Welcome to The Friends Of Riverside Gardens comments page. Please leave your comments regarding the park and the web site. To do this please click on “Comments” below.
If you would like a photo shown on the web site, please email (with a caption) to admin@forgwa.com and we will upload for you.
Return frequently as the FORGWA team will make every effort to respond to you. If we feel the matter is personal then we will attempt to email you.
To those of you who had already left a comment, our sincere apologies, during the revamp of the web site these were lost. If you wish, please leave the comment again.
Regards, FORGWA IT Team.
haha just kidding….I got lots of photos for you to upload of all the doggies playing together with arnie.
Comment by questy — February 18, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
I suggest the proposed development be located in Riverside Gardens East,which is poorly utilised – leaving the beach and surrounding park area undeveloped for the benefit of the park’s existing users.
Comment by Mike — February 20, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
This is one of the few areas where dogs can now play off lead. Australia has the poorest rules pertaining to dogs and access to anything.
Dogs allowed to socialise will few aggression tendencies. There is no place for commercialisation, what happens to the good
old Family picnic? Human socialisation is important too. STOP making everything about spending, we don’t have good economy because
all advertising is about SPEND SPEND SPEND.
However I will say people really need to make sure they pick up after their dogs, or it will contribute to turning this beautiful place into a concrete jungle.
Comment by Diane — February 21, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Please allow Riverside Gardens to keep going for dogs off lead,I take my dog and have never come across an aggressive dog. I don’t Know of another lead free park in the Belmont/ Bayswater area where the dogs can play and swim,this is what makes the park so special to see the dogs running free.
Comment by Margaret — February 21, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Can’t the restaurant / playground / other ridiculour proposals be done on the other 5000 non-dog parks?
Comment by Nina — February 23, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
I would like to see the Cafe located in a different place rather than next to the current Toilet block. Perhaps closer to Hinds Reserve. That way existing unleashed dog’s can to continue to run freely.
Comment by Colin — February 23, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
The park is wonderful place to take a dog and allow it to run free, People come down just to watch the dogs. Please, please don’t take the park away…let us have this one place where we can meet and play with our animals.
Comment by suzanne — February 28, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Hey guys, you really need to identify yourselves. I support FORGWA (as illustrated by my previous survey response), but the people behind this campaign and its website are nameless, faceless and annonymous.
C’mon, this is a political excercise (a worthy one), but you diminish it’s impact and raise suspicions when you remain hidden. At the very least this website should be authorised.
I want to know who you guys are, indeed I have asked you to contact me to discuss this campaign and to offer my assistance – but in the weeks that have passed I have not heard from you.
This site, and your campaign, needs the names and contact details of it’s organisers to be public.
Brian Greig (former Democrats Senator)
Bayswater resident.
Comment by Brian — March 12, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
I too want Riverside Gardens to remain an off lead dog exercise area. As others have mentioned, there are untold places for people to visit but very few for people to go with their dogs. I have formed many close friends, kept my dogs healthy and kept myself relaxed after work by going to Riverside Gardens. The benefits are numerous. Commercial development in the park (I feel) will impact negatively on the area, including the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, by increasing traffic, restricting current dog exercise areas and increased noise levels.
The impact of any developments will not only affect the current patrons and their dogs it will adversely affect the many birds who feed on the grassed areas.
Other wildlife to be affected will be turtles, frogs, snakes and lizards.
Where else in the world can you find such a wonderful place so close to a capital city that is like Riverside Gardens. It should be treasured not developed.
Comment by Jo — March 13, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Why can’t you just leave this area as is. This is a rare open space area that does not require you to carry money and you can let your dog off the lead. Friends of Riverside gardens title lends itself to being a caring lot looking out for the natural enviroment, why back development. People with dogs have been utilising that area for a long time and there is never any altercations between dogs, and most people pick up after them.
LEAVE IT AS IS.
Comment by Joy — March 31, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
I suggest those wanting a coffee or a sandwich down a the beach go to Cottesloe…or BYO. Bring a thermus, a cold beer or bottle of wine and get licked by a big ol’dog or sprayed with salt and sand by some crazy pup, Nothing beats it. and its more entertaining than going and seeing a dull subtitled Korean movie or paying $80 to go to the footy. If you want a view and a sandy beach try Bali. Save up $15 by not going to the reserveve coffe shop every day and your sad dream is a reality at years end… especially if you dont like dogs.
Comment by Chris Moore — April 8, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
The Park is for everyone, but why do some cyclists think they have right of way to come silently speeding along in an often inconsiderate and dangerous manner. I always stop and look and make sure I move over if I hear a bell,many are very considerate( generally older people) but the lycra clad speedsters should be on their own track if they don’t want to stop and enjoy the park we are all so lucky to have !! Talk to someone from Sydney for instance.
