New Langwarrin Dog Park the paw-fect outcome for furry friends

Published on 30 April 2021

Frankston City Council has collaborated with the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, Melbourne Water, Langwarrin Community Centre and residents to make the pawsome Melaleuca Reserve Dog Park at Langwarrin a reality.

North East Ward Cr David Asker said the grassroots initiative demonstrates what can occur when Council partners and works with other levels of Government, residents and organisations.

Melbourne Water owns the main section of the land being used for the Melaleuca Reserve Dog Park at 95 Southgateway Langwarrin. The water authority has enabled Council to develop and maintain this land to deliver the project.

Cr Asker said: “The project was completed as the result of a great partnership and has achieved such a wonderful outcome for local residents and their furry friends. Council funding ($10,000) has been added to grants to achieve this community asset and off leash dog park.”

The Dunkley Stronger Communities Program recently provided $16,755 for the dog park with Langwarrin Township Committee ($5000), Langwarrin Community Centre ($10,000) and The Andrews Foundation ($5000) also providing vital assistance.

Cr Asker said works to create the new dog park included perimeter fencing, new water point and drinking fountains with dog bowls, concrete entrance bays at each of the two entrances and park seating.

“There’s more to come as Council finalises works at this great community space with a new concrete path, connecting each of the two entrances, to be installed in May. This will provide much needed wet-weather access for the public. It is estimated these additional works will cost $20,000,” Cr Asker said.

Cr Asker thanked the Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, for her continued support and for achieving such a wonderful outcome – partly via the Dunkley Stronger Communities Program – for residents.

Ms Murphy said: “This is great news for our local community and our four-legged friends. Congratulations to the Langwarrin Community Centre and the local community on this terrific result.

“For years, Langwarrin locals have been asking for a dedicated, secure, off leash dog park. I’m very proud that together we have delivered it,” Ms Murphy said.

Melbourne Water’s Leasing and Licencing Manager, Graeme Younger, congratulated Council on transforming an underused parcel of land into a community asset.

Mr Younger said: “We continually look for new opportunities and have been involved in a number of projects that support our communities living healthy lifestyles.

“Where we can, Melbourne Water is committed to improving access to nature and recreational facilities around our city working with our partners, such as local Councils.

“The last 12 months have shown us just how much people value having somewhere close by to relax and unwind and enjoy their natural environment,” Mr Younger said.

Langwarrin Community Centre members initially flagged the project in discussions with Council and Melbourne Water.

Centre manager Samantha Neeman said locals and their furry friends loved the new dog park, adding: “The park is a centre of activity where friends and neighbours gather and exercise with their companion dogs.

“The park is designed for the entire community and is constantly in use. The park is fully fenced with seating and drinking fountains and has all abilities access. It’s for people as much as dogs.

“Importantly, dogs facilitate friendly interactions among people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly as they solicit play,” Ms Neeman said.

Langwarrin Township Committee Past President, Rae Higman, said the Melaleuca Reserve Dog Park was a great outcome and locals loved visiting it with their dogs.