![Jed the miniature schnauzer in the Belvoir dog park soon after it opened in 2010. Jed the miniature schnauzer in the Belvoir dog park soon after it opened in 2010.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ellen.ebsary/e48159a7-51d9-43ba-ab97-0bac7915af5a.jpg/r0_0_465_599_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
After plans to establish a second dog park for Wodonga at Willow Park received opposition, the council will set its focus on "future sub divisions and public open spaces".
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That delay has been labelled "really disappointing" by Wodonga councillor Libby Hall, who has been pushing the issue for two years.
The park had been nominated as an ideal location in earlier consultation - and was chosen out of 15 sites assessed by staff - but was the subject of a petition when proposals progressed.
But the council will go ahead with enhancing the Belvoir dog park, as identified by half of respondents to Wodonga's Talking Dogs Report 2020.
There is $100,000 available for the second dog park project.
Council staff did not recommend the re-investigation of other sites in the city, recommending instead that council "seek alternate locations for a second dog park in future subdivisions".
"Additionally, council would continue investigating future subdivisions and public open spaces, including Baranduda and Leneva, to establish a suitable location for second gated dog park," staff said.
Cr Hall said the apparent stalemate was "just really disappointing," she said.
"In the 2019-2020 budget, it was decided there was a need for another dog park in Wodonga - $50,000 was allocated in that budget," she said.
"The dog park was not constructed in 2019-20 for a couple of reasons - COVID was mentioned, and the allowance of $50,000 was believed to be not enough.
"So the dog park was re-budgeted in 2020-21 with a new allocated amount of $100,000, public consultations were done ... Willow Park was the preferred option.
"This went out to the public consultation, many submissions were received.
"I actually went to the public consultation myself; I met and spoke with many of the people who were not happy about the dog park being placed at Willow Park.
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"Some suggested a refurbishment and extension of the Belvoir park at Sumsion Gardens, and this seems to be what was picked up by the Council officers.
"To wait possibly more years for new land developments to come on board to provide areas for another dog park ... I don't agree with that.
"I don't think the community will wear that one."