West Epping Park Dog Off-leash Area

WILGA213

May - August 2024

In partnership with the NSW Government, City of Parramatta is creating an off-leash dog park with all the safety features the community asked for along with additional trees for shade, and seating for pawrents. The new park will feature double gates, 1.2m high fencing, water stations and of course grass that is great to roll-on, run-on and play fetch.

Work hours

Construction of the dog off-leash area in West Epping Park has now commenced. Construction works will take approximately 12 weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions. Work will take place Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday.

The proposed works are shown on the Final Concept Plan and include construction of a fully fenced dog off-leash area with new lighting, seating, drinking station with dog bowl, waste bin, shade tree planting, garden beds, and re-turfing including irrigation and subsoil drainage.

For more information,contact City of Parramatta’s Capital Works team on 1300 617 058 or email openspace@CityofParramatta.nsw.gov.au.


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