Dog Friendly Parks of Sydney – Rhodes, Balmain and Macquarie Park [1]

Rhodes

• Foreshore Park
• Lower Phoenix Park Fenced Off-Leash Dog Park
• Mill Park Off-Leash Dog Park
• Miscellaneous nearby: Kokoda Track

Balmain

• Birchgrove Oval (Snails Bay)
• Mortbay Park
• Balmain East (Tom Uren Trail)
• Miscellaneous nearby: Jubilee Park

Macquarie Park

• Macquarie University
• Fontenoy Park
• Terrys Creek Walk

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Foreshore Park, Rhodes

Address

It wasn’t originally a designated dog park, but during the time I first met Django, it was the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. Many people, feeling lonely and bored at home, bought puppies, thinking they would continue working from home indefinitely. The park became a hub for these new pet owners, as gathering indoors was prohibited. Consequently, the park was bustling every day from morning to night. Positioned by the waterfront, with open spaces, bicycle paths, and walking trails, it attracted not only dog owners but also non-dog owners who enjoyed picnics. I speculate that people were drawn to the peculiar grey water view. Despite Django’s fondness for jumping into this water, I found it rather unpleasant, especially the smell.

I later discovered that Rhodes was an industrial area, with factories discarding chemicals into the river, explaining the park’s smelly and grey nature. The proximity to the mangroves in Olympic Park might have contributed to the distinctive odor. On weekends, the park transformed into a chaotic scene, with people bringing food for picnics. Hungry dogs would occasionally jump onto picnic mats, creating a bit of a mess. I didn’t hold any grudges against them, as I refrain from eating in the park, and Django avoids strangers. Thus, it wasn’t my concern.

Django crafted many childhood memories and forged lifelong friendships in this park. However, we faced challenges, including encounters with persistent individuals, like the desex-parrots persistently inquiring about Django’s desexing status. Eventually, we had to disperse for various reasons. Firstly, there was an Asian cranky uncle on the third floor who continually shouted from his balcony, claiming that we—dog owners and park-goers—were too nosy and needed to keep quiet so he could rest. While I hesitated to label it as barbarism, it seemed extreme for an Asian individual. In addition to the cranky Asian uncle’s discontent, there were others who opposed the park’s occupation. Broken glass pieces were scattered across the park, and strange activities like drifting with golf buggies ruined the grass. Sometimes, dog poop was smeared on benches and trees. I pondered that if people disliked the park’s vibrant atmosphere, they shouldn’t have bought property nearby or chosen to live in such a densely populated residential area.

As time passed, rumors spread, claiming that city rangers were issuing tickets to dog owners for having off-leash dogs. Although I heard this from a single mom who hates men and her life so I didn’t care much, the community grew concerned. Despite having a plan to avoid rangers—running and ditching them, as they were usually older individuals over 50 who couldn’t catch up—we gradually lost interest in the park because no one was there except Django and me. People moved to a designated dog park, which was fenced and half the size of the Rhodes Foreshore Park.

Pros:

1. Scenic Grey Smelly Waterview
   • Enjoy the unique and picturesque grey waterscape.
   • Experience the unconventional charm of the smelly yet captivating waterfront.

Cons:

1. Not Exactly a Dog Park
   • Manage expectations; it may not fully meet typical dog park standards.
   • Explore alternative dedicated dog parks for a more traditional canine experience.
2. The Cranky Asian Man on 8B Mary Street
   • Be prepared for potential encounters with a resident who might express discontent.
   • Navigate the situation with patience and understanding.

Lower Phoenix Park Fenced Off-Leash Dog Park, Rhodes

Address

This park’s maintenance leaves much to be desired, and it’s undeniably small, given the size of the population and their dogs in Rhodes. The need for additional infrastructure, including more roads and bridges, is evident to alleviate the traffic congestion, making weekends less chaotic. Bald patches are scattered around, left unaddressed, and I accepted it as the norm until I relocated to Balmain. There, I observed them diligently addressing bald spots in the grass every week or so.

Our preference leaned toward the foreshore because it was where small and easily manageable dogs gathered. In contrast, the Lower Phoenix Park Fenced Off-Leash Dog Park was often filled with dog owners who simply unleashed their dogs, allowing them to roam while they watched YouTube. The indifference to the park’s state was apparent due to its fenced nature. The presence of large dogs like huskies puzzled me, questioning the logic of having winter dogs in this hot climate, especially in apartments. While one could maintain a comfortable temperature indoors with constant AC at 18 degrees, shouldn’t walking the dog in the summer be a consideration?

This led me to develop a disdain for some dog owners who seemed more interested in gossiping than in exercising or walking their dogs. Despite living in Australia to escape nagging and unwanted opinions, the small Korean town within the city still managed to evoke those vibes. Post-corona, as people returned to their offices, many dogs found themselves spending the majority of their time in small apartments. Factors like unnecessary desexing, spaying, and hormone imbalances or controls led to weight gain and altered personalities, resulting in peculiar behavior. Not all, but for some.

Unpleased with these developments, I chose to avoid the park altogether. However, this was for a few years ago, I hope that the culture and environment had improved since then.

Pros:

1. Proximity to 46 Walker Street
   • Extremely convenient for residents of 46 Walker Street.
   • Enjoy the luxury of a nearby location for quick access.

Cons:

1. Lack of Cleanliness
   • Faces issues related to cleanliness.
   • Requires attention to maintain a more hygienic environment.
2. Limited Size and Maintenance
   • Limited space available.
   • Requires improved maintenance for a more pleasant experience.

Mill Park Off-Leash Dog Park

Address

Situated in an open expanse, Mill Park is a dog-friendly haven available only from 5 pm to 9 am, (other time dogs have to be on-leash, but I’ve never seen people doing it anyway) making it an ideal retreat for the office worker. A perfect spot for a leisurely stroll with your furry friend, allowing them a chance to play upon your return.

During weekends, the park transforms into a unique scene, occasionally hosting individuals training their birds within a substantial net. I found this sight rather intriguing. Adjacent to Mill Park, there’s the same water feature, albeit with a somewhat unpleasant smell and a grayish hue. Surprisingly, Django seems to revel in it. I can’t help but wonder how he hasn’t developed a third eye on his forehead from imbibing the somewhat toxic concoction flowing from the Parramatta River.

Pros:

1. Waterfront Location
   • Ideal for dogs that enjoy water activities.
   • Offers a scenic environment for a pleasant experience.

Cons:

1. Lack of Fencing
   • Potential safety concern with dogs jumping into the road.
   • Increased risk of accidents with passing cars due to the absence of a fence.
2. Disregard for Time Limit
   • Challenges with enforcing time limits, impacting overall park management.
   • Potential for conflicts among park users due to varied interpretations of rules.

I think I will have to make this as a series too, became too long