Dog Parks in Hume City - Feasibility Study

8/19/2019 Dog Parks in Hume City - Feasibility Study

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Feasibility Study – Dog Parks in

H Cit


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Feasibility Study - Dog Parks in Hume City

Hume City Council vision for dog parks

Dog parks will be places where the community can meet togetherto celebrate the importance of dogs as valued members of ourcommunity.

They will be places where individuals and families can visit withtheir dogs to learn new skills, play and have fun together.

They will be a focus, a reminder, of what we need to do and to beas responsible pet owners.

They will be attractive and inviting places where people are drawntogether because of their pets, contributing to community healthand wellbeing.


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Table of Contents

1. Purpose 1

2. Background Information 2

2.1 Providing diverse recreation opportunities 2

2.2 Hume dog population 2

2.3 Dog off-leash areas in Hume 3

2.4 Council’s responsibility for domestic animal management 3

3. Dog parks 4

3.1

What is a dog park? 4

3.2 Benefits of dog parks 4

4. Dog park management 5

4.1 Responsibilities of dog owners/carers 5

4.2 Facility management plan 6

5. Dog park planning 8

5.1

Open space planning 8

5.2 Dog Park vision and planning principles 9

5.3 Site evaluation criteria 10

5.4 Dog park design elements 12

5.5 Site amenity 13

6. Evaluation of possible sites for a dog park 14

6.1 Priority sites for further investigation 14


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Glossary of terms

Term Definition

Dog litter Dog droppings or excrement

Dog owner Includes a person who keeps or harbors the animal or hasthe animal in his or her care for the time being whether theanimal is at large or in confinement.

Dog parks Dog off-leash areas that are fully enclosed or fenced thatmay include natural rummaging environments and / oragility equipment.

Dog walker Refers to anyone responsible for the actions of a dog whenit is in a park, reserve or other public place.

Off-leash areas Areas where dogs are permitted to run off-leash but only ifthey are under effective control of their owner / walker.

On-leash areas Areas where dogs have to be on a leash at all times.

Open space Areas that include open parkland, play spaces, sportingareas, trails, natural environments.


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1. Purpose

The Feasibility Study – Dog Parks in Hume investigates the provision of dog parks in Hume and

provides a framework guiding the planning, development and management of facilities.The development of this report included:

An overview of the benefits of dog parks Criteria to evaluate the suitability of potential sites Dog park provision guidelines An examination of potential open space sites Recommendations for preferred site/s Detailed analysis of data and community feedback on the proposal for a dog park in

Hume City Recommendations and indicative costings

Given the diverse geographic nature of the city, it is proposed that consideration be given to thedevelopment a site in each of the three Hume principal planning areas of Sunbury,Broadmeadows and Craigieburn. In providing for all residents, this also allows for some diversityin the type of park that is developed.

Council is committed to providing a diverse range of leisure opportunities for residents, and todeveloping open spaces that supports a range of uses.


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2. Background Information

2.1 Providing diverse recreation opportunities

Council appreciates the importance of pets including the health and wellbeing benefits theybring to their owners. In recognition of these benefits Council supports opportunities to embracepets as part of the community.

Research undertaken for the publication Australians and Their Pets: The Facts1 highlights thesignificant health and wellbeing benefits associated with owning a pet:

People who own pets typically visit the doctor less often and use less medication. Pet owners on average, have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure and are less

likely to report feeling lonely. Pet owners recover more quickly from illness and surgery and cope with stressful

situations. Pet owners show lower levels of risk factors associated with heart disease. Pets have been shown to greatly increase quality of life for the elderly including reduced

tension, fatigue and confusion and increased feelings of enthusiasm, interest andinspiration.

Self-esteem has been shown to be higher in children or adolescents who have a pet.2

Of particular relevance to this report is the research cited in Living Well Together 3 which

highlights the growing body of research that shows how dogs are likely to contribute to thehealth and wellbeing of dog owners and their families:

Dog walkers are more likely to experience social contact and conversation than thosethat walk alone.

Dogs motivate their owners to walk more often and meet recommended levels ofphysical activity.

Children who own dogs are less likely to become overweight or obese. Young girls who own a dog spend more time per day in physical activity and as a result


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The largest dog communities in Hume are located in Sunbury (6,558 dogs) followed byCraigieburn (2,313 dogs), Greenvale (1,177) and Roxburgh Park (1,111 dogs) (Appendix 1).

