Victorians are to have increased access to green spaces close to home with 13 new pocket parks and five off leash dog parks across Melbourne’s suburbs.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said the $15 million allocation came under round two of the Suburban Parks Program, which is to create 6,500 hectares of public open space including parkland and trails.
“When complete, the pocket parks will include community event areas, landscaping and greenery, improved pedestrian connections, seating, shade, play areas and drinking fountains,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The purpose-built dog parks will also include designated ball play areas, rockeries, education and agility equipment and seating,” she said.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the new dog parks would be created in Essendon West, Balwyn North, Elwood, Mitcham and Ringwood North.
The Minister said each new pocket park was 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,” she said.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the parks were selected for funding based on their accessibility by road, public transport or bike and walking tracks.
Further information on the pocket and dog parks can be accessed on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s website at this PS News link.