Comment by Alex — April 16, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Great comments everyone. Spread the word!!
We want to keep exercising our dogs off lead at the park.
Comment by Jo — April 17, 2009 @ 9:05 am
I am a resident of Bayswater and one of the people involved with the Friends of Riverside Gardens. I think it necessary to point out that while we do have an agenda(to keep the park a lead free exercise area)we are not the council. If you want your message to reach the council you should complete their survey as well! Also send the comments that you are leaving here to the Council. Particularly with regard to the Proposed Cafe which will have to follow strict health regulations. Health regulations that are not made with the free transition of a dog chasing a ball in mind. Please keep leaving your comments so that other people know there is an opinion other than the Councils.
Thank You.
Comment by Dean Morris — April 17, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
I am a regular user of the park as both a dog owner and also as the mum to two young children who use the new playground. Personally I think that the fence around the playground was a great idea and is sufficient. As such I do not see a need to make that portion of the park leash free. I really object to an approach to developing which assumes that the current dog use has to be limited. By all means, develop if you must, but on the assumption that this park is first and foremost an important area for our dogs to exercise off a leash.
My criticism of the park has always been the lack of trees and shade. How about the Council do something about that?
Comment by Alison — April 20, 2009 @ 11:58 am
Hi there, I think its sad that people need to see the cafe project and dogs as mutually exclusive. I have lived at Riverside Gardens for eight years and been a dog owner for the last 11 years and have always taken my beloved retriever Lily to Riverside Gardens. On the weekend just gone, I rode my bike, played with my kids, and walked my dog all at riverside gardens. The only thing missing was a latte at the cafe at the end of it all.
Surely we can all share Riverside Gardens without having to exclude anyone. I think the new playground was a god send. It has changed the face of Riverside gardens and has created a wonderful new vibe to a park which was largely under utilised by anyone other than dog owners. I think sometimes we dog owners can get a bit dog’centric. Riverside Gardens is one of the gems of the City of Bayswater, lets share it with everyone.
I look forward to having my coffee fix down at Riverside Gardens in the future. Its been a long time coming and will be wonderful for the area.
Kylie
Comment by kylie — April 28, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Hi Kylie, In response to your comment – in all honesty I do not think the dog owners are dog centric, would you be in favour of the cafe to the exclusion of the leash free dog exercise space? This is really in essence what this is all about. If the cafe is developed at the site of the current toilet block, this could in effect change the leash free status of this area. As this is the only planned designated off leash exercise area in the park (see the councils future design plan for the park) the dogs would then be required to be on leads at all times in all areas of the park.
As you say surely we can all share Riverside Gardens and that includes the dogs. And without the dogs and their owners, in my opinion a cafe would not survive, the weekend picnicers take all of their refreshments with them so would not use the cafe, most of the cyclists using the pathways are too busy going from a to b to stop and have a coffee so that leaves the parents visiting the playground with their children many of whom also have dogs and so would not be able to utilise the cafe without tying up their dog thus defeating one of the reasons for being there in the first place.
If the council is convinced that a cafe would be viable at Riverside Gardens, then by all means let them put one there, however not where the dogs are currently allowed to run free.
And a final note, The independant survey results show that people are not on the whole in favour of the cafe. The current statistics show that for every 100 visitors to the park 27 would patronise it, not good for the prospective owner! This survey is open to all visitors to the park who wish to participate whether a dog owner or not so I guess it is a pretty fair representation of the current park users.
Bev
Comment by bev — April 28, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
HI Bev, thanks for your feedback. A question, does the “independent survey” you rmentioned refer to the council survey or the FORGWA survey. In order for the survey to be independent, it would have to be developed by an impartial body with no vested interest in the outcome. I have participated in the FORGWA survey and it is far from impartial. Also, the FORGWA website seems for the most part to target dog owners so it is not a good sample group from which to draw any conclusions. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out. I will walk my dog down there regardless of whether she has to be on a lead or not.
Thanks
kylie
Comment by kylie — April 29, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
Hi Kylie, I used the term independent to mean “non council prepared” so yes I do mean the FORGWA survey. The idea to create the survey came because in July 2008 the Bayswater Council made a decision to conduct their own survey relating to Riverside Gardens, specifically about dogs and the park users feelings towards the dogs and their behaviour. This is not now going ahead. FORWGA thought it may be an idea to include other aspects of the park in a generalised survey (seating, ameneties etc.) and set about producing a web based survey. I have checked the questions and more than 80% of the things the survey respondents are asked do not relate to dogs thus in my opinion the survey is aimed at the park users feelings in general to the park and has no specific bias in any direction.
