Tails are wagging and the paws are hitting the grass after City of Parramatta officially opened the West Epping Dog Park at Grant Close, Epping.
The $365,366 off-leash park, funded by the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, is designed to keep pooches and their owners fit, healthy and happy with an open grassed area free of obstacles.
Safety for both dog owners and those without a pet was a priority with double gates and a 1.2 metre high fence installed, while water stations, additional trees for shade and seating have been added.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Council is leading the way to increase recreational spaces for its growing community.
"Our pets are a big part of the family and now people in Epping have somewhere to go to treat their companions," Cr Zaiter said.
"With a growing community and many people living in apartments, it's important we have great green spaces like this dog park to get both pets and owners out and about for fresh air and exercise.
"I know many dog owners have been waiting in anticipation for this park to open and now is the time to take off the leash and run wild in a safe environment."
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said it's an exciting moment for dog owners in the Epping area.
"NSW Government funding has made the West Epping Off-leash Dog Park a reality so pooches of all shapes and sizes, and their owners, can recreate and socialise," Ms Davis said.
"When local residents wrote to me 4 years ago concerned about the number of pets living in high density housing with nowhere to play, I worked with the community as their Ward Councillor, to help them achieve their goal.
"The opening of West Epping Off-leash Dog Park is a great example of residents and Council working together for the local community and I am so proud that Councillor Cameron Maclean and I were able to achieve this great result for Epping."
The project was shaped by community feedback which demonstrated 98 per cent support for a fenced dog park. Many also requested lighting to extend the hours the park can be used and improved drainage which Council took on board and included in its final concept plan.
