West Epping Park Dog Off-leash Area

Your brand new dog park is now open!

Tails are wagging and the paws are hitting the grass after City of Parramatta officially opened the West Epping Dog Park at Grant Close, Epping. The $365,366 off-leash park, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, is designed to keep pooches and their owners fit, healthy and happy with an open grassed area free of obstacles.

Safety for both dog owners and those without a pet was a priority with double gates and a 1.2 metre high fence installed, while water stations, additional trees for shade and seating have been added. The project was shaped by community feedback which demonstrated 98 per cent support for a fenced dog park. Many also requested lighting to extend the hours the park can be used and improved drainage which Council took on board and included in its final concept plan.


Project background

City of Parramatta has endorsed a plan to create a dog off-leash area for the community at West Epping Park.

The final concept plan is a refined version of the draft concept plan endorsed by Council, incorporating enhancements requested by the community during public consultation, including:

  • Lighting to extend hours of use
  • Drainage improvements to address waterlogging

The location and alignment of trees, garden beds, fencing, light poles and furniture have also been slightly adjusted to improve maintenance access, address the overland drainage flow and ensure we meet current lighting standards.


Final concept plan

This project aims to provide:

  • A safe fully-fenced (1.2m high) dog off-leash area with separation from other park users
  • New lighting to support controlled after-hours use of the off-leash area
  • Improved subsoil drainage and water infiltration to increase park use
  • New seating, waste bin and drinking station with dog bowl within the off-leash area
  • Shade trees and garden beds

The final concept plan is also available to download in the Resources section.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program in association with City of Parramatta Council.

Community engagement

Community consultation on the concept design closed at 5pm on Monday 28 March 2022.

The project generated a high level of interest in the community:

  • 221 residents completed the survey
  • More than 80% supported the proposal
  • 98% supported a fenced facility

The most important features were:

  1. Fencing
  2. Waste bags/bins
  3. Water
  4. Shade
  5. Seating

Community feedback indicated the need for drainage and lighting to improve capacity and meet the needs of a growing community. This will be considered in the detailed design should additional funding be secured.

Council endorsed the concept plan on Monday 27 June 2022.

Please follow this page for updates on this project.

Dogs are required to be on a lead when in a public park or reserve unless it has been declared as an ‘off-leash’ area. Council currently provides a number of ‘off-leash’ exercise areas in recognition of the benefits for the health and well-being of dogs and their owners.

A growing proportion of our residents are living in apartments and townhouses without access to large backyards. Research also indicates rising household rates of dog ownership, which together are increasing the demand for off-leash areas to provide safe opportunities for dog exercise and socialisation. The Epping Ward currently lacks a dedicated dog off-leash area, with the closest being located in adjoining local government areas.

The adopted West Epping Master Plan identifies a potential dog off-leash area at Grant Close, Epping. This open grassed area is free of obstacles to maximise running space and has clear sight lines to assist dog owners maintain effective control.

It is proposed that the off-leash area will be fenced with double-gates at the entry to provide a secure space for dogs that prevents potential conflict with other park users. The dog off-leash area is proposed to include the following facilities:

  • Bag dispenser
  • Seating
  • Shade trees (deciduous)
  • Signage
  • Water drinking station (bubbler and bowl)
  • Waste bin