Sunbury has by far the greatest number of dogs per head of population with 21 dogs for every

100 residents, significantly higher than the Victorian average. In comparison Craigieburn andGreenvale have a lower level of dog ownership with 11 dogs for every 100 residents, andRoxburgh Park seven dogs for every 100 residents.

Attwood has the second highest number of dogs per head of population with 15 dogs for every100 residents, followed by Westmeadows (13 dogs for every 100 residents).

The lowest level of dog ownership is in Campbellfield / Somerton with 5 dogs for every 100residents, followed by Dallas and Meadow Heights each with 6 dogs for every 100 residents.

In October 2010 Hume City Council resolved to investigate the feasibility of establishing a dogpark/s, which would add to the recreation and social opportunities available for dog owners.


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3. Dog parks

3.1 What is a dog park?

Dog parks are fenced areas that may contain a number of activity areas including open ball playareas and natural rummaging environments such as rock scramble areas or grassed areas. Thesize of the dog park will reflect the open space hierarchy, and the catchment served. A districtlevel facility will typically be 600-800m2.

The park may include educational or agility equipment for developing social and physical skills,and confidence in dogs.

Dog parks should include amenities for dog owners and other visitors to ensure it is anappealing social environment and a well-used community hub. These amenities include natural

shade or shade structures, water, seating, attractive and robust ground cover.Larger dog parks that attract people for longer stays should include access to toilets, carparking and picnic facilities located outside the dog park.

Examples of dog park concept plans in Mornington Peninsula and Manningham councils aredetailed in appendix 3 and 4.

3.2 Benefits of dog parks

Dog parks provide a range of benefits to both dogs and their owners/carers.The benefits of dog parks include:

A social environment wherepeople and their dogs canrecreate together with otherpeople and their dogs

Dogs and their owners can beseparate from other people who


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4. Dog park management

4.1 Responsibilities of dog owners/carers

Dog owners / carers are subject to the same responsibilities when using a dog park as thoserelating to dog off-leash areas. Dog owners / carers responsibilities relating to dogs in publicplaces include7:

Anyone in char ge of a dog is responsible for cleaning up their dog’s litter and carrying adevice suitable for doing this

Anyone in charge of a dog/s in any off-leash area must also- have their dog/s under effective voice control- have their dog/s in their sight at all times

- carry a leash- ensure their dog/s do not go within 10 metres of play, BBQ and picnic areas

(applies to both on-leash and off-leash)- ensure their dog/s are on a leash within 5 metres of a shared footway or bike

path.

Dog owners / carers will have additional responsibilities when using a dog park and will need tocomply with user regulations including:

The number of dogs any one person can take into a dog park is limited to two to ensure

dog owners / carers can manage dogs they are responsible for while in the dog park. Dog owners / carers should be discouraged from taking very young children into dog

parks as they can be overwhelmed by boisterous dog play and possibly knocked over.Children should be introduced to dogs in quiet and controlled environments so they learnto understand the nature of dogs and are not overwhelmed by them.

Children should be fully supervised by an older person who can monitor and reinforceappropriate behaviour. Owners/walkers must understand that the environments in dogparks such as rock scramble areas and agility equipment are for dogs. Children should


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Dog parks tend to become self-regulating. Experience from dog parks in the USA indicates thatresponsible dog owners put pressure on other dog owners. As a result responsible ownershipbehaviours are reinforced and wayward dog owners tend to cease using the dog park.

4.2 Facility management plan

Careful consideration will need to be given to the management and ongoing maintenance of adog park.

A facility management plan will be developed to address the following key areas:

Risk

A risk management plan to manage and where possible mitigate risk.

Maintenance

Scheduling of routine maintenance and surface restoration for times of the year, weekand day where minimal use is expected. Costs will vary depending on the level ofsubsurface drainage, the gradient of the land, soil conditions, the type of surface/undersurfacing and the level of use

Cleansing costs including general waste removal will vary depending on the level of use,the level of responsibility dog owners/walkers take in cleaning up after their dogs, thetype of surface. Increased use of the park may result in additional cleaning costsassociated with toilets, rubbish bins, and rubbish collection and picnic areas in the parkor reserve

Vegetation management and replacement including grass cutting Infrastructure maintenance and replacement associated with seating, dog

education/agility equipment, car parks, toilets, fencing etc. Council will develop proactive maintenance and risk management inspections including

a checklist and procedures for how outcomes are to be recorded.

