The remarkable transformation of Haig Park into a bustling hub of community connection is partly thanks to the power of... dog parties?
It might sound surprising, but this simple-yet-ingenious initiative has drawn about 5000 visitors to the park since 2019 and made an important contribution to its revitalisation.
From limited amenities and a perceived lack of safety, Haig Park faced several challenges over the years.
City Renewal Authority Acting Executive Branch Manager Teresa Comacchio said an opportunity was identified by the Authority team and collaborators from the University of Canberra, Tait Network, Northside Community Service, Ainslie+Gorman and placemaking partner Dionysus.
"Most people merely passed through Haig Park," Ms Comacchio said.
"We wanted to reconnect Canberrans with the park through playful activities, growing a sense of community and belonging."
This is where the innovative PAWS Party series comes in.
The dog-centric events take place on the last Sunday of every month and include dog agility courses, dress ups, live music and more.
The initiative is supported by the Northside Community Service’s Pet Assistance and Wellbeing Service (PAWS) and builds upon the ‘Haig Park Experiments’, a series of activities in 2019 that attracted more than 30,000 people to the park and achieved an 84 per cent improvement in community perception.
Credit: Jamila Gatica
The decision to focus on dog park parties wasn't arbitrary. Public spaces with strong social connections are perceived as safer and more inviting. By encouraging dog owners to gather, the PAWS Parties have created a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the park.
"Play, in its creative sense, allows people to engage with a place and each other," Ms Comacchio said. "The PAWS Parties provide a platform for social connection and help build a sense of community ownership over Haig Park."
Credit: Buda Arnedo
The PAWS Party events have gone from a promising experiment to a cornerstone of Haig Park's revitalisation, with hundreds of dogs (and their humans) attending each monthly event.
Dionysus continue to evolve PAWS Parties to incorporate themes like Howloween, The Great Treat Hunt (Easter) and We Woof you a Merry Christmas. They also include focuses on canine wellness and adoption.
“Keeping the PAWS Parties fresh and approachable encourages new people to join our growing Haig Park community,” Dionysus Founder David Caffery said.
“Dogs are a great icebreaker to connect people. It’s easy for people with a shared interest in dogs to meet and talk; in fact, we have a regular couple who met at the PAWS Parties and recently got married. PAWS Parties help the park to become a connector of communities.”
The Authority has now run 33 PAWS Parties and hosted about 1500 canine attendees.
Credit: Jamila Gatica
The events are supported by Northside Community Service, with their CEO Dan English saying they highlight the power of seemingly simple initiatives in placemaking.
“It’s hard to imagine Haig Park without the monthly PAWS Parties,” Mr English said.
“While they are fun and light-hearted in nature, they have a meaningful impact in the joy and activity they bring to this part of the city. It’s helped create a new identity for the park.”
By understanding how people interact with spaces and harnessing the social nature of dog ownership, the Authority has reshaped perceptions of Haig Park, turning it from an underutilised space into a thriving community hub. This initiative complements other important initiatives, such as the Salthouse Community Centre and infrastructure upgrades.
However, it's the power of play that offers a valuable lesson for other organisations seeking to revitalise public spaces. By prioritising community engagement, creative programming, and a playful approach, even small-scale initiatives can result in significant positive change.
Follow our Facebook page to get updates on upcoming PAWS Parties and experience the power of play firsthand. Remember, they take place on the last Sunday of every month in Haig Park.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
