FAQs

There are over 8000 dogs registered in Darwin and just two fenced spaces for them to exercise off lead. 

Lakeside Drive Dog Park in Alawa and Breezes Dog Park in Muirhead are popular with dog owners and Council has received a number of requests for more dog parks in Darwin. 

A dog park provides owners with a safe, socialising environment encouraging responsible animal ownership. A dog park can also improve both human and animal’s mental and physical wellbeing through reducing stress, facilitating human interaction and building a sense of community. 

The five potential locations have been chosen after consideration of:

• Park location and current uses
• Open surveillance
• Parking
• Central and accessible for Darwin city residents and residents in surrounding suburbs
• Connection to walking trails and pathways

A size guide for a suitable dog park is around 3,000m^2.. This size guide is based on information from the Government of South Australia Dog and Cat Management Board Unleashed, a Guide to Successful Dog Parks and Dogs in Open Space Plan, City of Newcastle.

A dog park would normally include a gated fence, water trough and signage. The availability of natural shade is a consideration when deciding on the location.

A consultation report will be prepared at the conclusion of the process outlining the findings. This report along with the results of the feasibility study into the new dog park will be presented to Council for a decision moving forward.  

The consultation report will be shared on Engage Darwin.