Elected members have decided to make no changes to the current rules at Linklater Reserve.
After considering community feedback on dog control at Linklater Reserve, Elected Members have decided to make no changes to the current rules at the popular park. This means the entire park will remain a dog off-leash area - other than within 30 metres of children’s play areas. Signage around the reserve will be reviewed and may be updated to make the rules clearer.
About the consultation
Earlier this year, we asked how the community liked to use Linklater Reserve, and if there was support for making parts of the reserve an on-leash area.
The public consultation followed a request and petition from the Kelvin Grove Community Association to make part of the reserve on-leash. The reason for the request was that sometimes dogs that are not properly controlled can make it hard for other people to enjoy the reserve.
Most of you told us that you like the current off-leash controls at Linklater Reserve, and didn’t want these to change. Some others wanted to have some of the reserve made on-leash. Our community didn’t agree on everything, but you did agree on these things:
- Linklater Reserve is a great space to enjoy a variety of recreational activities, with or without a dog.
- Dogs need to be exercised and socialised.
- Most owners are responsible, and their dogs well behaved and under control while off-leash at the reserve.
- Sometimes off-leash dogs that are not properly under control can make it feel unsafe for others at the reserve.
- It is important that everyone, and their dogs, can fairly and safely use the reserve.
Like with all consultations, Elected Members carefully considered your feedback, and after extensive deliberations chose to stick with the status quo, and keep rules at the reserve as they are.
Our parks are for everyone
It’s important that all people in the community can fairly and safely use our public spaces, including our dog exercise areas. We encourage responsible dog ownership and know this means keeping our dogs well-exercised and well-socialised. We also know that Linklater Reserve is one of the most popular parks in the city, so we want to make sure that it meets the needs of as many people as possible.
If you are exercising your dog off-leash at Linklater Reserve, please respect others in the park and make sure that your dog has a good recall and is under control. Please also keep your dogs away from the children’s play areas and keep them on a lead when walking near these. Also, please make sure your dog does not jump up on other park users.