Monitoring and education


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Signage is placed on the side of the facility most likely to be entered first, but not tocreate congestion points e.g. immediately inside gates

Signage requirements relate to:

- Regulatory signage addressing the issues above and how to report incidents ormaintenance issues- Equipment signage showing the appropriate use of equipment- Park etiquette- Responsibilities of dog owners/carers to ensure their dogs are under control at all

times Wording is checked for legal and insurance implications.

Ongoing community input

Survey park users periodically to determine their level of satisfaction with the facility andhow it can be improved.

Process for regular communication with users, the community, clubs and associations.


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5. Dog park planning

5.1 Open space planning

The planning and development of dog parks, as for all open space, is in keeping with the overallvision for open space in the city. The following vision for open space was developed for theHume City Council Open Space Strategy 2010-2015.

Council has developed standards of provision for the different categories of open space in thecity. This is to help achieve a consistent approach to the level of development at each type of

open space (Table 1).The larger the open space the larger the community area serviced by the space. Aneighbourhood space would generally service a local community where as a state level spacewould service a region larger than the municipality.

Table 1 – Categories of open space and suitability of dog parks and dog off-leash areas

Category or levelType of provision for dogs that may be considered

Hume City vision for open space

Hume will have a diverse range of open spaces, which satisfy the needs of peopleof all ages, cultural backgrounds, and abilities. The open space network will reflectHume’s natural and cultural heritage, protect indigenous flora and fauna, andenhance the visual quality of the urban landscape.

Reference: Hume City Council Open Space Strategy 2010-2015, p 14


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Dog parks will be planned in accordance with Council’s Open Space Strategy. The type andlevel of development that will be considered for each category of dog park is detailed in table 2,page 14.

5.2 Dog Park vision and planning principles

The same principles that guide the planning, design and provision of all open space areas applyto dog parks. In line with the Hume Open Space Strategy principles10, dog parks will:

Be places where people want to go because they are pleasant places to visit and tomeet with other people. Dog parks will include socialamenities such as seating and shade, will includelandscaped and green areas, and will have robustsurfaces to minimise erosion, dust and mud

Be safe, feel safe, and therefore be located in well-

Well-designed andmaintained parksengender a strong

Hume City vision for dog parks

Dog parks will be places where the community can meet together tocelebrate the importance of dogs as valued members of our community.

They will be places where individuals and families can visit with their dogs

to learn new skills, play and have fun together.They will be a focus, a reminder, of what we need to do, and to be asresponsible pet owners.

They will be attractive and inviting places where people are drawntogether because of their pets.


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5.3 Site evaluation criteria

An evaluation criterion was developed to assess the suitability of proposed dog parks inselected parks and reserves. The sites that best satisfied the primary evaluation criteria were

then assessed against the secondary evaluation criteria to identify the preferred site for thecity’s first dog parks.

Primary evaluation criteria

1. The space available in the open space to accommodate a dog park without itunreasonably impacting on the space available for existing park activities

The capacity of the site to accommodate a dog park, the number of activities that may beimpacted, the existing open space function, the ability to provide buffers betweenactivities if they exist and space allocated for existing activities were reviewed to allow

for growth in demand.

2. The level of environmental sensitivity associated with the open space

The impact the dog park may have on sensitive environments, wildlife areas, wetlands orprevious use that may require management arrangements, such as wildlife, formerlandfill.

3. Site access

Consideration was given to access from the catchment area, including barriers to access

e.g. major roads, creeks/waterways. The location of the site including the nature ofsurrounding land uses, the openness of the site and the nature of other activities that willattract additional park users and optimise causal surveillance were also considered.

Secondary evaluation criteria

4. The integration of the proposed dog park site with other park activities

The location of the dog park within the site should provide users connectivity to other


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Consideration was also given to the following factors to help determine the preferred site

10. The readiness of the site to accommodate a dog park in the near future

The ability to proceed immediately with the establishment of a dog park. A number offactors may mean the site is not in a state that would enable work to commence on theinstallation of a dog park in the near future including:

There are significant establishment works required as in the case of a newlyestablished reserve, or reinstatement or remedial works as in the case of a formerlandfill site, or

A master plan needs to be prepared to optimise the use of the site, or Another party owns the land and time is required to negotiate access and

conditions of access to the land.11. Whether the site is already a popular dog off-leash/on-leash area

This indicates the site is already well used and well liked for dog off-leash activities andhas a level of acceptance by the broader community for dog activities.

