Taradale dog walking park revamp underway

Dog owners are encouraged to use other Napier off-lead dog exercise areas while the Taradale dog park is closed. Photo/Paul Taylor

The Napier City Council is about to start renovating the Ruff Ruff Woof dog park in Taradale to provide better sun protection, improved grassed areas and a larger concrete zone for dog exercise.

The space located behind the Pettigrew Green Arena will be closed temporarily from today to begin work on the upgrades at the venue that was first opened in 2015.

Fully fenced with an off-lead dog play area the space had proven popular for both dog owners and their canine companions, said council regulatory solutions manager Hayleigh Brereton.

Local dog walking groups typically met at the facility to begin or end their walks, pop in to pick up a doggie litter bag, or use the canine water station. There was agility equipment on offer too, so dogs could improve their flexibility, accuracy and recall with owners.

"It's been great to see the facility so well-used since its inception," Brereton said.

"However, it's time now for some maintenance, some planting and to improve the experience for all of our users, as well as those who haven't yet come and used the play area."

Maintenance and renovation would take around six weeks to complete, and while the facility was closed security measures at the park would also be reviewed.

In the interim, dog owners were encouraged to use other fresh air off-lead areas such as Anderson Park, Park Island and parts of Marine Parade.

For more information on NCC regulations regarding dog control, including the location of off-leash spaces, go to www.napier.govt.nz/services/animal-education