28 Jan 2021 Media Release

New dog park for Ringwood North

The Andrews Labor Government is building a dog park for families to enjoy in Ringwood North, as part of the latest million-dollar investment in green and open spaces.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Sonja Terpstra today announced Parkwood Reserve is one of 18 new parks to be built under round two of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will create 6,500 hectares of public open space including parkland and trails.

Parkwood Reserve will be Maroondah’s second off-leash dog park, providing residents with further opportunities to utilise a safe and enclosed off-leash space with their furry friends.

The Labor Government is working with local councils to deliver 13 new pocket parks and five new dog parks, which are in addition to the 15 new pocket parks and 26 off-leash dog parks announced last year.

The ongoing program will also create jobs in industries including construction, design and landscaping as Victoria rebuilds from the economic impacts of coronavirus.

The new dog parks, each allocated up to $275,000, will be created in Essendon West, Balwyn North, Elwood, Mitcham, and Ringwood North.

Each new pocket park is funded up to $1.3 million and spread across new and established neighbourhoods in St Albans, Sunshine North, Footscray, Prahran, Oakleigh South, Frankston, Dandenong, Notting Hill, North Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Montmorency, Eltham, and Glenroy.

Local councils were invited to nominate sites for the new parks, which were assessed by an independent panel.

The parks were selected for funding based on their accessibility by road, public transport or well-linked to bike and walking tracks.

When complete, the pocket parks will include community event areas, landscaping and greenery, improved pedestrian connections, seating, shade, play areas and drinking fountains.

The purpose-built dog parks will also include designated ball play areas, rockeries, education and agility equipment and seating. For more on the pocket and dog parks visit, environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks/creating-new-parkland-across-victoria/local-parks

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of open green space close to home and these new parks will deliver just that – building on our reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.”

“These parks will create local jobs while they’re being built, boost surrounding local businesses and provide social, health and wellbeing benefits for families and their pets for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Sonja Terpstra

“We’ve all spent more time than usual meeting with friends and family in our local parks this past year – and we’ve been reminded of the many benefits green spaces can bring.”

“There’s so much to enjoy about being outdoors and a new park in Ringwood North will make it that much easier for locals to enjoy nature and catch-up with loved ones, including our four-footed friends.”