12. The number of people that will live within walking distance/the catchment of thesite in the future

If all else is equal the anticipated population growth in the area may determine the priority of

one site over another.


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5.4 Dog park design elements

Table 2 provides an overview of the type of features and amenities that may be considered foreach category of dog park reflecting the population catchment it provides for. Note that dog

parks or dog off-leash areas will not be provided in ‘neighbourhood’ parks.

Table 2: Dog park design elements

ElementOpen space category

CommentsSub-district District Regional

= Will not have # = Optimal ● = Should have

Core infrastructure

Fencing (1.2 metres high) ● ● ● No right angled corners – minimises opportunities

for dogs to be corneredEnclosures Consider opportunities if the space allows. Small

dog areas support older owners and owners withdisabilities who have small dogs.

‘Time out area’ allows for calming of overlyexcited dogs

single area ● ● ●

separate small dog area ●

time out area ● ●

dog training area ●

Double gated entry/exit (x2minimum)

# ● ● Min 2 entries to avoid congestion. If a large dogpark then may require more entry/exits.

Universal/disability accessibleMaintenance access gateway ● ● ●

Rules/regulations signage ● ● ● Locate away from entries to avoid congestion

Pathways Sealed surfaces for universal/disability access.

Textured/varied surfaces – educational elementfor dogs (confidence development)

approach pathways ● ● ●

internal pathways ● ● ●

textured pathways ● ●

Amenities


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5.5 Site amenity

The amenity of dog parks also needs to be considered through appropriate design so as tominimise impact on the local area.

FenceThe fencing of open space is minimised wherever possible, but there are situations wherethe fencing or partial fencing of open space is appropriate. Fenced dog parks areappropriate:

when there is a need or desire to separate dog off-leash activities from other parkactivities

to enable less mobile people and older people to let their dogs run off-leash in a secureenvironment

as a training ground for dogs learning obedience skills, and to provide a secure environment where dog owners can be less concerned about their

dogs encroaching on other park users or roads.

Noise

Research undertaken by Centre for Animals in Society11 indicates noise was not a keyissue raised by residents in relation to dog parks examined as part of a review conductedby the organisation. This is consistent with the experience of the Mornington Peninsula dog

park, which adjoins a number of residential properties.Measures can be taken to minimise potential noise impacts including:

locating approach pathways away from the dog park boundary to minimise dogsbecoming excited as they approach the park

planting low lying plants along pathways to distract dogs approaching the park and inthe park from each other

designing major activity areas in the dog park away from adjoining or nearby properties planting buffer plantations


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6. Evaluation of possible sites for a dog park

There are 620 open spaces in Hume that cater for a variety of passive and active opportunities,habitats and natural environmental features such as waterways, woodlands, and grasslands.

All open spaces were examined to identify sites that potentially had the space available toaccommodate a dog park.

Potential sites assessed against the evaluation criteria were:

Sunbury Park, Sunbury Broadmeadows Valley Park – John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, Westmeadows Craigieburn Gardens, Craigieburn Spavin Drive Reserve, Sunbury

Mt Ridley Hilltop Reserve, Craigieburn Greenvale Recreation Reserve, Greenvale Jacksons Creek Reserve, Sunbury Bolinda Road former landfill, Campbellfield

The detailed site evaluation is presented in Appendix 5.

6.1 Priority sites for further investigation

Sites were then assessed for their suitability to accommodate a dog park in line with the primary

and secondary evaluation criteria outlined in section 5.The sites that best satisfied the primary evaluation criteria where then assessed according tothe secondary evaluation criteria. These were

Sunbury Park, Sunbury Broadmeadows Valley Park – John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, Westmeadows Craigieburn Gardens, Craigieburn Spavin Drive Reserve, Sunbury

Tables 3-6 detail the benefits, considerations and recommendations for the four shortlisted


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Table 3: Sunbury Park evaluation summary

Site 1: Sunbury Park, Corner Jacksons and Harker streets, Sunbury (Crown land managed by Hume City Council)

Dog off-leash area, Open space classification: unclassified, Site Function: informal Parkland

Site evaluation score - Primary evaluation criteria score 27, Total evaluation criteria score 99

Benefits of the site Other considerations Recommendation

Sunbury has the highest level of dog ownershipin Hume

Sunbury Park is an existing dog off-leash area

Well-established park with attractive naturalfeatures

No formal activities on the site to be impactedby enclosing an area for a dog park

