Belmont dog haven reopens

BELMONT’S popular dog park has reopened this week with new lawn and garden bed upgrades for dogs and their owners to enjoy.

The fenced, dog-friendly space under the James Harrison Bridge at 162 Barrabool Road in Belmont, covers 4,500 square metres and first opened to the community in between lockdowns on June 5 this year.

Thousands of dogs and their owners have used the dog park since its opening and the city temporarily closed the area for maintenance in order to reinstate the grass on site; improve site drainage; upgrade the garden bed edging with rocks and logs; and install a concrete pad underneath the drinking fountain.

Kardinia Ward councillor Ron Nelson said dogs played an important role in the lives of many Greater Geelong residents, with more than 30,000 registered across the region.

“Thanks to residents that have visited and provided feedback since the dog park opened, those suggestions have allowed us to make improvements to the facility that will make it a better experience for all,” Cr Nelson said.

“Thank you also to the Victorian Government for its support in making this facility possible – it’s been well-used and I’m sure the new grass will get tails wagging!”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens also welcomed the park upgrades.

“The fact that the Belmont dog park needed maintenance shows how popular this park is with dog owners who want safe, stimulating facilities to exercise their pets,” Ms Couzens said.

“It is a great social and recreational space for both pet owners and their dogs.

“We were pleased to work with the City of Greater Geelong council to deliver this popular facility.”

Community feedback in May 2020 helped guide the design of the Belmont dog park, with funding support through the state government’s Building Works Package, along with $15,000 from the city.

Features of the Belmont dog park include a dog training and obstacle area with challenges such as balance beams, hurdles, weave poles, a tunnel and sand area; separate spaces for passive and active dogs; shelter and seating; dog poo bags and bins; and access to drinking water for both people and pooches.

Greater Geelong dog owners also have access to the recently upgraded dog park at Stead Park in Corio, and will soon be able to visit the new Lara fenced dog park.

Planning is also underway for additional dog parks at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park and on the Bellarine.

The new facilities are part of council’s ongoing commitment to providing fenced dog parks throughout the region, following the adoption of the Fenced Dog Parks Siting, Design and Management Guidelines.

Community members visiting the Belmont facility are reminded to adhere to the current COVID-19 restrictions on gathering, to wear a face mask if they can’t physically distance and to clean up after their dogs using the bins on site.