Plans for 10ha pet park near Boksburg Stadium in the pipeline

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13-01-2026
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Boksburg Advertiser
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Construction is expected to begin immediately after receiving municipal approval.

A new pet park in Boksburg could soon become a reality following the submission of plans to redevelop more than 10ha of underused, council-owned green space adjacent to the Boksburg City Stadium.

Developers say they are optimistic and eagerly await the city’s decision, which they hope will soon be finalised.
If approved, the project would mark Boksburg’s first large-scale pet park. It would rank among the largest dedicated pet-friendly spaces in the region.

The proposed development is spearheaded by Paw-Paw Pets (Pty) Ltd, a local company that specialises in pet services. It aims to transform the vacant land into a vibrant, safe and sustainable recreational hub for pets, families and local businesses.

The project, described as a community-driven initiative, aims to create a much-needed space where residents and their four-legged companions can socialise, play, exercise and learn together.
With support from the community, including several businesses, Paw-Paw Pets submitted the application to the CoE last month.

Project overview

If approved, the plan will develop the vacant field between the Parkland townhouse complexes and the stadium into Boksburg’s first fully equipped pet park, complete with multiple off-leash enclosures.

According to the planning documents, the park will include:

• seven themed enclosures of various sizes for different breeds, energy levels and social needs;
• a rainbow bridge memorial area (excluding burials);
• a coffee garden and food court for pet owners;
• a grooming station, including wash-and-go facilities;
• a training school section;
• vendor stalls for pet-related products and community markets;
• a central cement circle as a multi-purpose space for events, markets, vendors and community entertainment.

“This is more than just a park. It’s a partnership between people, pets and the planet,” said Paw-Paw Pets’ Jaco Dorfling.
“By combining animal welfare, local enterprise and environmental sustainability, Paw-Paw aims to set a new standard for responsible recreation in urban spaces.”

Dorfling added that the park would also strengthen neighbourhood ties and encourage outdoor activity among residents.

Economic and social impact

Dorfling confirmed that the initiative is a public-private partnership that requires no municipal funding. It will be fully self-sustaining through membership fees, vendor participation and community events.

The park is expected to:

• create between 40 and 50 direct and indirect local jobs;
• support small and micro-businesses through market and service opportunities;
• promote education on animal welfare and environmental care;
• improve community cohesion through an inclusive public space.

Environmental commitment
The developers stressed that the project would preserve and enhance the existing green space. Sustainability is central to the design, which incorporates indigenous plants, solar power and rainwater harvesting to ensure low-impact, eco-friendly operations.

Jaco said the park would not negatively affect nearby townhouse complexes. Trained staff and security partners will monitor the facility throughout the day, ensuring it is clean, safe and well-regulated.

“Every feature, from pathways to play zones, has been designed for safety, accessibility and minimal environmental footprint,” he explained.

Community collaboration

Paw-Paw Pets is engaging with local residents, businesses and other organisations to build support and gather input.
According to Dorfling, community response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents saying that such a facility has long been missing in Boksburg.

The team welcomes sponsorships and partnerships from individuals and organisations interested in supporting the project. The initiative is also expected to provide mutual benefits for students seeking volunteering opportunities, helping them develop practical skills in the sector.

Much-needed facility

The Boksburg Advertiser contacted the Boksburg SPCA about its stance on this planned pet facility.

SPCA secretary Sue Beadon said that although the animal welfare organisation had not been informed about the design or operation of the park, a fully-fledged pet park would be beneficial to Boksburg residents.
“Many pet owners, especially those who live in townhouses with small spaces, stand to benefit from a new pet park,” said Beadon.

Looking ahead

Dorfling said developing the site into a pet park has long been a dream, and they are excited to be taking real steps towards making it a reality.

“Once operational, the park will serve as a flagship model for similar developments across Gauteng, showing how compassion, collaboration and creativity can turn unused municipal land into lasting community value,” he said.

Despite the application’s recent submission, the team has already settled on a name: Paw-Paw Pet Park. Construction is expected to begin immediately after receiving municipal approval.

What our Facebook readers say about the pet park proposal:

Chanté Williams: As a pet owner, this would be amazing. It would mean I would not have to drive to the West Rand for my dog to run freely.
Mariet Lange: I would love it! We currently go to the Walkhaven Dog Park in Muldersdrift. So, it would be great to have a dog park closer to home. It will need to be off-leash and have a nice big dam for the dogs to make it worthwhile.
Claire Gouws Schneigansz: Great idea.
Lenie Du Venage: Awesome.
Natalie Rice Bartle: Yes!
Sandra Janse van Vuuren: Awesome.