-free dog area become fully fenced with a new shelter, accessible picnic setting, water fountain, bins, landscaping and pathway connections.
This project forms part of Council's Off Leash Dog Exercise Area Plan which was adopted by Council in September 2021. This plan aims to ensure dogs can play, exercise and socialise with their owners in a safe and accessible way in designated areas across the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA).
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said he was pleased to see this project completed and looks forward to seeing locals and their dogs enjoying the new facility.
"This is the first fully fenced dog area in the Cessnock LGA, and I look forward to delivering more facilities like this for our community," Mayor Suvaal said.
"Dogs are such an important part of many families in our community, and fenced, off-leash areas allow them to exercise and socialise in a safe environment."
Along with Manning Park, Council provides a number of off leash areas across the Cessnock LGA, including Greta Central Park, Hall Park in Cessnock, Miller Park in Branxton, Stanford Merthyr Park, and Varty Park in Weston.
This project was made possible with a $140,000 grant under the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Stronger Country Communities Fund is helping to enrich the lives of residents in regional communities.
"The Stronger Country Communities Fund is already making a real difference to regional communities, with work on more than 2,000 projects already underway in every local government area across the state," Mr Toole said.
"The NSW Government is investing record amounts to deliver the infrastructure needed to stimulate regional economies but we're also backing grassroots projects that make a positive difference to everyday life."
