As a dog owner, resident, ratepayer of Tin Can Bay and frequent traveler with a dog I object to the dog park being put in the Wes Mitchel Park.
The open spaces, walking paths and picnic areas are a feature of Tin Can Bay for visitors and residents alike and as such are one of the major highlights of Tin Can Bay.
This is a finite area and as such should be available for ALL to enjoy ,not having areas reserved for specific groups.
Our foreshore should be protected from all forms of disruption and pollution including vegetation damage, litter, noise and possible faecal pollution.
This was the least popular site of four possible sites offered in the recent survey conducted by the council?
Why did they conduct the survey if they were not going to use the outcome to guide the planning of the dog park site?
Are councillors fulfilling their obligation to represent all ratepayers, they voted 6 to 3 to use this unsuitable site?
Lets take an objective look at what the off leash dog park is about.
The aim of the park is to have a safe area for dogs to exercise and enjoy some off leash freedom.
The main requirements as I see them are:
– It needs to be large enough to use a ball thrower to encourage dogs to run and not encroach on other dogs area
– It needs to be large enough to provide separation for different dogs, often separate large and small dog areas
– It needs to dry and firm under foot in all but extreme weather
– It should be at a location cental to the residential area of TCB, not the tourism area. It is primarily for locals but visitors are welcome.
– It should be noted that other councils have difficulty in maintaining a healthy grass environment within the enclosure if used excessively or too small an area.
This would detract from the beauty of our foreshore.
Ideally it would be central to the commercial centre of TCB to encourage visitors and locals alike to spend a little to support the local community, so somewhere near the Dolphin shopping centre, IGA and post office would seem ideal.
If toilets are a concern this area needs a public toilet block as having to ask a shop for keys as at present is not ideal.
The toilets by the RSL are old and no longer well situated for convenient use of shoppers or visitors, so as such are due for replacement.
Councillors, please preserve our foreshore environment and keep it pristine for everybody to enjoy into the future.
If you visit this area please contact your council and councillors stating that you don’t want Wes Mitchel Park stopped from being available for everybody to use.
Nia Evans,
Tin Can Bay
