Have Your Say: Designated dog park proposed for Parkwood Reserve

Maroondah is set to welcome its second dedicated dog park with concept plans now available for community feedback.

Council has received funding from the Victorian Government Local Parks Program to construct a new off-leash dog park, earmarked for the former Parkwood College site in Tortice Drive, Ringwood North.

The proposed fully enclosed Parkwood Dog Park will become the second dog-only park for the municipality, following the opening of Maroondah’s first-ever exclusive dog park at Eastfield Park, Croydon, in May 2017.

The community and dog owners are invited to share their thoughts on proposed elements for the dog park, including what else they envisage for the area, via the Your Say Maroondah website portal. Consultation closes 5pm on Monday 10 January 2022.

Council’s project team will also be hosting face-to-face sessions on-site throughout December and early January to discuss feedback in person.

In 2019, the Victorian Government announced the creation of 16 new off-leash enclosed dog parks in Melbourne, including one location in Maroondah.

Following this announcement, Council conducted a feasibility assessment of its reserves to determine the most appropriate location for a new off-leash enclosed dog park, with Parkwood Reserve selected due to the available land area and minimal works required to prepare the site.

Councillor for McAlpin Ward Suzy Stojanovic said the proposed Parkwood Dog Park would cater for the growing number of dog registrations in Maroondah, which had increased by 5 per cent since 2017.

“While Maroondah has more than 50 parks and reserves, including 36 areas that permit dogs off-leash, fully enclosed dog parks have several advantages, including providing a secure environment where dog owners can bring their dogs to exercise and socialise, and which are fenced off from other park users,” Cr Stojanovic said.

“As Eastfield Dog Park has shown, dog-only parks are highly valued and highly utilised spaces. I encourage dog owners and non-dog owners alike to view our concept plan for the area and let us know what they think,” she said.

The proposed dog park will be fully enclosed and will feature double entry gates and a range of elements to keep dogs of all sizes entertained, including agility equipment and a time-out zone for younger and quieter dogs.

The purpose-built dog park will also include a perimeter walking/jogging track, drinking bowls, and tree and landscaping areas.

To have your say on the proposed concept plan for Parkwood Dog Park, visit the Your Say Maroondah portal. You can share your views with us either online, via email, by writing to us, or visiting one of our pop-up sessions in December and January.

If you would like further information on the proposed Parkwood Dog Park, please contact us on 9298 4598 or 1300 88 22 33.