Existing infrastructure includes toilets, water andshade/shelter

A small informal designated car park already

services the siteThere are no residential properties immediatelyabutting the site and the local road provides abuffer between those in the adjoining street

Good proximity to residential areas withinwalking distance via the street network

The size of the area to be enclosed needs totake into account the type and level of use of thesite for other recreation activities such aspicnics, ball play, ‘reflective’ / quiet activities andcross country running events

A possible increase in traffic due to peopledriving to the site

Community perceptions relating to the change incharacter of the park, lighting, noise, sitecleanliness and existing inappropriate use of thepublic toilets

Community consultation as part of the conceptplanning phase

Council will be required to amend the parksregulations by an Order in Council and amendthe Victorian Government Gazette inaccordance with Section 13(4) of the CrownLand Reserves Act 1978 permitting dog off-leash (existing practice) as per VictorianGovernment Gazette on 11 April 1984.

DSE is required to undertake a native titleassessment to ensure the requirements under

the Native Title Act 1993 are met

Sunbury Park is recommended as a districtdog park with the potential to upgrade to aregional park in the future, subject todemand

Recommend a Master Plan for SunburyPark guiding future character, development,management and maintenance of the Parkfor all users. The Master Plan will include adog park concept plan giving considerationto the size and features of the facility andancillary infrastructure. Usage will be limited

to daylight hours only and so won’t be lit.The plans will be prepared as the basis forfurther community and stakeholderengagement in 2013/14.

Classify the hierarchy of Sunbury Parkusing the guiding principles in Hume CityCouncil’s Open Space Strategy 2010-2015

Review the extent of the existing off-leasharea.

Conduct a native title assessment


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Table 4: Craigieburn Gardens site evaluation summary

Site 3: Craigieburn Gardens, Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn (Council owned and managed)

Dog on leash area, Open space classification: District, Site Function: Formal Parkland

Site evaluation score - Primary evaluation criteria 27, Total evaluation criteria 91


In a built up residential area with good footpath andtrail networks

Other related facilities provided at the site includingchildren’s playground, open ball play areas, picnic /BBQ facilities, walking/cycling/scooter trails

The Craigieburn Gardens Master Plan (2012)recommends the development of a dedicated dogexercise park as a priority action

Craigieburn has a below average level of dogownership for the city (11 dogs / 100 people,12/100 for Hume as a whole), however thesuburb has the second highest number ofdogs (2,313) after Sunbury (6,558). Thesuburb is however more compact thanSunbury which increases the potentialcatchment of the site

Most of the site has a sense of ‘isolation’because it sits behind the leisure centrelocated on its northern boundary andresidential properties on its other boundaries,however planned improvements identified inthe Craigieburn Gardens Master Plan willreduce the impact and activate the park

Significant landscaping and vegetationrequired to make it an appealing site

Recommended as a priority site for a districtdog park particularly given the immediateresidential catchment.

Prepare concept plans for communityconsideration in 2012/2013

Community consultation required as part ofthe concept planning phase

Designate the facility as a dog off-leasharea


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Table 5: Broadmeadows Valley Park – John Ilhan Memorial Reserve site evaluation summary

Site 2: Broadmeadows Valley Park - John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, Barry Road, Westmeadows (Council owned and managed)

Dog off-leash area, Open space classification: Regional, Site Function: Sport and Informal Parkland



Significant open spacePotential for additional space available for dogoff-leash activities outside the proposed dogpark

Formal roadway into the site

Dog activities already at the park

Toilets within 500 metres of the site

Broadmeadows Obedience and Dog Club(BDOC) are located on site and would providecomplementary opportunities

An area has been identified on the John Ilhan

Memorial Reserve plans to include a dog park

The proposed site is currently used by the dogobedience club, however the club indicates it willrelinquish their license over the site when thenew site is available for their use

The John Ilhan Memorial Reserve Concept Planhas been developed. It guides the planning anddevelopment of the precinct and f lags a new dogtrials/training area to the south of the existingcompound, and potential for a proposed dogpark

Westmeadows has 13 dogs / 100 people, which

is slightly above the city’s average (12 / 100 ).However because of the size of the park, itsboundary with abutting residential areas in somecases is in excess of 700 metres, reducing itswalkable catchment

Limited car parking available at the proposedsite, which would require additional provisionparticularly at times when the dog obedienceclub is operating. A limited number of new carparking spaces are planned in association withthe proposed trials / training area

A road barrier on approach to the site restricts

car access outside times used by BDOCPlantings and landscaping is required toenhance the appeal of the site and provideshelter

Community consultation required as part of theconcept planning phase

Recommended as a site for a future dogpark but there are a number of factors thatmay limit use

Could be a site for a district dog park giventhe co-location of the dog obedience cluband the potential for a large allocation ofspace. This would require a review ofrelevant management plans

Consider design and layout of dog park inpreparing detailed designs for John IlhanMemorial Reserve redevelopment.