In order to have the survey web based it needed to have somewhere to live. I agree that the FORGWA site has lots of bits about dogs, however this is in one respect deliberate, and is actually seen by the Bayswater Council as a good thing (if you wish I can provide the exact wording the Council used). There are links to the Councils web site and hopefully there will be other pages with other information relating to the park in the future. Sadly the pressure of work dictates to us all and there is little or no time left for other things.
The survey has been “advertised” at the Riverside Gardens therefore it is available to all park users, not just the dog walkers.
I like you will continue to walk my dog at the park regardless of the final outcome of and council decisions unless of course they ban dogs totally which would be a very sad day for all. Regards, Bev
Comment by bev — April 30, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Hi Everyone,
I am also one of the people involved with FORGWA. I became involved because the aim of FORGWA is to protect the park from any developments that would exclude any group from being able to use the park. The most vulnerable group, to my mind, are the off lead dog exercise group as mixing dogs with food, traffic (of any kind) and children can be seen by some as a problem. I think that many users of the park (including dog owners) would love a cafe however I fear that placing it in the dog exercise area will impact negatively on the lead free status.
I can see that the comments may reflect a strong “dog” emphasis as most of the people who have voiced their opinion seem to be dog owners or in favour of leaving the area as is.
However, it is the aim of FORGWA to ensure that ALL users of the park can voice their comments on this website and as a result have a record to show the Bayswater council the opinions of the public. Which, hopefully, they will take in to consideration when planning any new developments.
I, for one, am keen to promote the protection of the Eric Singleton bird sanctuary as this area will be especially affected by any new developments.
Thanks to everyone who is getting involved.
Comment by Jo — April 30, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
I have been exercising my dog in the park well before the playground was installed. Since the playground I have loved letting my kids play while my 7 year old black lab brings her ball to the fence line of the playground while i am inside with my kids. I throw the ball to her while supervising my kids. My dog does not bother anyone or any other dogs and always comes when i call. I was told today that by being inside the playground, i do not have effective control of my dog and i have been given an official warning by the ranger. A very rude man i must point out! I would argue that my dog is closer to me and more responsive than many of the dogs who are with owners outside of the playground. I can watch my kids and dog at the same time (its called multi tasking and mothers are very skilled at it!) Unfortunately now it seems that if my kids want to use the playground i can no longer take my dog as well. What a shame!
Comment by LIsa Dann — May 7, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
My family and i have been using this park for the last 18 months, the kids are now adept at using their scooters while I walk fatty dog – the entire family are now more active and fit. I will gladly give up the chance to have a coffee while instead allowing my dog to roam free and have a swim.
I drive from an adjoining suburb where their is always confusion, about whether the park is on or off lead, I have been verbally abused several times for having my dog off lead – because there is no signage at the park and you can only check by going online.
Going to Riverside Gardens is always enjoyable and trouble free – please if it isnt broken don’t try and change it!
Comment by Ann — May 31, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
Firstly the survey was disabled (with no explanation) when I logged on to contribute. What’s happening?
My wife and I travel to the Riverside Gardens location all the way from Mundaring for over 15 years. It is a wonderful place for dogs and people, if not the best around Perth. We have had three Standard Poodles and we find R.G. the best place for our dog’s to experience canine socialisation skills. We also meet other dog owners every time (having a dog is a great connector) and we continue to marvel at the fantastic way everybody conducts themselves. Never seen a serious altercation yet! This venue is a treasure and it would be travesty if it were lost to become just another commercial venue when dogs and their owners were restricted as they are in most public areas around Perth. Don’t let this happen!
Comment by Patrick — June 11, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
I noted that the Survey on the web site is no longer active ? Is there a reason for this ?.
Also could someone publish the list of Bayswater Counsellors and the areas they represent ?
I would have thought that dog owners should be looking at lobbying the current Councillors regarding the dogs’and their owners’rights at the park and also looking at supporting a Counsellor who will support the dogs and their owners in the Council .or City of Bayswater.
There are a lot of issues to be resolved ..From Doggie Dump bags etc
Comment by Anthony Hosken — June 14, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
Sad news today. “Boris”, Irene’s pug, passed away today after becoming ill. Boris and Lola have walked Irene around Riverside Gardens for years now and Boris will be missed by many. Condolences to Iren who is very upset.
Comment by Evan Bastin — July 2, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
I take my collie chips down to Riverside Gardens on most days, but I’m always disgusted by the people that fail to pick up after their dogs – I hate to sopil our visits by policing strangers, and look forward to the time when the area matures; when these “bogans” are priced out the area!
Comment by Karen — July 27, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
Was saddened to see that yet another great dog park is under ‘attack’. It would be so sad for Perth to become like much of the USA where there are no dog beaches and only the tiniest of dog parks. I just tried to fill out the online survey, but found it disabled.
The park is a fabulous place, and my husband and I enjoy being able to take our dogs there. We often meet friends and family with their repective dogs (I even have friends who visit the park from as far away as gosnells). The appeal of the park would be lost almost completely if the area was rezoned to ‘on lead’.
