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The City of Stonnington has advised that construction has started on a new dedicated dog park in South Yarra - the first of its kind in the City and a big win for dogs and the pet loving community.

The Thomas Oval dog park in South Yarra is being built by the City in partnership with the Victorian Government, with $275,000 awarded under the State’s Local Parks Program (dog parks) and $545,000 coming from the City’s Creating Open Spaces fund.

The park design is the culmination of an extensive engagement program that involved three rounds of community consultation over 12 months - from July 2020 to July 2021.

The final design delivers a fully-fenced, undulating space with separate fenced areas for active and quieter dogs, natural play elements, a large open grassed area, lighting, seating, shelters, trees and drinking fountains.

The dog park will take in the southern end of Thomas Oval and within the fenced area dogs will be allowed off-leash.

The rest of Thomas Oval will continue as an on-leash park suitable for exercising and more leisurely pursuits, like picnics.

An exercise station on the site of the new dog park will be relocated to the eastern side of the oval.

Construction will take around four months, plus an additional period to allow the turf to establish. Barring any delays we expect the park to open in Spring 2022.

Conveniently located next to the Main Yarra Trail and above Como Park North on Alexandra Avenue, when complete the Thomas Oval dog park will give locals and visitors a fantastic place to have fun with their pets.

City of Stonnington Mayor, Jami Klisaris advised “this is an exciting time for the City of Stonnington and our pet-loving community.  

“Stonnington boasts one of the highest pet ownerships of any Victorian local government, and with registrations in 2021 topping 8,900 it’s clear our dogs are a favourite.”

“Although we have parks where dogs can be let off-leash, Thomas Oval is our first dedicated dog park and is going to be something different and exciting.”

“I can’t wait to see the dog park finished and open and I’m really looking forward to seeing locals and visitors enjoying what is going to be a very special place.”

More on the project including the design is available at www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/thomasovaldogpark   

Image: Sod-turn for Thomas Oval dog park in South Yarra (L-R) Cr Marcia Griffin, Nina Taylor MP, Minster Lily D'Ambrosio, City of Stonnington Mayor, Jami Klisaris, Cr Matthew Koce, Cr Kate Hely  

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