All smiles at ‘ruff’ day for new Sandfield Reserve Dog Park opening
Published on 16 July 2021
A ‘paw effort’ by Frankston City Council and the State Government has delivered a fantastic outcome for furry friends and their owners with the opening of the Sandfield Reserve Dog Park at Carrum Downs.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy was joined by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, the State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, Mayor Kris Bolam, North West Ward Cr Sue Baker, Council’s Director Communities, Dr Gillian Kay, community members and their much loved furry friends for a ribbon cutting event to open the dog park.
Cr Conroy thanked the State Government for its significant contribution of $87,000 towards the $206,000 project, noting that Ms Kilkenny and the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, had supported Council’s grant application.
The new dog park adds to the existing playground, basketball court and recently upgraded skate park, and reaffirms Council’s commitment to improving outdoor recreation opportunities in Carrum Downs.
Features include agility obstacles and a special second section just for our smaller furry friends.
Ms D’Ambrosio said: “Melbourne’s open spaces are at the heart of our city and bring enormous benefits to local communities. We promised to build dog parks for families and their pets to enjoy – and that’s what we’re delivering.”
Ms Kilkenny said: “I’m delighted to be opening this new dog park which will provide all our local dog owners with a great new park to share with their furry friends.”
Cr Conroy said: “I think we all know how important pets have become to our wellbeing over the past 18 months.”
Cr Baker said: “There are 15,208 dogs registered in Frankston City, but not everyone has a large backyard or suitable places where they can walk them off leash, exercise and enjoy nature as well. What we have created at the Sandfield Reserve Dog Park is an answer to that and it is a place for all ages.”
Cr Baker added: “There is more than 4,500 square metres of open space – in a designated zone packed with dog-friendly features. There is an agility area, which is what we are calling our playground for dogs! It’s got ramps, hoops, platforms and posts for dogs and owners who like a challenge.
“There’s even a time-out area for dogs who might be over-excited or over-exhausted, with seating for owners to relax as well,” Cr Baker said.
The Sandfield Reserve Dog Park complements the new Melaleuca Reserve Dog Park at Langwarrin and other ‘pawsome’ places for furry friends across Frankston City. For more information, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Our-Community/Animals/Free-Roam-and-Prohibited-Areas-for-Dogs