News

About the proposals

2 May 2026

The LJ Lewis Dog Park in Northfield is a popular off‑leash dog park with three enclosed areas designed for all dogs, small dogs, and individual dogs (one dog at a time) to meet the needs of dogs and owners.

In response to a reported incident, the internal gates at the park have been closed for a three-month trial period as a precautionary safety measure while further investigation is undertaken.

Investigations of the reported incident, dog park history, and current educational signs have found

  • the internal gate closure trial can end and with the internal gates reopened.
  • new, consolidated park-use and education signs are needed.

Find out more about the proposals on this page.

Ongoing safety, access and education sign improvements

We are proposing to restore access while clearly explaining the purpose of each area, reducing the likelihood of conflicts between dogs and owners during entry and exit.

This will be done by

  • ending the closed internal gates trial and reopening the internal gates between the dog park sections.
  • installing consolidated education and dog park use signs at all gates, external and internal to the dog park.
    The signs will include information about
    • The purpose of the particular area of the dog park (all dogs, small dogs, individual dogs)
    • Legislative requirements and responsibilities
    • Behavioural expectations and guidelines


📌Proposals on a map

Take a look at the proposed changes on the map below.

Click/tap on the Signs tab to see what information to be placed on the education and use signs for each area of the dog park.

🪧Signs

Take a look below at the proposed information to be placed on the education and use signs for each area of the dog park.

Click/tap on the proposals on a map tab to see what changes to dog park access are proposed.

  • Sign for all dogs area

    This area of the dog park is recommended for all dogs. Please do not use this gate as a thoroughfare to exit the dog park.

    When entering this area:

    • Dogs must be leashed until inside the gate
    • Be courteous of other park users
    • Keep your dog away from the gate while others are entering and leaving
    • Remove your dog if it annoys or becomes aggressive towards other dogs
    • Do not leave dogs unsupervised
    • Pick up after your dog - fines apply.
    • No smoking within the fenced dog park area – fines apply

  • Sign for small dogs area

    This area of the dog park is for small dogs. If you have a large dog, please continue to use the all-dogs or individual use area.

    When entering this area:

    • Dogs must be leashed until inside the gate
    • Be courteous of other park users
    • Keep your dog away from the gate while others are entering and leaving
    • Remove your dog if it annoys or becomes aggressive towards other dogs
    • Do not leave dogs unsupervised
    • Pick up after your dog - fines apply.
    • No smoking within the fenced dog park area – fines apply

  • Sign for Individual dog area

    This dog park is for individual use, only one dog owner & their dogs are permitted at any time.

    This enables owners with reactive, anxious, elderly or training-needs dogs, or for those who prefer exercising without other dogs.

    When entering this area:

    • Ensure there is no-one else using the space
    • Be courteous of other park users, keep your visit to a maximum of 20-minutes if others are waiting
    • Do not leave dogs unsupervised
    • Pick up after your dog, fines apply
    • No smoking in fenced dog park, fines apply

  • Signs for ​Internal gates

    Internal gates will include information about the area being entered.

    • You are now entering an all dogs area
      This area of the dog park is recommended for all dogs.
    • You are now entering a small dogs area
      This area of the dog park is recommended for small dogs. If you have a large dog, please continue to use the all-dogs or individual use area.
    • You are now entering the individual dog area
      This area is for individual use, only one dog owner and their dogs are permitted at any time