A new fenced dog park, basketball half court and connecting path network are now open for the community's enjoyment at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park.
Built by the City of Greater Geelong, the $1.07 million fenced dog park and path network were funded with the help of $989,141 from the Australian Government via its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, with the remaining funds contributed by the Council.
The basketball half court, along with a new sealed car park and tree plantings, have been funded through the Council's open space renewals budget at a cost of around $165,000.
Designed by Fraser Design Collaborative, the fenced dog park features separate areas for active and passive dogs, with a mixture of surfaces and features such as boulders and logs.
Two drink fountains and dog bowls have also been installed, along with seating, fencing, a water meter upgrade and turf irrigation.
Supporting the Council's environmental sustainability aims, the park's garden beds have been constructed using 34 tonnes of compost made at the City's Anakiegarden organics processing facility.
The compost is made from garden organics collected from kerbside green bins, supporting a circular economy and reducing the overall project cost.
The improvements are in line with the Council's Aldershot Reserve Master Plan.
Council's 2024-25 budget includes funding over the next two years to carry out further upgrades set out in the master plan, including renewal of the playground.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio The Hon. Richard Marles MP:
Dog parks are an incredible asset to our city, and I'm thrilled to see Aldershot become such a success for our St Albans Park community.The Albanese Government has worked with the City of Greater Geelong to see this park come into fruition and can now be enjoyed by all – including our furry friends.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
The completed works are a major step in the transformation of the reserve.A fenced dog park was a major priority for the community when the master plan was developed, so it's amazing to see it now open and being enjoyed by local residents and their dogs.
The new and expanded 1.2km network of sealed paths replaces the old gravel paths to create better links to different parts of the reserve, while the sealed car park increases accessibility for the community.
We appreciate the Australian Government's funding support of this project and look forward to delivering more improvements in the reserve over the next couple of years.
