Project background

As part of its 2023/24 budget, Council endorsed staff investigation of a potential, new dog park in the Henley Ward, to service the suburbs of Henley Beach, Henley Beach South and parts of West Beach and Fulham Gardens.

Following an internal review of possible sites that could be considered, a section of Dean Whiteford Reserve in Henley Beach South was selected as the preferred/most suitable location, subject to the results of community engagement.

The first stage of consultation was to understand if there was a community desire for a dog park in the Henley ward area and, if so, if Dean Whiteford Reserve was supported by the community as the proposed location for the park. If stage 1 revealed there was clear support from the community for the proposal and the preferred location, stage 2 consultation on a proposed design would follow.

We undertook stage one of the consultation with you from 28 August 2023 to 25 September 2023. While the community was divided about the desire for a local dog park to service the Henley ward, the majority of the local community surrounding the proposed location at Dean Whiteford Reserve opposed a dog park in this location. Given this cohort are likely to be directly (and the most) impacted by this proposal, staff recommended the proposal not proceed. This recommendation was supported by the deciding committee (Asset Mangement Committee) and then endorsed by the Council.

Decision not to proceed with proposal

6/11/2023

In a report to the Asset Management Committee (AMC) for its meeting of 16 October 2023 (Item 4.70, page 5), staff recommended "That based on the results of the community engagement, Council does not proceed with the proposal to establish a new dog park at Dean Whiteford Reserve".

After reviewing the report and noting the results of community engagement, the AMC unanimously supported the recommendation not to proceed with the dog park proposal at Dean Whiteford Reserve in Henley Beach South. This decision was supported by the full Council at their meeting on 23 October 2023.

As a result, no further action will be taken on this proposal.

Community Engagement Outcomes

12/10/2023

Overall support for a new dog park in the Henley Ward was divided, with 52% of respondents supporting the proposal and 44% not supporting the proposal. In addition, most respondents (62%) who reside within approximately 300 metres of the reserve do not support the proposal and raise several concerns relating to traffic, parking, safety, noise, and limiting public use of this open space reserve. You can view the high-level engagement results in the "What you told us" section below. For more detailed results, view the complete findings in the report to the Asset Management Committee (refer to the document library on this page to download the report).

Staff have made a recommendation to the Asset Management Committee (AMC) for its meeting of 16 October 2023 (Item 4.70, page 5) that the proposed dog park at Dean Whiteford Reserve does not proceed. This recommendation considers the results of stage 1 community engagement (on the proposal), along with other potential factors such as expert advice, historical, cultural, social, environmental or economic factors. This recommendation is subject to a decision of the AMC and endorsement of that decision by Council.

Overall supporters or those who were unsure of the proposal

Of the 52% of overall participants who supported the proposal for a dog park in the Henley ward area or didn't mind either way, majority supported Dean Whiteford Reserve as the proposed location (81%).

The remaining participants who were supportive of a dog park for the area but opposed the proposed location (19%) sighted concerns about young people's safety & proximity to the school, proximity to the tennis club, noise & hygiene concerns, traffic/parking concerns and a desire to retain the reserve's quiet, open space.

Dog owners living in proximity to the proposed location

Of those participants who live locally to the reserve, 78% are dog owners and 22% are potential, future dog owners. Of these participants, just 34% said they would visit a dog park at Dean Whiteford Reserve, while 58% would not and 8% were unsure.

Key themes and sentiment expressed by participants who did not support the dog park proposal for the Henley ward area:

• The proposed location is too close to residents and will increase noise (dogs barking, etc).
• A new dog park will create more traffic and additional car parking pressures around the area, with some respondents indicating these pressures already exist.
• The proximity of the dog park to Henley Beach Primary School and Henley South Tennis Club is also a concern regarding additional parking and traffic, particularly at school drop off and pick up times.
• Safety concerns relating to an increased number of dogs near children, due to the proximity of the proposed new dog park to the school.
• Concerns regarding poor dog behaviour within a new dog park.
• Concerns regarding disturbance to local wildlife.
• The proposed location at Dean Whiteford Reserve is currently used for a range of different activities, including community gatherings, games, play and recreation.
• A new dog park will limit the reserve use to one activity.
• There are other areas in Henley Ward for dog exercise, including the beach, foreshore and other, off lead reserves. Council should invest in other facilities, such as a new playground or BBQ.
• The appearance of the proposed new dog park will detract from the current space (additional fencing, etc).
• Concerns regarding an adverse impact on property values.

Key themes in comments from participants who support the dog park proposal for the Henley ward area included:

• There currently isn’t a dog park in Henley Ward.
• The proposal will provide a new dog park that is close to home and within easy walking distance.
• The proposed location works well as a community space, by being located close to the tennis club and school.
• The proposed location is central in Henley Ward and away from main roads.
• The proposed location still retains adequate open space within Dean Whiteford Reserve for other activities.
• The proposed location is already used for dog exercise.