Islington Park's off-leash dog area will be upgraded over coming weeks as the council moves to better cater for the more than 84,000 registered dogs and their owners across the city.
The $180,000 project includes additional fencing, seating, shade structures, landscaping, dog-drinking water facilities, garbage bins and new signage.
The upgrades were identified in the council's Dogs in Open Space Plan, a 10-year strategy adopted in 2019 for the provision, improvement and management of dog off-leash areas throughout local government area.
"The people of Newcastle are passionate about their dogs, which is why the city is committed to improving our off leash areas, with Islington Park our next focus area," lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"With over 84,000 dogs registered in our city, it's important that there are a variety of safe off leash options for our furry friends to run free and socialise with other pets."
Deputy lord mayor Declan Clausen said the North Lambton dog park opened in recent years had proved extremely popular and the council was considering further upgrades to off-leash areas with the aim of one in each council ward.
"In addition to the works planned for the Islington Park off leash area, we are currently undertaking planning work for a fully-fenced off leash area in Maryland," Cr Clausen said.
"We're also exploring the potential for a fenced dog park in the Adamstown area."
The works in Islington Park will start next Monday and are due for completion by June. The off-leash area will be unavailable for use during construction.
A list of the city's off leash areas is available online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
