Whakatāne District Council elected members have decided not to provide additional funding from dog operations reserves for a proposed new dog park in Whakatāne.

Following a series of submissions by dog owners, a project budget of $50,000 had been earmarked for the proposed Warren Park development in the Council’s 2015/16 Annual Plan. However, refinement of the plan by a working party of dog enthusiasts and Council staff saw the ‘footprint’ of the facility increased and a number of new features introduced, including corral gate entry structures, shade areas, seating, dog drinking bowls, enhanced landscaping and separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.

A report received by the Council’s Projects and Services Committee on 7 April confirmed a $56,000 budget increase for the project and proposed that an additional $30,000 be allocated from dog operations reserves, with another $6000 to come from parks and reserves renewals and local dog owners committing to raising the remaining $20,000 needed to cover the funding shortfall.

In a majority decision, the committee decided not to commit further funding from dog operations reserves and has asked Places and Open Spaces staff to report back on alternative funding possibilities.