DREAMS of a dedicated dog park in Bomaderry have moved a step closer.
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Bomaderry Community Inc, the community group behind the dog park project has recognised the significant contributions of Downer Seymour Whyte joint venture in helping to progress the park project to development stage.
Bomaderry Community Inc., launched the project in 2019 to transform the decommissioned sports fields of Thurgate Oval, (which have lain dormant since 2014), into a new 24/7 off leash dog park in Bomaderry.
Bomaderry, like much of the Shoalhaven region, is experiencing rapid residential development and does not have a safe off leash park despite dog ownership in the area increasing.
Hearing the concerns of residents that it had become difficult to exercise dogs safely while still keeping them under effective control, in late 2019 Bomaderry Community Inc. began engaging local dog owners, business leaders and the Shoalhaven CIty Council to try and get the project off the ground.
Downer Seymour Whyte, the joint venture leading major civil and roadworks for the Princess Highway Berry to Bomaderry upgrade, was one of the first corporate backers of the community-led project.
Since 2019, they have donated more than $40,000 hours of 'in-kind' consulting to support the planning, design and project management of the dog park project.
Founder and president of Bomaderry Community Inc. Kylie Knight said without the support of Downer Seymour Whyte, the dog park project would not have been possible.
"They've been a true project management partner helping us navigate the complexity of the park infrastructure planning while also upskilling our team," she said.
On the community partnership, community relations manager of Downer Seymour Whyte JV, Julie Henderson, said it "had been an absolute pleasure to work with Kylie and the Bomaderry Community Inc, team on the exciting project for Bomo locals and their dogs".
"The work we do at Downer Seymour Whyte is all about improving the lifestyle and facilities of residents across the Shoalhaven and we're proud to be able to give of our time to help transform an unused public space into a much needed community park."
Shoalhaven Council has recently approved conceptual plans for the dog park and announced their support to move the project to development stage with a special project committee appointed to oversee works.
For Bomaderry Community Inc, it's critical that it remains a community-led initiative, however Ms Knight said "it's been a true community effort from both locals and local business partners to get the planning to this stage".
"To date, we've raised over $120,000 in funds and in-kind services from TAFE NSW, Downer Seymour White, South Coast Correctional Centre, NSW Animal Welfare League, Lions Club Bomaderry, IGA Bomaderry, Paradise Pet Parks and others," she said.
"The last thing we want to do is lose momentum now," she said.
As the project moves into final planning and development, Bomaderry Community Inc. is inviting all local dog owners and businesses to get involved.
Local dog owners can 'donate a post' to the dog park fence via a dedicated GoFundMe page set up by the community group and businesses are invited to become park sponsors with 100 per cent of funds being donated towards the construction of the dog park fence and facilities.
"Help us make this dog park happen. With the decommissioned fields of Thurgate Oval right in the centre of town, we've got the perfect opportunity to create an awesome new space for dog owners in Bomaderry and across the Shoalhaven," Ms Knight said.
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