Metro Park East takes the lead for dog park

Plans for the Hibiscus Coast’s first fenced dog park have taken a step forward, with Metro Park East selected as the preferred location.

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has directed Auckland Council staff to develop a concept plan for a fenced dog park at the Millwater reserve, following public consultation earlier this year.

Four possible locations were put out for consideration in March: two sites at Western Reserve in Ōrewa, Moores Point Reserve and Metro Park East.

Metro Park East attracted the strongest support, receiving 35.5 per cent of responses. The two Western Reserve options received a combined 31 per cent, while Moores Point Reserve received 10.7 per cent. Around 23 per cent of respondents preferred none of the proposed locations.

Council Area Operations Hibiscus and Bays – Upper Harbour manager Sandra May says council staff are now working on a concept design for Metro Park East.

The design will be presented to the local board later this year.

However, dog owners should not expect construction to begin immediately.

“The investigation and design phase of the project is currently underway, with physical works not expected to start until formal approval by the local board is obtained,” May says.

That approval is not anticipated until early 2027.

The proposal follows several years of discussion about providing a fully fenced exercise area for dogs on the Coast. Earlier investigations had focused on Western Reserve, but concerns from nearby residents led the local board to consider alternative sites.

The proposed fenced park is expected to provide a dedicated area where dogs can exercise and socialise off-leash while remaining contained.

Further details, including the layout and features of the Metro Park East proposal, are expected when the concept plan goes before the local board later this year.