Long-awaited dog park at Aldershot Reserve to go ahead following federal funding

Almost three years after it was endorsed by council and six months after it was shelved because of budget pressures, a fenced dog park in Geelong’s eastern suburbs will finally be built. Woof.

Will Simmons with his dog Jasper at Belmont dog park. Geelong council is set to build a similar venue in St Albans Park. Picture: Alan Barber.

Tails are wagging after the federal government came to the rescue of our four-legged friends, providing more than $850,000 for a dog park in Geelong’s east.

Council put construction of the 4000sq metre fenced park at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park on hold last year due to budget pressures.

But the project, a key element of the Aldershot Reserve masterplan that was endorsed by council three years ago, is now back on the books courtesy of the government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) fund.

It is the second shelved project to be revived in the past week, following plans by City Hall to push ahead with an upgrade of Landy Field thanks in large part to $5m compensation from the state government for the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games.

Works on the dog park will begin in April and under the funding agreement construction must be completed by June 30.

The park will feature a mixture of surfaces with separate areas for active and passive dogs, and include external connecting paths, internal paths, landscaping, park furniture, fencing and drainage.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said a fenced dog park was a common request during development of the masterplan.

“We’ve seen the huge popularity of the fenced dog park in Belmont and we’re pleased to now deliver a facility for the community in Geelong’s eastern suburbs,” he said.

Brownbill ward councillor Melissa Cadwell, a St Albans Park local, said the project was important for the local community.

“I’ve received a lot of feedback and support from the local community that helped to get this project to this stage,” she said.

“I say this because the dog park forms part of the Aldershot Reserve masterplan, which is a topic many people from St Albans Park, Whittington, and Breakwater have been talking about for some time.

“Residents have been asking for this reserve to be updated and improved so local families can have a safe and welcoming space to play and be active.”

Other features of the Aldershot Reserve masterplan include a sealed “pump track” for bicycles and scooters, fitness area, improved shelter, barbecue and playground.

Council recently sought community feedback to help guide the upgrade of the playground.

The cost of implementing the masterplan is estimated at $3.2m.

The LRCI program sees councils across Australia nominate projects for federal funding.

Corio MP Richard Marles said dog parks were a key part of local communities.

“We have a growing number across the community and we look forward to seeing this recreated at St Albans Park,” he said.

Originally published as Long-awaited dog park at Aldershot Reserve to go ahead following federal funding