“It may not be ideal, but at least it’s a start.”

A fenced dog park is coming to Jamberoo by late July 2025, but not without questions from locals about location, size and shared use.

Guest speakers from Kiama Council, Donna Flanagan (Manager of Property and Recreation) and Peter Giouroukelis (Capital Works Project Coordinator), presented the plans at the latest Jamberoo Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association (JVRRA) meeting, outlining the project and responding to spirited community feedback.

The proposed park will be located at the south-east corner of the reserve between Gibson Crescent and Churchill Street.

Site of the Jamberoo Off Leash Dog Park

It will be 30 by 30 metres, fenced, and feature basic amenities like a drinking station, bag dispenser, bench and a single shade tree. The area will include a safety “airlock” entry gate.

The site was selected for its central location, existing infrastructure and compliance with planning regulations.

Several alternative sites including the Jamberoo Cemetery, the reserve near the tennis courts, Reid Park, Kevin Walsh and Keith Irvine Ovals were ruled out due to zoning, user conflict or safety concerns.

However, locals expressed concerns about the size. “It’s not big enough to separate small and large dogs,” said one resident, worried about safety. “You’ll only be able to safely run five to ten dogs at a time.”

Parking also proved contentious.

The proposed site currently serves as overflow parking for weekend football and events like the car show.

Peter Giouroukelis said the design avoids steeper, flood-prone land nearby, but gates could be opened to temporarily close the park during large events.

Locals suggested using nearby Crown land adjacent to the Jamberoo cemetery for overflow parking, which Council agreed to explore.

The $100,000 plus project (funded by Kiama Council and the NSW Government) aims to create a safe, inclusive space for dogs and their owners.

Council officers committed to maintaining the facility, restocking waste bags, and providing signage to promote responsible pet ownership.

Some attendees questioned whether the space would serve larger or more active dogs, but others welcomed the overdue investment. “It may not be the most ideal outcome,” said one speaker, “but at least it’s something. A starting point.”

Brochures are available at Jamberoo IGA, and Council confirmed that works will begin later this month.