Kingborough Council has announced the opening of the first stage of the new Maddocks Road Off-Lead Dog Exercise Area in Kingston, providing a dedicated space for local canines and their owners. The facility, located at 34 Maddocks Road, welcomed its first visitors on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
The establishment of the Maddocks Road park comes as a direct replacement for the previous off-lead dog exercise area at Kingston View Drive. Kingborough Council confirmed that the relocation was necessitated by the ongoing development of the Kingborough Sports Precinct, which includes the construction of the Tasmania Devils AFL High Performance Training Centre. The Kingston View Drive facility, along with other community infrastructure, closed on Monday, 22 June 2026, to accommodate the precinct’s expansion.
The new Maddocks Road facility has been designed with various dog needs in mind. Kingborough councillors approved the fenced dog exercise area at their June 1, 2026 meeting, noting that it would include distinct sections for small dogs, large dogs, and greyhounds. Earlier consultations also indicated plans for a separate puppy area, ensuring a safe and appropriate environment for dogs of all sizes and temperaments. The park is situated on TasNetworks land, near an electrical substation.
The transition to the new Maddocks Road site has been a key focus for Kingborough Council, aiming to minimise disruption for dog owners during the relocation process. Community engagement on the proposed off-lead area at Maddocks Road, Kingston, and a dedicated dog training space in Margate, was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026. This feedback was intended to help shape the final design and amenities of the new facilities.
The development of the Kingborough Sports Precinct, which prompted the relocation, will see two new ovals built at the Kingston Twin Ovals site, chosen in 2024 for the Tasmanian Devil’s AFL High Performance Training Centre. Council has been working closely with local groups, including the Kingborough Dog Walkers Association and the Southern Obedience Club, to identify and establish suitable replacement locations for these valued community facilities.
The opening of the first areas at Maddocks Road marks a significant step in providing modern, purpose-built exercise spaces for Kingborough’s growing dog-owning community. Further stages of the park are expected to open as development continues.