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Dog owners in Balsicas will soon have a brand-new spot to let their four-legged friends run, play and socialise. Torre Pacheco Council has confirmed plans to build a dog recreation area in the town, with an investment of around 105,000 euros.

 

The park will be created on a piece of public land in Zone 7 of the Balsicas district, bordered by Avenida Ciudad de Murcia, Calle Jose Sánchez Lozano, Calle Pedro Flores and the railway line. The area already hosts a youth classroom, sports court and throne room, and the plot chosen for the dog park sits in a natural dip that channels rainwater through a drainage system under the tracks.

 

According to the council, the rise in local pet ownership is behind the decision. More and more municipalities are considering similar projects, as the need for safe and stimulating spaces for dogs continues to grow.

 

“As a gregarious animal in its social behaviour, dogs have a need to relate and interact,” explains the project document. “If they are deprived of this, we could see behavioural problems, including aggression, which can become a serious issue and cause social alarm.”

 

The council also highlights the emotional and physical benefits of play, especially for young dogs. “Play is very important for dogs, especially with members of their own species, but play with humans is also essential,” they add. “Stress builds up, and in dogs with chronic stress, it takes less to trigger fear or aggression. It can also lead to physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, overeating or even refusing to eat.”

 

The new park will cover 1,222 square metres and has been designed to make the most of the existing landscape. It will be fully fenced, with access via a double gate from the car park on Calle Jose Sánchez Lozano. A wide concrete path will run around the edge, with wooden pergolas for shade, benches, bins and lighting. The central area will feature trees with a drip irrigation system, a drinking fountain for dogs and an agility zone for play and exercise.

 

The hope is that the new space will offer a much-needed outlet for dogs to burn off energy, socialise and enjoy themselves – while giving owners peace of mind that their pets are safe, active and well looked after.

 

 

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