A section of Lower Latham Park in South Coogee could be set aside for dogs to exercise off leash under a proposal now open for community feedback, giving local park users until 1 September 2026 to comment on how the space could be used.
How Lower Latham Park Could Change
The proposed dog area would be located in the lower south-eastern portion of Lower Latham Park, near the corner of Henning Avenue and Holmes Street.
The section has natural shade, easy access and is mostly enclosed, making it the area identified for possible off-leash use.
If the proposal proceeds, fencing would be added along the western side only. It would be set back from Henning Avenue to improve safety for dog owners and other people using the park.
Dog waste stations, additional bins and new regulatory signs would also be installed.
The proposed space would remain available for shared public use. Dog owners using the off-leash area would still be required to keep their dogs under effective control and clean up after them.
Existing Options For South Coogee Dog Owners
South Coogee already has a designated off-leash area at Emily McCarthy Park, while nearby Coogee has five listed locations where dogs can exercise off leash at any time of day.
Those Coogee locations are Baker Park, Bangor Park, Bardon Park, Blenheim Reserve and Trenerry Reserve.
Across Randwick City, 17 parks and reserves are currently designated for off-leash dog exercise.
Outside these designated areas, dogs must be kept on a leash. Even when dogs are allowed off leash, they must remain under effective control and must not become a nuisance or interfere with other park users.
Dogs are not permitted on council beaches, in rock pools, schools and pre-schools, children’s playgrounds, shopping centres or on the playing surfaces of sports fields.
Owners must also immediately remove dog waste from public places. Penalties apply for failing to do so and for allowing dogs off leash outside designated areas.
Local Views Sought On Park Use
Feedback on the Lower Latham Park proposal opened on Tuesday 4 August and will remain open until Tuesday 1 September 2026.
The community survey asks residents and park users whether they currently visit Latham Park Lower, whether they support dogs being allowed off leash there and what they think about the proposed fencing location.
Written submissions can also be uploaded as part of the consultation.
Once feedback closes, the responses will be reviewed and the key outcomes reported to Randwick Council for consideration.
Published 7-August-2026
