St Albans Park dog owners will soon have a secure place to exercise their pets, with the Aldershot Reserve fenced dog park back once again on the council’s to-do list.
The dog park, which was shelved as part of the widespread cuts in Geelong council’s 2023-24 budget, has been reinstated in the City’s capital works program thanks to $852,133 of funding from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LCRI) program.
Detailed design of the park is due to begin in the next month, with works scheduled to begin in April and be completed in June 2024.
Part of the Aldershot Reserve Master Plan, the 4000sqm dog park will include active and passive dog spaces, paths, drink bowls, furniture, trees and landscaping.
Deputy Prime Minister and member for Corio Richard Marles said dog parks were a key part of local communities.
“The Albanese Government is thrilled to announce in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong that the local communities and their four-legged friends will be able to enjoy a new fenced dog park at Aldershot Reserve,” Mr Marles said.
“We have a growing number (of dog parks) across the community and we look forward to seeing this recreated at St Albans Park.”
Mayor Trent Sullivan thanked the federal government for the funding allocation.
“Aldershot Reserve is a place where many people like to exercise their dogs, and a fenced dog park was a frequent request during the development of the reserve master plan,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“We’ve seen the huge popularity of the fenced dog park in Belmont and we’re pleased to now deliver a facility for the community in Geelong’s eastern suburbs.”
