The proposed improvements are designed to create a more welcoming space where residents can relax, enjoy nature and spend quality time with their dogs.

Some of the highlights include:

Dog agility zones for enrichment and exercise

• The dedicated dog agility zones feature equipment to engage dogs in playful, challenging activities and mental stimulation, promoting better health and behaviour. This means more enjoyable and enriching outings for dogs and their owners.

Safe and accessible pathways

• A well-designed pathway allows safe and convenient access through the area for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. This makes it easier for dog owners to navigate the area while keeping an eye on their pets,and also helps separate pedestrian traffic from active dog play areas, improving safety for everyone.

Improved grass maintenance through irrigation

• We’ve listened to community feedback about the impact of heavy use on the grass in the off-leash area. To address this, we’re installing irrigation and re-turfing the space to keep the grass healthy and green all year round.

The project will be delivered in two stages to accommodate contractor availability. We will need to close the off-leash area during both stages.

• Stage 1: April-May 2026 (2 week closure)
• Stage 2: August-September 2026 to January-February 2027 (6 month closure)

Stage 1 will involve footpath upgrades.

Stage 2 will focus on improvements to the dog off-leash area.

Council provides the following dog off-leash areas within a 3-7 minute drive of Jack Edwards Reserve:

• Argyle Reserve – 240-260 Poath Road, Hughesdale
• Caloola Reserve – 85A Atkinson Street, Oakleigh
• Davies Reserve – 410A Huntingdale Road, Oakleigh South
• Princes Highway Reserve – 1658-1660 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh East
• Scotchmans Run Reserve – 2-12 Estelle Street, Oakleigh

Find your nearest dog off-leash area, and view all dog off-leash areas in Monash.

We need to close this area for 6 months for the long-term success of the upgrades, particularly the establishment of healthy grass. Newly planted grass needs time to grow strong roots and develop a resilient surface. In high-traffic areas – especially those used by people and dogs – this process is even more critical.

Allowing the grass to grow undisturbed means it has a greater chance of withstanding regular foot traffic once reopened. If the area is open too soon, the grass may not establish properly, leading to erosion, bare patches and ongoing maintenance issues. Most importantly, it leads to a less enjoyable space for you and your canine companion.

We’ve reviewed this option. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the works, it is not be possible to keep parts of the area open during the 2 construction stages.

Stage 1: footpath

To build the concrete footpath, we need full access to the site. Closing parts of the area around it would be unsafe for visitors.

Stage 2: equipment and irrigation and grass planting

Installing the irrigation and grass will take around 6 months, and we need to give the grass time to grow strong roots, so it has the best chance to stand up to regular foot traffic when the area's reopened.

When we previously attempted to establish new grass in this area, fences were tampered with and the grass was damaged before it could properly establish.

Closing the area off will help create the best long-term result for all visitors – especially our furry friends.

We’ll put up clear signs showing other nearby dog off-leash areas so you can easily find alternatives during this time.

We appreciate your patience. Your understanding and cooperation play a vital part in the success of these upgrades.

To speak to a community laws officer, please call 9528 3257.

In July 2023, Council endorsed prioritising future funding for a dedicated dog-off leash area in Oakleigh. This year, we secured $150,000 from the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks program to provide improvements to the off-leash area at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Council is also providing $50,000 towards the project, for a total budget of $200,000.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the features in the draft concept design - what you like, what could be improved, and any ideas you have for the design. Your feedback helps ensure our design process considers the community’s different wants and needs, within the scope of the project.

Refer to the table for what is in scope:

Feedback is open until 31 August 2025.