Extra facilities for man’s best friend

Council has endorsed the installation of additional seating and a drinking fountain at the Brooklyn Reserve Dog Park.

Users of the Brooklyn Reserve Dog Park and their furry friends have had their pleas for additional seating and a drink fountain heard.

Council approved a motion to install additional seating and a drink fountain and investigate strategic lighting and a shelter during its meeting on Tuesday, May 12 as a response to a petition raised during the council’s May 2 meeting.

Councillor Daria Kellander said the approval of the additional seating and drink fountain would take about eight weeks.

“Further investigation for lighting and shelter will also occur through the Better Places Brooklyn and Altona North program,” she said.

“The Brooklyn Hall itself is currently under construction, so further investigation will be conducted to improve public access, safety and use for the entire Brooklyn Reserve.”

At its May meeting, council received a petition containing 302 signatures requesting improvements to the Brooklyn Reserve Dog Park, including a new drink fountain in the small dog area, a new shelter in small and large dog areas, and new solar powered lights.

The Brooklyn Reserve Dog Park opened in 2018 following a number of years of advocacy and community consultation.

With the backing of the local community and the newly formed Brooklyn Neighbourhood Project, council worked with the local community to develop the reserve into a multifunctional space that caters to both small and large dogs.

Matthew Sims