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Table 6: Spavin Drive Reserve site evaluation summary

Site 4: Spavin Drive Reserve, Spavin Drive, Sunbury (Council owned and managed land)

Dog off-leash area, Open space classification: District, Site Function: Informal Parkland



The park is in Sunbury which has the highest level ofdog ownership in Hume

A section of the park is an existing dog off-leasharea

Well-established park with attractive natural features

No formal activities on the site to be impacted byenclosing an area for a dog park

Good proximity to residential areas within walkingdistance via the street network

The site is undergoing a master planningprocess that will identify infrastructuredevelopment priorities across the site

Community consultation required as part ofthe next planning phase

The site has a poor street profile beinglocated behind housing and shielded fromthe street by trees

Basic amenities such as toilets and carparking are not available on or near the siteand are unlikely to be in the near future

Recommended for future consideration as asite for a sub-district dog park subject todemand

Consider potential location of dog park inthe development of the Spavin DriveReserve Master Plan (currently beingdrafted).


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7. Recommendations

The sites scoring highest against the primary evaluation criteria were evaluated against the

secondary site evaluation criteria (appendix 5). These four sites were: Sunbury Park Broadmeadows Valley Park (John Ilhan Memorial Reserve) Craigieburn Gardens Spavin Drive Reserve

Community feedback through consultation on the draft study further supported the establishmentof dog parks at Sunbury Park and Craigieburn Gardens and that a facility is considered atBroadmeadows Valley Park at a later stage, subject to demand.

Sunbury Park and Craigieburn Gardens were prioritised for the first dog parks in Hume City basedon the supporting information obtained through the evaluation criteria and community support.

Broadmeadows Valley Park will be considered at a later stage due to the lower dog numbers in thearea and additional works required to complement a dog park.

Spavin Drive was discounted based on the poor street profile and lack of basic amenities, whichare available at Sunbury Park.

7.1 Sunbury Park

Actual dog park site size is approximately 600 to 800m2 and will be confirmed within marked areas.

The location of the dog park will be determined following further community consultation.

Sunbury Park is one of the two preferred priority sites for a dog park for the following reasons:

Sunbury has a significant registered dog population with over 30% of the city’s dogsresiding in Sunbury

The park is of sufficient size to accommodate existing activities and incorporate a mediumto large size dog park including off-sets from other park activities and adjoining properties


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The park has a variety of natural features such as treed / shaded areas and an undulatinglandscape

The park is well located and is ‘walkable’ from nearby residential areas via the footpathnetwork

The site is open and easily observed from adjoining streets and properties that front thereserve

Car parking is available in the small car park and in Harker Street. This provides a numberof options for car parking for people with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Formalising ofcar parking can occur at a later time if required

Basic toilet, water and seating facilities are already available at the park Infrastructure is already available at the reserve including a rotunda

The design and management of a dog park will respond to or address:

Some residents concern about parkland being fenced for dog activities, and potentialnegative impact on the Reserve’s amenity. Barriers, including fencing, separating dogsfrom other reserve users will take into account the amenity of the park and in particular itsnatural setting

Current park usage for passive walking, dog off-leash activities, and occasional crosscountry running events will be maintained

Maintenance practices and how service levels will respond to increased usage Land owner consent and required changes to State Government regulations Native Title Assessment required Park hierarchy and function needs to be determined Educating park users.

7.2 Craigieburn Gardens

The following summarise the features that warrant Craigieburn Gardens as one of the preferredpriority sites:


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Car parking is available Water, picnic and BBQ facilities are already available at the park Other activities are already available at the reserve including shelter and play equipment.

The design and management a dog park will respond to or address:

Designating the dog exercise park as a dog off-leash area Educating park users.

7.3 Indicative costing

The next phase of the planning for the dog park and the budget available to the project willinfluence the actual cost of the facility. An indicative cost for a range of essential elements for adog park is in the order of $150,000.

