Thurgate Oval in Bomaderry will become the first 24/7 dedicated off-leash dog park in the Shoalhaven.
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Community group Bomaderry Community Inc has led the push for the facility, and organiser Kylie Knight says they hope it will give great value to dog owners and the wider community.
"Dogs bring people together, and having a dedicated area for off-leash exercise will help reduce conflict in parks and on beaches," she said.
"It's a way to bring people together. Dogs are an intrinsic part of many people's lives. One in three families have a dog - there must be places to take it."
Ms Knight envisions a dog park with accesible seating areas, pop-up dog training sessions and a mobile coffee van.
The park would create the opportunity for owners to socialise alongside their dogs.
The initial designs includes fully fenced areas for large and small dogs, dog play equipment and and spaces for older or timid dogs.
Councillor Patricia White said the unused space close to the CBD was ideal for a dog park.
"Because it's on an old timbermill it can't be used for sport as the ground sinks - it's an injury risk," she said.
"It's not imposing on anyone, it's a beautiful spot.
"If we're asking people to not take their dogs to parks or beaches off-leash then we need to provide a facility for an off-leash area."
Cr White said she saw it as an opportunity to reduce dog-related conflict in the community.
"Dogs need to socialise with each other, and if you have that socialisation it tends to reduce problems with barking," she said.
Ms Knight beleives there's also potential to benefit local business.
For people travelling with dogs, Nowra is about two hours from Sydney - the perfect opportunity to stretch furry legs.
With a dedicated off-leash area, travellers may be inclined to grab a coffee, a meal and some petrol while they're here.
The project is being backed by Shoalhaven City Council, Downer Seymour White, the NSW Animal Welfare League, South Coast Correctional Centre, Paradise Pet Parks and Nowra Tafe.
Bomaderry Community Inc has received a small grant through Minister Gareth Ward to get the project underway, and hope to have it completed by October 2021.
Dog owners who would like to support the project can donate a post at https://www.gofundme.com/donate-a-post
