New dog parks, pocket parks coming to your suburb

More green spaces are set to be rolled out across the city, with dog parks and pocket gardens to green up Melbourne.

More dog parks are set to be rolled out across Melbourne. File image: Alex Coppel

New dog parks and green spaces for families will be rolled out in Victoria after the pandemic highlighted the importance of outdoor areas.

Up to 13 new spaces, including five off-leash dog parks, will be set up under a new $15 million plan by the Victorian Government.

Essendon West, Balwyn North, Elwood, Mitcham and Ringwood North will receive dedicated dog parks, each with $275,000 in funding.

While larger parks for families and residents will be created in St Albans, Sunshine North, Footscray, Prahran, Oakleigh South, Frankston, Dandenong, Notting Hill, North Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Montmorency, Eltham and Glenroy.

On Sunday, Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio revealed the plan saying it added to a further 18 spaces already in the pipeline.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

The funding boost comes under round two of the $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will create 6,500 hectares of public open space including parkland and trails.

Local councils were invited to nominate sites for the new parks, and areas were chosen for their accessibility by road, public transport or well-linked to bike and walking tracks.

The dog parks will include designated ball play areas, rockeries, education and agility equipment and seating.

For full details, go to environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks/creating-new-parkland-across-victoria/local-parks