At an age when most people are quite content to sit back and allow more energetic lobbyists to advocate on civic issues, 76-year-old Port Stephens resident Peter Smith bucks the trend, albeit reluctantly.
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A regular dog walker, Mr Smith became the face behind the campaign to install an off-leash dog area in Soldiers Point, which became a reality on November 13 with Port Stephens councillors voting unanimously to dedicate Lancaster Park for pets and their owners.
His public access address – which can prove to be a daunting task for those not accustomed to public speaking – won wide applause from councillors and gallery members for its raw honesty.
“I had my notes in front of me but I abandoned them after a few words and decided it would mean more if I spoke from the heart,” said the quietly spoken Smith, who admitted to being a little nervous on the night.
“It must have worked because they [councillors] were all in favour of it. This is a great outcome for pet owners in Soldiers Point.”
A council spokesperson said that following the adoption of Lancaster Park as a fenced off-leash dog exercise area, “we’ll [the council] get to work on the environmental assessment and detailed design”.
The spokesperson, however, could not provide a cost for the fencing nor a timeline for the project.
Peter and wife Kay – a renowned artist – moved to Port Stephens 18 years ago for a tranquil retirement by the sea.
They purchased their retirement home in Soldiers Point and all was going to plan until Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007.
“After the initial shock I knew what I had to do … I had promised Kay I would build her an art studio so I got busy building it before my condition worsened. It was a satisfying project,” he said.
Having been a passionate word turner and builder of countless children’s rocking horses and toys over the years, Peter decided to join his wife and give painting a go as part of his therapy.
Not surprisingly, he enjoyed it and what’s more he was good at it.
“I find that if I concentrate hard enough my hands don’t shake, it was just something I experimented with. I’m not sure for how much longer I can work.”
A former long distance runner, Peter would try and stay fit and healthy through plenty of exercise and it was while he was out on his daily dog walk one day that he and a group of friends discussed the idea of a dog park.
“Having an area where dogs can run around and socialise is beneficial to both the animals and owners. It allows for regular exercise and interaction which is good for mental stimulation.”
Mr Smith said that there was a large population of Soldiers Point residents aged over 55 and that “not everyone plays golf or bowls”.
“We chose Lancaster Park because it is seldom used, and because both the old kids playground and picnic facilities were removed some time ago.
“Long term I would like to see the inclusion of things such as tubes and balance beams for dogs so people can train their pets.”
