Why were the rose gardens removed?

• The proposal to transplant the roses to the Grenfell Road ‘wedge’ was not supported by Council’s Horticultural Team and the broader community.
• Roses can pose safety risks to children and dogs.

What changes were made to the design?

• The design was modified to remove the roses from the reserve and return these areas to grassed open space.

Were there any changes made to the dog off-leash areas?

• The southern section of the reserve (Heany Street end) has been designated as off-leash for many years. The northern section (Beverley Grove end) was changed to dog off-leash effective 1 July 2023. These changes were not part of the dog off-leash area upgrades.

What was the community feedback on the proposed fence?

• While the majority supported the proposed 1500mm fence and double gates, some feedback raised concerns about accessibility for people with prams, bikes, and those with accessibility challenges.

What changes were made to the fence design?

• The fence was changed to a 1200mm-high black mesh fence with a 1.2m-wide single gate with stop plate and self-closing hinges. A maintenance vehicle access gate was also added and the fence will be set back onto the existing turf beam with a mowing strip flush with existing levels.

What was the feedback on the digging pit?

• A small number of respondents did not agree with the digging pit due to cleanliness concerns.

What changes were made to the design?

• The digging pit was removed and replaced with boulders for informal seating and climbing opportunities for both dogs and children.

What concerns were raised about the Heany Street fence?

• Concerns were raised about dogs running through the car park to the vet on the corner of Heany Street and Waverley Road.

What changes were made to address these concerns?

• The design was modified to upgrade the ageing fence along Heany Street into the car park with a post and double rail fence, pedestrian and vehicle access, and plantings and boulders to create a visual barrier to slow down dogs.
• A removable bollard will be installed for maintenance vehicle access.

Why was the extra planting buffer removed from the design?

• The existing barrier plantings around the playground were deemed sufficient and did not require additional plants.

What new feature was added instead?

• New signage 20 metres from the playground will be installed to remind dog owners that dogs must be on-leash within 20 metres of the playground when in use.