We are renewing the playground, upgrading the carpark and building a new dog off-leash facility at Alcheringa Reserve.
84 Forest Road, Miranda.
Project timeline
Project start: April / May 2025
Expected completion: Nov 2025
Project background
We’re excited to provide an update on the Alcheringa Reserve Upgrade project.
To meet the growing need for dog exercise areas, Council aims to provide an off-leash dog park within 5kms of most homes.
Alcheringa Reserve was identified as a suitable location in the Miranda-Caringbah-Lilli Pilli area, based on more than 1,200 responses to our community Consultation in 2022.
The site area is outlined in the image below:
Consultation with the community
In 2023, we sought input from neighbours and the community on an off-leash dog park at Alcheringa Reserve. The response was overall positive with 77% supporting the proposed facility. A summary of the survey results can be found here.
Your feedback helped us develop a plan to combine this project with parking improvements and a renovation of the existing playground equipment.
This comprehensive approach aims to increase the recreational enjoyment of the space for a variety of community interest groups.
Scope of works
The Playground Renewal includes:
- new play equipment,
- softfall with a sandstone edge,
- seat, bin, water station,
- landscaping and shade trees.
The Carpark will have:
- improved drainage, with a better turning area, and an asphalt surface,
- accessible parking space, and improved grades,
- connecting paths, landscaping, and line marking,
- improved low-impact lighting.
The Off-Leash Area will have:
- a secure 1.5 metre high fence with 2 “air-lock” style access points
- lighting at the main entry point
- a concrete path to a picnic shelter with seating
- an accessible water fountain with a dog bowl
- tree planting and landscaping,
- dog bag dispensers and bins.
In this design, one large area is available for dogs of all sizes. There is provision for a hide where small dogs can take refuge near some seating.
Project schedule
Community Consultation – 2022 and 2023 (complete)
Concept Design – March 2024 (complete)
Procurement – February / March 2025
Site Establishment – April 2025
Practical Completion – November 2025
Public impacts during construction
Access will be maintained during construction for users of the Scout Hall subject to traffic controls. The park and playground will be closed during construction. Alternative playgrounds are located at Ballar Avenue Reserve and Kalang Lane Reserve.
The work is being carried out to comply with an Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). These plans identify construction impacts and how they can be managed. There have been no significant construction impacts identified which will negatively affect the community.
Funding
This project is fully funded by Council.
Useful Links
- Find other playgrounds nearby.
- Find other off-leash areas where I can take my dog.
- Download a Printable map of Dog friendly parks & beaches.
Project information
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcheringa Reserve met the criteria for site suitability (listed below). As an underutilised site with enough available area (7000m2), it addresses the priority service gap in Caringbah/Lilli Pilli (which lacks an off-leash dog park within 5kms of most homes).
From 17 possible sites proposed to our community in 2022, Alcheringa Reserve received strong support with 58% of respondents ‘supportive or very supportive’ and no major opposition.
Additional off-leash facilities were supported at Taren Point M6 Corridor, Akuna Avenue Oval, Bangor and Friendship Place Reserve, Illawong. Further consultation will be carried out with our community as we develop the designs for these facilities.
Sutherland Shire has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in NSW.
We have seen significant growth in dog ownership over the last two years; due in part to COVID-19 lockdowns. The trend towards higher density living is likely to create continued increases in demand for open space suitable for exercising dogs off-leash.
Council recognises there is a strong desire in the community for adequate space to exercise their dogs. Off-leash areas can provide the following benefits:
- they provide an alternative recreation option, particularly for residents not as involved organised sport or recreation; and are environments that offer ‘social connection’ with other dog owners
- they provide an environment where dog owners can exchange advice on dog management, and where responsible dog ownership principles can be promoted and reinforced
- they allow dogs to socialise freely (important for dog to dog socialisation)
- they allow apartment and small allotment dwellers to own dogs
- they provide a focal point for community education and training programs
The Service Standard for Dog Exercise Facilities in Sutherland Shire is summarised in the table below. This standard is contained in Council’s Open Space Strategy and Implementation Plan which considers emerging trends, challenges and opportunities as Council works in partnership with the community to plan for the future of open spaces.
DOG EXERCISE SERVICE STANDARDS
| Dog Exercise Type | Off-Leash Park |
|---|---|
| Description | Destination park spaces for recreation with dogs where fencing or natural barriers are in place to support off-leash activity and minimise disturbance of other park uses and activities. |
| Distribution | Most homes within 5 km |
| Possible locations | Subject to site suitability assessment: Regional and District level parks |
| Connectivity & accessibility |
|
| Facilities |
|
| Shade | Perimeter shade to 50% of boundary where feasible |
| Minimum area | 3,000 m2 |
| Support facilities |
|
When reviewing potential locations for the new off-leash dog area, we assessed sites for suitability according to the following criteria:
- An area no less than 3000m2 if possible
- Visibility and monitoring
- Environmental issues that may impact use
- Mostly level with good drainage
- Council-managed land
- Proximity and appeal to users
- Access to existing facilities
- Accessibility
- Shade
Constraints also include proximity to endangered ecological communities, Aboriginal heritage, landform, proximity to residents and existing recreation uses.
Yes. Council currently provides seven off-leash dog areas designed to meet the needs of both dogs and their owners. In addition, it is permissible for the community to exercise dogs in most public reserves on a lead.