Richard Podmore Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Richard Podmore Reserve Fenced Dog Park on Karne Street North in Narwee is temporarily closed. Canterbury Bankstown Council found asbestos at the reserve and has decided to remediate the site as a passive park, with the dog off-leash area set to relocate to Wise Reserve in Riverwood. Check council's project page before planning a visit.

The dog setup

Until the closure, the reserve ran a fully enclosed off-leash yard rather than a fenced corner of a bigger park: a double-gated entry, grass underfoot and mature trees that kept summer visits manageable. Dogs stayed on-leash until they were through both gates, then ran free inside the fence. There was no separate area for small or nervous dogs, so owners handled first introductions carefully. Basic agility equipment, a drinking fountain, shaded benches and bins at the entry rounded out the facilities.

Council has confirmed the existing infrastructure will be reused at Wise Reserve where assessments clear it, or renewed. The draft concept design for the new site includes completely separate enclosed areas for small and large dogs, something the Narwee yard never had.

Max: the double gate only works if both gates shut behind you. Whoever is coming in waits until your dog is through the second one and you have latched it.

Worth knowing

Consultation on the Wise Reserve design has concluded, and Wise Reserve at 162 to 168 Bonds Road, Riverwood was chosen for its location, available area and existing amenities. Council will advise on public access to Richard Podmore once remediation and an independent site assessment are complete. Until then, the reserve itself is off the agenda for off-leash play.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits on Karne Street North, a quiet residential street with free parking close to the entrance. Narwee station on the T8 Airport and South Line is a short leashed walk away if you arrive by train.

Close by with the dogs

While the Narwee yard is closed, Riverwood Park fenced dog park is the closest fully enclosed option, and it is in the same suburb as the planned Wise Reserve replacement. Cafe 52 on Broadarrow Road welcomes dogs at its outdoor seating, and f'coffee in Mortdale is another dog-friendly stop nearby.

More options are listed on the NSW dog parks guide and the Narwee destination page.