Booker Place Park Archives

Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie to Add Dedicated Small Dog Area

After nearly two years of deliberation, plans have been announced to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the existing dog off-leash park at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie.

Read: What’s New at Booker Place Park?

This decision comes as a response to ongoing concerns from owners of smaller dogs about the safety of their pets in the mixed-size dog park.

Plans (Photo credit: Cr Greg Adermann/Facebook)

Cr Greg Adermann, who initially hesitated to proceed with the project due to divided public opinion, has now allocated funding for the creation of this specialised area. He explained, “While I’m not aware of any nasty attacks on smaller dogs at this park, I do know of such instances in other parks in Brisbane. I don’t want to leave it to chance so when I was allocated funding in the recent Schrinner Council budget to provide a fenced area within the park, I took it.”

The new small dog enclosure will occupy approximately one-tenth of the overall Dog Off-Leash Area. This addition aims to provide a safer environment for smaller breeds to play and socialise without the risk of intimidation or injury from larger dogs.

In addition to the new enclosure, the project will include several improvements to enhance the overall park experience for all users. These include:

Concrete pathways from the entry gate to both shelters
A dedicated entry gate for the smaller enclosure
Additional seating and trees between the enclosures for shade cover
A new tap and dog bowl in the larger dog area

These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and functionality for both dogs and their owners.

The decision to move forward with this project comes after a community consultation conducted in November 2022. Although opinions were initially divided, continued advocacy from small dog owners highlighted the need for reconsideration.

Read: Proposals for Heritage Trail and Footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield Receive Overwhelming Community Support

Work on this exciting new addition to Booker Place Park is expected to commence in the new year, offering a welcome solution for dog owners in the Bellbowrie community.

Published 9-September-2024

Have Your Say on the Proposed Small Dog Off-Leash Area at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie

Photo credit: Facebook / Cr Greg Adermann

A small dog off-leash area is currently being considered to be installed in Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie. A community consultation is now being conducted so make sure that you have your say on this proposal until 25 November 2022.

Councillor for Pullenvale Ward Greg Adermann is asking local residents to let him know what they think about the proposed small dog off-leash area to be installed within the existing Dog Park.

“I have received requests from residents asking for Council to consider installing a small dog off-leash area into Booker Place Park. I am therefore undertaking community consultation to hear the views of local residents before making a decision,” he said.

Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / regadermann.com.au

The Small DOLA will be about 1,000sqm and will feature a new 4 x 4 shelter with concrete slab, 3 x 4 aluminium benches, new aluminium seat and slab, new dog void, tap and fencing and maintenance gate.

Pathways, trees and an activity zone with logs and rocks – deco or takura bark base – are also proposed as part of the small DOLA.

Furthermore, a “Have Your Say” signage has also been installed at the dog park where a QR code is posted that visitors can scan to provide their feedback. Cr Adermann will be onsite at the Booker Place Dog Park on 28 November between 4 pm and 5 pm to discuss the proposal.

To provide your feedback on the proposed Booker Place Park small dog off-leash area by visiting this page. You have until Friday 25 November 2022.

What’s New at Booker Place Park?

Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / Facebook

If you haven’t been to Booker Place Park recently, you should definitely take time to visit. Did you know that there’s a new skate park at Booker Place Park? Also, check out the newly renamed Stegeman Sporting Complex.

Booker Place Park Skate Park

One of over thirty skate facilities in Brisbane, the new Booker Place skate park is now open for the public to enjoy.

The skate park was completed at a cost of $320,000. The upgraded skate park’s design incorporated traditional and street styles to best suit beginner and intermediate riders.

Park features include a central fun box with banked hip and ledge, an adjoining scooter track, a volcano fun box, a free-standing quarter pipe extension, a flow bowl transition section, and a concrete roll-over and flow section.

Stegeman Sporting Complex unveiled

At the beginning of the second quarter of 2022, the newly renovated Stegeman Sporting Complex was unveiled.

Named in recognition of Tony and Lorraine Stegeman’s contributions to the community and to the Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club, the sporting complex covers the fields used by the Moggill Cricket Club, the Bellbowrie Touch Football Club, and the Moggill Football Club.

Stegeman Sporting Complex unveiled — Photo Credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP / Facebook

Tony and Lorraine Stegeman helped build the club in 1984 by donating funds for its construction. The couple also went as far as mortgaging their family home to help finance the club’s refurbishment and new kitchen. Tony was likewise instrumental to the club’s return to good financial health, helping BSRC clear all its debt in 2020 when he returned to oversee its operations after a period of absence.

In 1989, Lorraine was honoured with a Community Service award from BSRC whilst Tony received a Bellbowrie Sports and Community Club Life Membership in 1995. Tony is also a recipient of a Medal of Order of Australia and the Australian Sporting Achievement award.

“Tony and Lorraine Stegeman’s association with the Bellbowrie Sports and Community Club is well known within my local community and when I outline it to the Chamber, I’m sure Councillors will agree this is a worthy recognition,” Councillor Greg Adermann said during his Council speech.

Booker Place Park Lighting Installation for Dog Off-Leash Area to Commence

For years, dog owners using the off-leash area within Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie have been asking for the installation of additional lights for their beloved pets to play and exercise at night. Council has finally signed off on the project, which was announced at the beginning of 2021.

Once the lights are working, fur parents may enjoy extended hours at Booker Place Park with their dogs without worrying about accessibility and safety. The lights will work to automatically switch off by 9:00 p.m., which is more than enough for the locals since the park’s peak hours for dog activities are usually from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Councillor Greg Aldermann confirmed the lighting project in a Facebook post to inform pet owners of a possible temporary closure of the dog off-leash area (DOLA) to “facilitate the work.”

“Signage will be installed on site to advise of this if the temporary closure is required,” Mr Aldermann said. “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the local community and Council thanks residents for their patience and understanding while the work is being undertaken.”

Work on the park will take place Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The site has existing light provisions like cables and conduits.

Residents said that the DOLA is not convenient for dog play and exercise after 5:30 p.m. during the winter months of June and July since the days are shorter. The lack of lighting has also raised concerns over owners who have been unable to clean after their pets since they couldn’t see where the dog has defecated.

“I work full time so during the week the only time I can get down there is after dark mostly. Lights would be fantastic for my safety and my dogs,” a resident said.