The state government has now opened 28 of 31 new off-leash dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria, creating more space for our four-legged friends to run and play.
Thomas Oval dog park in South Yarra officially opened yesterday, becoming the latest dog park to be completed as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program.
Thomas Oval dog park now has a dedicated, fully fenced off-leash section with a quiet area, sandpit and shelter. The versatile new space is the perfect environment for dogs and their owners to exercise and socialise.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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So far, 28 of the 31 dog parks have been completed across Victoria, in suburbs stretching from Altona to Pakenham and as far as Mildura and Portland. The final three dog parks under construction in Eltham North and Reservoir West will open later this year, and one in Werribee to open in 2023.
The purpose-built parks include designated ball play areas, fencing, agility equipment, nature play elements, seating and drinking fountains.
These dog parks are delivered in partnership with local council, who received up to $275,000 from the state government to ensure the new facilities are purpose-built to meet each community’s needs.
The Suburban Parks Program invested $5 million towards 14 off-leash dog parks across metropolitan Melbourne with an additional 17 off-leash dog parks funded by the $2.5 million Building Works Stimulus program.
14 off-leash dog park locations
Gordon Barnard Reserve Dog Park, Balwyn North
Cairnlea Dog Park, Cairnlea
Casey Fields Dog Park, Cranbourne East
Edwardes Lake Dog Park, Reservoir West
Merrifield Dog Park, Mickleham
Roy Dore Dog Park, Carrum
Emerson Place Reserve Dog Park, Rowville
Parkwood Reserve Dog Park, Ringwood North
Thompson Reserve Dog Park, Maribyrnong
Cliff Whitworth Reserve Dog Park, Essendon West
Eltham North Dog Park, Eltham North
MO Moran Reserve Dog Park, Elwood
Thomas Oval Dog Park, South Yarra
Bulban Road Dog Park, Werribee
17 new off-leash dog parks in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne locations:
Alexandra Avenue Dog Park, Ararat
James Reserve Dog Park, Buninyong
Dowton Park Dog Park, Yarragon
Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park, Pakenham
Tirhatuan Park Dog Park, Dandenong North
Sandfield Reserve Dog Park, Carrum Downs
Barwon River Dog Park, Belmont
Henty Park Dog Park, Portland
PA Burns Reserve Dog Park, Altona
Avoca Street Dog Park, Eynesbury
Rio Vista Park Dog Park, Mildura
East Street Dog Park, Kilmore
Princess Park Dog Park, Shepparton
Barry Steggall Park Dog Park, Swan Hill
Redleap Reserve Dog Park, Mill Park
Belgrave Lake Park Dog Park, Belgrave
Rotary Park Dog Park, Warracknabeal
Work is also underway to upgrade 41 parks and 29 pocket parks across Melbourne as part of the Suburban Parks Program – creating up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.
“We promised to deliver new, quality open spaces for all Victorians – dogs included – and we are delivering,” D’Ambrosio said.
“We’re supporting councils to deliver quality projects for locals – this dog park is an important community asset, providing an opportunity for both owners and dogs to socialise outdoors.”
For further information about the dog parks under construction, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.
