Dog owners in the Clarence Valley now have a dedicated space to entertain their loyal companions with the construction of a new dog park at Corcoran Park in Grafton.
The project has transformed a previously disused and overgrown site into the Clarence Valley’s first specialised dog park.
“The new dog park has proven popular since being opened to the public in October and we have received great feedback from the community,” Clarence Valley Council Deputy Mayor Jeff Smith said.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the NSW and Federal governments that has enabled the vision of this Council to be realised.”
The $982,000 Corcoran Park dog park project was funded by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
“The BLER Fund is a wonderful bushfire support program co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments developed in the aftermath of the 2019 bushfires,” Member for Page Kevin Hogan said.
“It is fantastic to see the funding put to use to create this great new asset for the Grafton community to enjoy.”
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the Black Summer bushfires destroyed homes and businesses across our state, and the NSW Government is continuing to deliver the help that those communities need to keep moving forward in recovery.
“The NSW Government is backing community projects like the Clarence Valley Dog Park that bring people together, assist tourism, encourage business recovery and boost preparedness for future bushfires,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Recovery is a long process and support will continue to ensure that no one in the Clarence region is left behind.”
NSW Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the dog park is a welcome addition to the popular Corcoran Park precinct perched on the mighty Clarence River.
“This much-loved park is frequented by both locals and visitors to the Jacaranda City and is the first of its kind in the Clarence Valley,” Mr Williamson said.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people already taking their pooches to this new community space. Everyone benefits when all tiers of government work together to deliver improved recreational facilities for all to enjoy.”
The site was a former landfill site until it closed in the late 1980s. More recently, it was used as a material holding yard for Council’s Civil Services, Water Cycle and Open Spaces teams.
“This project has opened a new section of the park with stunning river views and great access for the whole community,” Clarence Valley Council Manager Open Spaces and Facilities Rachelle Passmore said.
“As well as a great place for residents to exercise their dogs, it has also created an added attraction to lure visitors off the highway into Grafton.
“Council’s Tourism Officers receive a lot of calls from travelling pet owners requesting advice on the best locations to take their pets. The presence of a dedicated dog park will definitely be a drawcard for travellers who base their decisions on the availability of pet-friendly facilities.
“This park has quickly become the envy of other areas, so Council is reviewing what opportunities exist in future budgets to replicate something in the Lower Clarence.”
Features of the fully fenced dog park include:
• Separate areas for active/quiet dogs
• Raised sandpit for digging
• Fully landscaped dry riverbed to explore
• Dog agility equipment including tunnel, bridge, hurdles, weave poles
• Retained mature trees and additional planting
• Turf, granitic sand areas, gardens
• Shade structures, seating
• Water bubblers with a dog bowl
• Waste bins and dog bag dispensers
• Dog library – allowing people to share dog items
• Connected concrete pathways for accessibility
• Double gate entry
• Vehicle parking including accessible parking bays
• Compacted gravel road
The park was designed by Cloustan and Associates and delivered by Boyds Bay Landscaping Services. The project design was informed by the results of a detailed site investigation including test pits, ground water monitoring wells, and stockpile samples.
NEW DOG PARK STATS:
Total area: 6349m2
Pavement: 243m2
Grass: 4010m2
Gravel: 1212m2
Sandstone: 42 blocks
Boulders: 130
Mulch: 130m3
Site fill: 2500m3
Beach sand (digging pit): 9m3
CAPTIONS:
IMAGE 1 and 2: Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, Kerry Corcoran (daughter of Pat Corcoran whom the park is named after) and NSW Member for Clarence Richie Williamson are joined by pet owners to officially open the Corcoran Park dog park. Photo credit: NSW Nationals
IMAGE 3: The new Corcoran Park dog park in Grafton. Photo credit: Clarence Valley Council