Comment by Kieryn — August 9, 2009 @ 10:20 pm
Yesterday 3rd Sept I was in the park walking alongside Eric Singleton reserve and two rangers came along in a car. One said I had to have my dog on a lead as the footpath was part of Eric Singleton reserve, When I disagreed and pointed out that the reserve sign was on the creek drainside and the footpath was in the off leash area, he called the other ranger who became officious and said that there had been a complaint about a dog chasing ducks in the reserve and the CEO had told the rangers to police the area and that the footpath was in the reserve.
I later checked the photo on the toilet block wall with the defined areas marked and it is quite clear that the footpath is within the ‘off leash area’
Today 4th Sept I went to the Council Offices, However they could not produce a map or documentary advice as to the defined area. I spoke to John Vines from the Parks and Recreation Dept who was unaware of the Bayswater City photo on the Toilet block in Riverside Gardens, however his view was that the footpath was within the ‘OFF leash area’ however he said he would investigate further but said He was unaware if the CEO had changed the boundaries? Can the CEO do this ?
The fact is the rangers were quite adamant that I was ‘in breach ‘ and could be fined etc. Is this just another attack on dog owners or more to it than we know about.
I would appreciate others views. Thanks
Comment by Alex Lang — September 4, 2009 @ 9:59 am
Hi Alex,
I am extremely disappointed that you have experienced such a negative attitude from the rangers. Like you, I have been walking my dogs in areas that have been designated off lead as shown by the shires’ map. We dog owners just want to do the right thing and enjoy the opportunity for our pets to roam free in areas allocated to us. I am not aware of the bounderies changing however I will contact the council to enquire if the lead free area is different than the current map. The more of us who actively put pressure on the Bayswater Shire the better.
By exercising my dogs at Riverside Gardens I have met lifelong friends. The benefits of this area are so far reaching we can’t allow the occasional complaint to destroy the wonderful benefits Riverside Gardens supports. Thanks, Jo
Comment by Jo — September 4, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
Hi,
Our black Flat Coat Retriever, Dakota, needs to run free to exercise on a regular basis though due to her love of other dogs, has a little naughty habit of running up to any other dog she lays her eyes on ! So we felt it was no longer safe, nor enjoyable, to walk to our local park at Crimea St, Morley.
Through word of mouth, we were encouraged to attend the Riverside Gardens as Dakota could run free, not worry about other dog owners or children screaming/yelling at us whilst she is off the leash and have fun !
We have been so thrilled with the park as Dakota has learnt to socialise over the last 3 years, ’snorkel’ in the river (she will only go in up to her legs) & we both get to exercise freely without having to worry about her running in front of an oncoming car .. Some of you may know Dakota as the black over friendly pooch who most likely annoys your pooch !
Considering we drive from Morley to Milne St on a regular basis to enjoy these facilities, it would be a REAL shame for the council to change this ..
Lots of woofs
Katherine, Damon and Dakota
Comment by Katherine of The Savannah Room — September 15, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
Hi All,
I received this from Katherine. I hope many of you can attend.
Hi,
My small business is helping out the RSPCA in Malaga for their Happy Tails Day in Oct .. so to show our support, we’re gathering a few pooches to have a play.. here’s the details :
Riverside Gardens, Bayswater
Milne Street (off Guildford Road), follow down & around to the left to parking bays at the end
Sunday 11th Oct 2009
12pm – 4pm
So I thought you might like to come down, bring your pooch & / or post the flyer attached on your site ?
Kind regards,
Katherine
Comment by bev — September 24, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
I would like to organise a get together at Riverside Gardens with a group of dog lovers for a barbeque in february. Can I be sure the park will still be “off leash” then? Who should I contact to make sure?
Comment by lynne — October 23, 2009 @ 7:43 am
When I came to Australia just over 2.5 years ago, I had no idea the rules regarding walking dogs off leash would be so extreme. I have been told that part of the reason for these extreme rules is to stop dogs killing wild life; laughable I feel when, day after day I see housing with beautiful gardens demolished and replaced with huge properties with no gardens whatsoever. What happened to the birds and the wildlife from the gardens that are no more? The dogs didn’t kill them, man did. Why aren’t the councils stopping this mass development if they are so concerned about wildlife?
Comment by Debra — January 16, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
It would appear the boundaries of the off leash area are under attack once more.
Rangers on Wed 13th Jan 2010 were informing dog walkers that the footpath alongside the main drain is deemed to be an extension of King William Street and therefore ‘off limits’ They said signage would be altered to reflect this.
How ridiculous is this – when are the bureaucrats going to apply logic and common sense and leave the park as is for us all to enjoy ?
Comment by Alex — January 17, 2010 @ 7:58 pm