Update: 15 October

UPDATE: Saturday, 15 October 2022

South Lawson Park has reopened now that the next stage of work for the asphalt path has been completed.

UPDATE: Monday, 10 October 2022

South Lawson Park has been temporarily closed so that the next stage of the shared path can be completed and dogs can be kept away from where pre-seal treatment has been applied in dog on-leash areas along the path route.

Council hopes this stage of works will be completed this week (weather permitting).

Park visitors may recall the pre-seal treatment, a standard part of preparing for asphalt paths was used during the construction of the first 800 metres of path in July this year. The pre-seal, while not harmful, helps the asphalt layer to adhere to the compacted road base.

Despite signage at main entry points to the park warning of the works, and the area being cordoned off with flag bunting, off-leash dogs are regularly entering the works zone in the current on-leash area. Council has received reports dogs have had to be treated over the weekend to have the pre-seal removed from their paws.

Continued wet weather has delayed covering the pre-sealing treatment with asphalt and we are hopeful this work can be completed this week.

The decision to close the park until the asphalting work can be completed is a necessary precaution and allows us to get the job done as soon as site conditions allow.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to park users, or any stress that has been caused to dog owners. But we do need dog owners to follow signage at the park and to be mindful of any cordoned off areas in the future, or the park may have to close until the project is completed entirely.

Given the ongoing wet weather, Council has also reinforced sediment control measures and installed floating absorbent booms to contain any potential run-off from the pre-sealing treatment.