“Pumpkin’s Patch,” a dog park dedicated to service dogs in Brisbane CBD, was born from the grief of Peter Withey, who wanted to honour his beloved dog, Pumpkin.
What started as a heartfelt tribute has grown into a community hub for dogs and their owners in need of a safe space in the city.
A Tribute to Pumpkin
For Peter Withey, the loss of his three-year-old Shar Pei, Pumpkin, was deeply felt. She wasn’t just a pet; she was his constant companion and a source of comfort during difficult times. When Pumpkin was tragically killed by a car in 2022, Withey wanted to do something meaningful to remember her.
Photo Credit: Chewy
Looking out his office window, he realised this underused space could become much more. It was the perfect place for a dog park—a tribute to Pumpkin that could also benefit the wider community.
From Wasteland to Dog Park
The change was nothing short of incredible. The fully enclosed dog park, featuring a mural of Pumpkin, a lush botanical garden, picnic tables, and plenty of room for service dogs to run and play. Withey’s vision transformed an overlooked area into a vital space for dogs and their owners in a city that sorely lacked such facilities.
Whitey, the managing director of an independent NDIS plan management company, is always committed to creating an inclusive workplace. His company is unique in its policy to ensure that 15 percent of the workforce is made up of people with disabilities.
However, Peter noticed a problem. His employees who used guide dogs had to navigate busy streets just to find a place for their dogs to relieve themselves. Realising this wasn’t good enough, he felt compelled to act. “We can do better than that.”
Pumpkin’s Patch: A Legacy for the Disability Community
The park’s impact extends far beyond Peter’s personal grief. His daughter, Celeste Rosewood, who is gradually losing her vision due to Stargardt disease, sees the park as an important initiative for people with disabilities.
Rosewood was proud of her dad for doing the initiative. She believes more parks like this across Australia would benefit both the disability community and the wider public. As this offers safe spaces for service dogs and much-needed green areas for everyone to enjoy.
The Need for More Green Spaces
Urban planner Tony Matthews from Griffith University points out that many smaller, pocket-sized parks are being replaced by new developments.
He emphasises that green spaces are essential for any city, ranking among its most critical needs. He believes councils should actively explore every possible opportunity to expand these areas, especially in locations that currently lack greenery, such as alleyways. Even as little as 50 square metres, can be repurposed to create valuable public spaces.
Whether for people with disabilities, service dogs, or anyone in need of a peaceful space, this little corner offers a place to unwind. A powerful reminder that we can all contribute to making our cities more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Published 19-Feb-2025
