It's not just Anzac Park, it's all the dog parks in Clarence under threat!

Whilst I understand the focus is very much on Anzac Park for a lot of people, I feel it shouldn't be overlooked that more than a dozen parks have been marked for restriction regarding dogs. I go to Pilchers Hill and Waverley Flora Park very often and a number of the other parks once or twice a month. The variety of walking experience is very important to our health. Having a handful of close-gated-parks is a very poor substitute for what we have now. Most dog owners do not enjoy gated dog parks, nor do the dogs. Dogs need trees, bushes, grasses, interesting terrain, not a dull patch of grass enclosed in prison gates.

This is not ok, what's happening. It's a serious broadside to all responsible dog-owners and shows a serious lack of care and understanding of how the estimated 10,000 registered dogs in Clarence Council live their lives with their owners. It's a serious and concerning lack of empathy that these changes are being proposed. It doesn't feel like consultation. Most people don't even know about the changes to all the parks. Anzac Park just happens to be very prominent. For people who use the other parks, they have no idea that this is happening and won't know until they turn up to their local dog walking park and see a sign saying "on lead only". Then it's too late.

Oh, and let's also not overlook that the children's playground will also be removed with the Anzac Park plan. That's not fair to the kids.

I see no reason to change any of the park rules. Leave it as it is. It is not broken. Show some humanity and care for your citizens and their dogs.