Callan Park will officially become one of the most dog-friendly parks in Sydney, sharing the space with Inner West families under a new Companion Animal Management Plan (CAMP).
Over 20 hectares of Callan Park will be designated off-leash for the first time, with the park now under the management of Greater Sydney Parklands.
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the NSW Government had consulted widely to ensure the historic park is a welcoming and safe space for all to enjoy.
“This issue has dogged Callan Park for too long, but I’m delighted we can put this ruff patch behind us and celebrate a positive result for all,” Mr Stokes said.
“Humans with furry friends can roam around vast swathes of the park unleashed, while there’s plenty of space for those who don’t want to be hounded by dogs.”
The new CAMP will start rolling out from 1 July, with signage being installed to educate visitors about the new off-leash areas.
The new off-leash areas include the beach at Callan Point, Bonnyview Cottage Gardens, Central Green and Wharf Road Gardens, together with timed off-leash areas at sporting fields. In response to community feedback, a fenced off-leash dog area will be built at Balmain Green, once derelict buildings are removed.
Dogs will need to be on leads in all other areas, including the area owned by NSW Health, and every night from 10pm to 5am for the protection of native wildlife.
Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Suellen Fitzgerald said the plan was one of a series of initiatives being developed in consultation with the community to revitalise this much-loved park.
“We have really hit the ground running since taking over management of the park, with revitalisation plans underway for the waterfront, heritage buildings restored, pop-up playgrounds installed during school holidays and new amenities being planned,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“It’s exciting to see Callan Park change and grow in step with what the community wants, needs and expects.”
The Plan can be viewed on the Callan Park website and a public webinar is being held tonight to present it to the community.
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