Victorian Government backs 13 new pocket parks in Melbourne’s suburbs

January 25, 2021

The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of open green space across Melbourne’s suburbs with a $15 million investment in 13 new pocket parks and five off leash dog parks.

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.

The Victorian Government will work with local councils to deliver 18 new parks in addition to the 15 new pocket parks and nine off-leash dog parks announced in May 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, 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.

Announcing the funding, Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio stated “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.”

Click here for more on the pocket and dog parks.

22nd January 2021 - Victorian Government increases funding for Botanic Gardens

14th December 2020 - City of Melbourne employs additional staff to keep parks clean through the festive season

10th December 2020 - Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens sees return of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ production for summer school holidays

2nd November 2020 - Victorian Government appoints new members to Parks Victoria Board

2nd October 2020 - City of Melbourne encourages social distancing by park users

21st September 2020 - Parks Victoria passes 25 year landmark in protecting the Grampians

15th September 2020 - Easing of Coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria to allow resumption of outdoor activities and dining

11th September 2020 - VIC Active claims government’s proposal for outdoor training is impractical

7th September 2020 - Melbourne’s Royal Park seeding initiative aims to produce first indigenous wildflower meadow

26th August 2020 - New dog parks to be created across Victoria

11th June 2020 - Geelong to create two new fenced unleash dog parks

4th May 2020 - Australians’ physical activity declines during Coronavirus lockdown

26th March 2020 - World Urban Parks emphasises that ‘Nature Never Closes’

5th March 2020 - Moreland reserve upgrades its female facilities

19th February 2020 - Baw Baw Council set to construct fenced dog parks

23rd December 2019 - Victoria Government funding seeks to preserve treasured botanic gardens

15th October 2019 - Community vision for Melbourne’s new public open space

18th February 2019 - Parks Week aims to raise awareness of value of Australasia’s open spaces

23rd February 2018 - Value of green space to be celebrated through Parks Week 2018

27th June 2008 - Parks Forum highlights value of parks

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.