The off-leash park at Atherton Gardens on Napier St, Fitzroy, is loved by many for its location, the people and dogs that attend the park, the relationships we have built with one another, the opportunity it has given us all to escape our homes during recent lockdowns, and most all the much needed chance for our dogs to run off some energy, something that can be hard for dogs living in the city.

While I love this spot in Fitzroy, I find it challenging at times to ensure my dog stays within the boundaries of this offleash zone, which is fringed by roads, childrens' playgrounds, a basketball court, a childcare centre, a local seagull and pigeon community (which are fed scraps by local residents) and some dumped garbage and food from some of the high rise flats. All these are huge temptations for any dog and on speaking with other dog families I have learnt that a number of us find it a challenge to get our dogs to stay in the confines of the off-leash zone once they have caught a smell of these treasures.

As the park is a shared space for both dogs and people exercising, there can be a mix of people on any given day. Some local residents who may be frightened of dogs have demonstrated this in the past by screaming and running through the off leash area or antagonising the dogs by yelling or throwing things at them which can insite the dogs to chase or become distressed. Others simply want to kick the footy with their friends or kids and are interrupted by ball enthusiastic dogs. Sports matches are held here on occasion, limiting access of the area to dog owners at these times. Many dogs for some reason find the dirt and grass over the football field a delicious treat and have created some holes that could pose a risk of injury to players.

I have been approached several times in the recent months by council employees to ensure that my dog is not outside of the designated area and is not "terrorising" the local children following a number of complaints. I think there is a simple solution to these issues that could be supported by the Yarra City Council and the local community. 

I propose that fully enclosing a section of this offleash park, ourside of the football field and with sufficient space for dogs to run, would improve the safety of the dogs and people attending the park, reduce everyones stress and improve the overall situation for the local community. It would allow people to use the grounds for sport without having to navigate around the dogs. It would prevent the dogs running off to chase birds, find garbage, or greet or follow dogs arriving or departing and crossing roads. It would allow local residents to transit through the park without fear of being approached by the dogs. It would also prevent the dogs from digging holes in the field where people play sports. 

If you feel these are issues that affect your enjoyment of this park, as either a dog owner or a local resident, and feel this could be a good solution, please sign this petition and I will forward it to Yarra City Council for their attention.