Talk about being barking happy.
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The Blue Mountains Dog Group couldn't believe their ears when a unanimous show of hands of councillors last Tuesday night (August 18) meant they would have unlimited access to Wentworth Falls' Pitt Park lower oval.
"It was unanimous. I wondered had they put something in their tea," one wag told the Gazette the day after, as the group gathered with their pooches to celebrate the win.
The current off leash hours ban dogs after 10am on the field. Dog owners then have to wait until a chilly 5pm to access the park again.
But by the end of next month, once the new sign is up, dog lovers will be able to access the park at any time.
"It's one of the very few dog off leash areas in the Mountains suitable for disabled people due to its proximity parking and flat surface," said Leigh Collins of Wentworth Falls.
"The 10am curfew was a major restriction for all dog owners."
Council heard about 39 per cent of households own a dog - with 26,398 dogs registered in the Mountains.
"With our ageing population we can expect this to increase," he said.
Mr Collins said they began their battle on Pitt Park access in earnest earlier this year and had not been hopeful, after losing out on extended access at other dog off leash areas, like Lawson.
But with the help of Councillor Annette Bennett, who called it a "sensible and equitable arrangement" they were delighted by the win.
"We've been fighting for an existing share of equal public spaces for some time. It's been a bone of contention," Mr Collins said.
The proposed extension grants full access "unless a scheduled event is in progress" and council will review Pitt Park access again in 12 months.
The council is also undertaking a widespread review of dogs in public spaces over the next year to formalise how other dog off leash areas are decided.
"It's a potential turning point for dog companion issues in the Blue Mountains," said Mr Collins, who would also like to see the council add bins and biodegradable bags for dogs.
The area will be shared predominantly with Katoomba Little Athletics which is currently accepting online registrations.