Final landscape concept plan

Thank you for all your feedback during the trial changes to Gilpin Park including the refresh of the enclosed dog park. Your feedback is being reviewed as we prepare a Council Report on zoning changes.

The upgrades to the existing dog park area will begin 10 March. During construction works please use the new enclosed dog park close to Pearson Street. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Explore the works in more detail below.

Key Dates

Wednesday 11 March 2026 to Friday 19 June 2026

Enclosed dog park construction works

Sunday 1 March 2026 to Thursday 30 April 2026

Stage 1 dog walking project review and report writing

Analyse data, review outcomes and report to Council on the roll out of any proposed changes across all Merri-bek off-leash parks and reserves.
An illustrated aerial map of Gilpin Park dog park. In the top left corner Is a smaller map of the whole of GIlping park with the text
  • Simplified surface material area and removal of suggested smooth pebble area
  • Improvement of gate latches and stronger spring-loaded, self-closing gates
  • Agility areas reduced slightly from concept to ensure more open areas for throwing balls
  • Shelters to be partially enclosed on the west side to protect from prevailing winds
  • Existing small dog area to remain with a new gate connection between areas.
  • Increase in the area proposed for the sand pit

What we heard from the community about the draft enclosed dog park plan

People liked:

  • More seating in different locations
  • Use of mainly natural and recycled materials
  • More trees for more shade
  • A majority liked the removal of grassed surfaces and advocated for the proposed combination of granitic sand and mulched areas – no gravel
  • Agility areas are great, but reduce slightly from concept to ensure more open areas for throwing balls
  • New/more lighting is good – as long as lighting is wildlife friendly and on a timer to turn off for night-time wildlife considerations.
  • Sand pit area – some concerns with maintenance/longevity
  • Removal of boggy area on the east side of the park
  • Keep the raised area, but happy for it to be retained to prevent erosion
  • Keeping the existing ‘agility area’
Download a copy of the concept plan

Pilot plan

A map of the Gilpin park area. There are spaces blocked out in different colours indicating if dogs can be on or off leash.

Comparison

Slide the slider from left to right to see the existing dog off/on leash areas and the changes implemented for the pilot program.

Pilot program plan: Map of Gilpin Park pilot program zones Before: Map of Gilpin Park original zones

Thank you

Thank you for all your feedback about the trial Dog Walking project changes and the final concept plan for the enclosed dog park in Gilpin Park.

We have been in the park talking to the community regularly over the past six months and appreciate all your suggestions and feedback. We are now analysing data, reviewing outcomes and preparing a report to Council on the roll out of these changes across all Merri-bek off-leash parks and reserves.