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.

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.

The area will be closed for approximately 6 months to install all the features of the design.

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 and due to the nature of the works, it will not be possible to keep parts of the area open during construction. Installing the irrigation and grass will take around 6 months, and safely fencing off sections while leaving enough adequate space for the public isn’t feasible. Similarly, the concrete pathway works require full access to the site, and partial closures wouldn’t allow for safe use of the surrounding area.

Previous attempts to fence off grass areas within the dog off-leash space have proven unsuccessful, with fencing tampered with and the new grass sustaining damage before it could properly establish. To ensure the best long-term result for everyone, the area needs to be closed during construction. During construction, we’ll install clear signs to show other dog off-leash areas within a short drive’s distance. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period.

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.

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