City of Clarence’s Cambridge Dog Park is officially open, providing a new and exciting space for residents to exercise and socialise their dogs while enjoying the outdoors.
The $1.2 million, fully-fenced, off-lead dog park is the first completed project of the Cambridge Oval Master Plan which aims to transform the area into a major community, sports and recreation precinct.
Open to the public on 12 June, the modern 1.5-hectare park responds to growing demand for quality dog exercise facilities across Clarence.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said it was a significant investment in community infrastructure that was carefully designed for everyone to enjoy.
“We are very excited to see paws on the grass and tails wagging at our new $1.2 million off-lead dog park,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We’ve transformed an underused site into a vibrant public asset giving residents another reason to get outdoors, connect with others, and enjoy an active lifestyle.
“Cambridge is a central location for many of our residents being a short 15-minute drive from Richmond, Howrah, Lauderdale, and Lindisfarne, and even closer for people in Seven Mile Beach, Acton Park, or Dulcot.
“Importantly, this is more than just a dog park. It’s a welcoming community space for people and pets that reflects the needs of our growing population and recognises the important role pets play in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection.”
Community consultation played an important role in shaping the design, with feedback highlighting a need for fencing, different activity areas, shade, and accessibility.
Divided into two separate fenced areas, including a quiet zone for timid, older or injured dogs, the park features an accessible looped-footpath, grassy open spaces, and play features such as logs and rocks for climbing and exploration.
Mayor Blomeley said completion of the park was an exciting milestone for the broader Cambridge Oval redevelopment.
“We’re pleased to deliver the first project of the Cambridge Oval Master Plan and kickstart the transformation of this precinct,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“This amazing new space supports healthier, happier lifestyles for all members of the family and our wider community.
“It encourages responsible pet ownership, creates safe shared public spaces, and strengthens community connections, and we’re incredibly proud to open a space that will bring joy to thousands of residents and their dogs for years to come.”
Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital veterinarian Dr Amy Evans said the new dog park was an exciting addition for the local community and a valuable resource for responsible pet owners.
“City of Clarence has designed an amazing dog park here in Cambridge. Dog parks can be wonderful for exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction,” Dr Evans said.
“They work best for dogs that already have basic training, some confidence, and positive social skills.
“Before visiting the park, owners should consider their dog’s general temperament, age, health, level of obedience, training and previous experiences around other dogs.”
Dr Evans said good recall and active supervision of dogs was essential, and overall good park etiquette was important to ensure everyone enjoys the park.
“Responsible behaviour from owners helps prevent injuries, stress, and negative experiences for dogs, which can have long-term impacts,” she said.
“Being distracted by mobile phones, deep in a conversation, or leaving your dog completely unattended, can lead to problems. A dog’s body language can be subtle, and signs of stress, fear and overstimulation are easily missed, so owners need to be ready to redirect, recall, or remove their dog entirely if needed.
“The community can do their part by following the rules, and if dog owners are responsible and respectful, it will create a safer, more positive, and more enjoyable dog park experience.”