Dog owners in the Clarence Valley now have a dedicated place to entertain their loyal companions with the construction of a new dog park at Corcoran Park in Grafton.
The project has transformed a previously unused and overgrown area into the Clarence Valley’s first dedicated dog park.
“The new dog park has proven popular since it opened to the public in October, and we have received great feedback from the community,” said Clarence Valley Deputy Mayor Jeff Smith.
“We are very grateful for the support of the NSW and Federal Governments in making this council’s vision a reality.”
The $982,000 Corcoran Park dog park project was funded through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
“The BLER Fund is a wonderful bushfire support program, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, developed in the wake of the 2019 bushfires,” said Member for Page Kevin Hogan.
“It’s fantastic to see the funding being used to create this great new asset for the Grafton community to enjoy.”
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the Black Summer bushfires destroyed homes and businesses across our state, and the NSW Government continues to provide the support these communities need to move forward in their recovery.
“The NSW Government is supporting community projects like the Clarence Valley Dog Park that bring people together, support tourism, help businesses recover and strengthen preparedness for future bushfires,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Recovery is a long process and support will continue to ensure no one in the Clarence region is left behind.”
NSW Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the dog park was a welcome addition to the popular Corcoran Park precinct, which sits on the mighty Clarence River.
“This popular park is used by both locals and visitors to the Jacaranda City and is the first of its kind in the Clarence Valley,” Mr. Williamson said.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people already bringing their dogs to this new community space. Everyone benefits when all levels of government work together to provide improved recreational facilities for all to enjoy.”
The site was a former landfill until it was closed in the late 1980s. More recently it has been used as a materials yard for the Council’s Public Services, Water Cycle and Open Spaces teams.
“This project has opened up a new section of the park with stunning river views and great access for the entire community,” said Rachelle Passmore, Clarence Valley Council manager of open space and facilities.
“Not only is it a great place for residents to exercise their dogs, but it has also created an additional attraction to draw visitors off the highway and into Grafton.
“Council tourism officers receive many calls from traveling pet owners asking for advice on the best places to take their pets. The presence of a dedicated dog park will definitely be a draw for travelers who base their decisions on the availability of pet-friendly facilities.
“This park has quickly become the envy of other areas, so the Town Board is looking at what opportunities exist in future budgets to replicate something in Lower Clarence.”
The park was designed by Cloustan and Associates and implemented by Boyds Bay Landscaping Services. The project design was informed by the results of a detailed site investigation, including test pits, groundwater monitoring wells and stockpile samples.
