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Your parks and green spaces

Strategic objective

Inviting and well-used community parks and green spaces.

Key figures

  • $17 million net operating cost
  • 71,623 indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers planted during the year
  • 79% community satisfaction with appearance of public areas

Case study

Annual commitment

Design and deliver additional “dog friendly play areas” within existing parks and reserves to provide enhanced opportunities for social interaction for owners and their dogs. 

Project overview

Gordon Barnard Reserve fenced dog play area.

Fenced dog play areas have been growing in popularity. With increased pressure on the urban environment, they provide a space for dogs, and their owners, to socialise and exercise in a safe and controlled environment. 

While there is approximately 219 hectares of open space designated as off-leash in Boroondara, there were no fenced dog play areas specifically designed to cater for dogs and their owners.

In response to community requests and changing community needs, Council has provided a fenced dog play area in a portion of Gordon Barnard Reserve in Balwyn North.

Project aims

Gordon Barnard Reserve was identified as the preferred location following an extensive site assessment process and community consultation held in March 2020. The area aims to provide a dedicated, fully enclosed space where dog owners can exercise, play, train and socialise with their dogs in a secured off-leash environment. 

The project provides new activities, opportunities and experiences for people to enjoy the urban parklands with their dogs, while also providing infrastructure to support the general use of the reserve.

Project outcomes

Feedback received from the community during the three phases of consultation has helped guide the project:

  • Consultation on the proposed location: March 2020
  • Consultation to amend Council’s Order to establish the area as a designated, fenced dog off-leash area: August to September 2020
  • Consultation on the draft concept design: January to February 2021

The final design has been developed based on community feedback, dog park specialist advice and industry design guidelines.

The area provides new opportunities to contribute to happy, healthy, well socialised dogs, and provides a space for dog owners to exercise and socialise with other dog owners and their canine companions.

The Gordon Barnard Reserve fenced dog play area is supported by the Victorian Government - Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning through the Suburban Parks Program.

Introduction