Locked in! This agile pup was one of dozens happily testing out the new South Jerra dog park. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
South Jerrabomberra residents and their furry family members were treated to a spectacular day out with the official launch of the suburb’s long-awaited dog park.
Now open to the public, the park is shaped like a giant bone and sports two huge play areas with brand-new agility equipment and lush, irrigated grass.
The pups were the stars of the launch show, of course, but there was also plenty for their owners to enjoy.
Dog-friendly stalls, quality coffee, baked goods, and food van classics were all on the menu.
Christine has lived in South Jerra for three and a half years, and was one of the first residents to call the suburb home.
“I’m really looking forward to the park and green spaces opening up,” she said ahead of the opening event.
“My son has a few friends in South Jerra already, so I’m looking forward to watching him play there with his mates as they grow.”
Canine experts from across the Canberra and Queanbeyan regions were on hand all afternoon, ready to offer their advice and connect with local dog owners.
Bark Busters master trainer Philippa Dakin ran a free behavioural advice session, and the shelter recovery charity Dogs Canberra had plenty of information to share on fostering and adoption.
They were joined by members of the ACT Companion Dog Club, who tied everything together with a seamless obedience show.
DJ entertainment, face painting, and mascot meet-and-greets fuelled an excitable atmosphere. It was the perfect way for a close-knit community to spend their sunny Saturday.
South Jerrabomberra is the brainchild of award-winning developer Village Building Co.
The team is well known for deeply connected, family-friendly communities that effortlessly combine nature’s beauty with the convenience of modern living.
They were joined at the opening by Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) Mayor Kenrick Winchester, Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore, and General Manager Rebecca Ryan.
Village Building Co’s deputy CEO Rob Fisher was thrilled to celebrate the special occasion, the first of a series of openings for South Jerra features and facilities.
“We think this is the biggest and best dog park, definitely in the region, probably in Australia, and possibly in the world!” he said.
“The park is shaped like a giant bone, and I believe you can see it from space. We have two hectares of irrigated parkland split into separate areas for large and small dogs.
“Both of those areas have big open play spaces and equipment for climbing and agility. There’s even a podium for dog competitions!”
It’s the perfect place for pups to play and socialise, but the dog park is also part of a network of lifestyle spaces covering more than 70,000 square metres across the heart of the suburb.
Opening on 15 November, the South Jerrabomberra Town Park will feature a fully equipped playground, splash pad, basketball half-court, nature play space, animal sculpture trail, learn-to-ride facility and recreational village green.
“This is just the start of what we have in store,” Mr Fisher said.
“Once the town park and community centre open in about six weeks, our vision for South Jerra as a vibrant, connected community with a strong sense of place will be realised.”
To find out more, visit South Jerrabomberra at Tralee.
