Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry opened the Les Dalton Dog Park to the public on 15 May 2021. Hundreds of people and their dogs attended the first Dog Day Out in Hutt City’s first fenced dog park area.
“The dog park was named as a tribute to Les Dalton, who passed away one year ago today. Les worked at Hutt City Council’s Animal Services team for 43 years, and was a prominent local and national voice about dog control. The dog park was the last major project he worked on, and the council decided it was a fitting tribute to name the park after him.” (Scoop.co.nz)
Mayor Campbell Barry thanked Les Dalton’s family and presented them with a posthumous certificate of appreciation for his service.
Read about Les Dalton’s life and contribution to Hutt City Council and animal welfare in his obituary on Stuff.
Work began in January 2021 on the dog park in Wainuiomata.
Campbell Barry said he was looking forward to seeing dog owners from across the city using the space and the new park will be “a great asset for all dog owners right across Lower Hutt”. (Hutt at Heart, 14 January 2021.)
The dog park is situated on Waiu Street, near the Parkway area of Wainuiomata and behind the church at the bottom of the hill, on the west side. The cycle/walkway are adjacent to the dog park.
Hutt City Libraries collection.
Dogs have always been important in Wainuiomata
Whether used in pig-hunting or as family pets, dogs have always been important in Wainuiomata.
Wainuiomata’s Dog clubs
The Wainuiomata All Breeds Canine Obedience Club was formed in 1977 and began its’ training courses in early 1978, aiming to produce well-mannered dogs. Classes were firstly held in the carpark behind the Wainuiomata Mall.
The Club’s Obedience Trials were held in Wainuiomata in 1978 and 1979 and attracted plenty of interest.
In 1983 the All Breeds Canine Obedience Club opened new clubrooms.
The Wainuiomata Kennel Association was recognised by the NZ Kennel Club in 1981 – so it could hold ribbon parades and ‘open dog showing’. It included the Eastbourne area.
Wainuiomata SPCA started up in 1977 with an Animal Week in the Wainuiomata Mall. Pet parades, education in pet care, and “walkathons” were all part of various fundraising events over the years.
For more information visit Hutt City Council – Les Dalton Dog Park.