Put your paw up for your choice of location for Ōmokoroa’s newest pooch exercise area. 

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is putting the ‘paw-er’ in the community’s hands to help decide which location to build the District’s next dog exercise area in Ōmokoroa. 

The initial planning for the new pooch facilities was done through previous community consultation, the Your Place Tō Wāhi community kōrero, where Council received nearly 500 pieces of feedback on the proposed dog exercise area locations and features.  

Council’s Senior Recreation Planner, Jason Crummer, says they’re checking in with the Ōmokoroa community one final time, because although Links View Drive Reserve was a popular location, Precious Family Reserve was suggested by some in the community as an alternative.  

“We agree Precious Family Reserve has potential, so now it is up to the community to help decide which location they prefer: Links View Drive Reserve or Precious Family Reserve,” explains Jason.   

“With the fantastic community feedback received since Te Puke’s dog exercise area opened last year, delivering a similar space for the wider Ōmokoroa community is exciting. 

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this additional resource for the people and kurī of Western Bay. Dog exercise areas have benefits for the whole community, whether you are a dog owner or not,” adds Jason. 

 “They provide a fully fenced, safe exercise space for kurī to run, play, and explore off-leash. It also gives them an opportunity to build their socialisation skills with other dogs and people, so dogs know how to behave when out in the wider community.

“Of course, for dog owners, it also becomes a place to connect with others in your neighbourhood.” 

Up until October 2023 there was just one off-leash fully fenced dog exercise area in the Western Bay of Plenty District at TECT Park. But backed by community support through the Long Term Plan 2021-2031 (68 per cent of people supported more fully fenced dog exercise areas), Council made a commitment to create four new dog exercise areas in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Waihī Beach. 

Te Puke’s dog exercise area opened last year at Lawrence Oliver Park, construction of Katikati’s dog exercise area at Donegal Reserve will start this year, Waihī Beach is still to be looked at, and Ōmokoroa’s is now live for community feedback on park location. These are seen as joint projects between Council, community, and external funders so these facilities can become a reality.

Give your feedback on which location you prefer so Council can start planning and build it for your District.  

Join in the kōrero: 

Online Wānanga ipurangi 

For more information and to select your preferred location visit: https://haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/omokoroa-dog-exercise-area

Hard copy Pepa mārō  

Drop in and fill in a feedback form at our Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre.   

Join us and provide feedback at Doggy Day Out on Saturday March 16, 10am - 2pm, at Ōmokoroa Sportsground. It's also free family fun and a great day out!  

Feedback closes after Doggy Day Out on March 16.