Table 11: Indicative costing for a district level dog park

Element Cost Estimates Comments

Core Infrastructure Costs

$

Fencing (1.2 metres high) 26,000 Based on external fencing and internal fencing

allowance and gatesSignage 7,000 Depending on artwork / finish required and extent of

signage required e.g. for equipment use

Pathways allowance8,000

Depending on extent of pathways and whether internaland external pathways required

Water fountains / connection allocation6,000

Universal/disability access. Include dog waterfaucet/bowl


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7.4 Next Steps

It is recommended that concept plans for a dog park at Sunbury Park and Craigieburn Gardens bedeveloped. The plans will include design elements for a district level dog park as the basis for

community consultation.The planning of the Craigieburn Gardens dog park will commence in 2012/2013 as part of theCraigieburn Gardens Master Plan implementation. This will include internal/external consultationon the draft concept plan, determination of park elements, size and layout and preparation ofcommunity education information.

A master plan for Sunbury Park will be prepared taking into consideration all reserve users. ThePark Master Plan will include a dog park facility concept plan detailing the size, management,maintenance of the facility as the basis for further community consultation. The Master Plan and

facility concept plans will guide the development of the dog park in 2013/14.In addition, Council will review the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2009 in late 2012. Thereview will incorporate the findings and recommendations from this feasibility study, includingCouncil’s ongoing community education role of responsible pet management. The Dogs in PublicPlaces Policy (amended September 2003) will also be reviewed to include the recommended off-leash areas.


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Appendices

Appendix 1 – Hume City Council Dog ownership

Suburb No. of dogs% of total dog

populationPopulation(2006 Census)

Number of dogs /100 people

Attwood 432 2.38 2,914 15

Broadmeadows 774 4.27 9,801 8

Campbellfield / Somerton 274 1.51 5,404 5

Coolaroo 289 1.59 3,086 9

Craigieburn 2,313 12.75 21,018 11

Dallas 373 2.06 6,033 6

Gladstone Park 952 5.25 8,666 11

Greenvale 1,177 6.49 10,852 11

Jacana 220 1.21 1,958 11

Meadow Heights 863 4.76 14,545 6

Roxburgh Park 1,111 6.12 16,900 7Sunbury 6,558 36.15 31,198 21

Tullamarine 625 3.45 6,323 10

Westmeadows 764 4.21 5,862 13

Airport Rural (*) 708 3.90 3,195 22

TOTAL 18,141 100 147,755 12

* Fawkner included in Campbellfield figures


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Appendix 2 – Hume City Council dog off-leash areas

ReserveSportingReserve

TimeRestrictions

Apply

Melway

SUNBURY

1 Emu Bottom Wetland (except for high conservation area - Horseshoe Bend) No No 362 F72 Eric Boardman Reserve Yes No 381 G53 Heyson Drive Reserve (between Heyson Dve & Wright Crt) No No 381 J24 Langama Park Yes No 381 K65 The Nook No No 382 G4

6 Spavin Drive Dam and Kismet Creek (part of - area immediately below the damand designated dog swim area)

No No 362C11

7 Stewarts Lane Nature Reserve (part of - open clearing in the middle) No No 361K128 Sunbury Park (not in equestrian area) No No 382 F69 Sunbury Recreation - Clarke Oval Yes No 382 C2

BROADMEADOWS

10 Anderson Reserve Yes No 6 H1111 Barry Road Reserve / Broadmeadows Valley Park Yes No 6 G312 Broadmeadows Valley Park (between Johnstone and Dimboola St) No No 6 E7

13 Gibb Street Reserve Yes Yes 6 K414 Jacana Valley Park (part of) / Jacana Reserve Yes No 6 E815 Laura Douglas Reserve Yes No 7 C416 Seabrook Reserve Yes No 7 A817 Will Will Rook No No 7 B9

WESTMEADOWS

18 Westmeadows Reserve Yes No 6 A919 Willowbrook Reserve Yes No 5 J620 Jacana Reserve Yes Yes 6 D8

F ibilit St d D P k i H Cit


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Appendix 3 – Mornington Peninsula Dog Park Concept Plan

Feasibility Study Dog Parks in Hume City


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Appendix 4 - Rieschiecks Reserve, Manningham City Council Concept Plan



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Appendix 5 – Evaluation of 8 potential dog park sites

The first 4 highlighted sites are those that proceeded to secondary evaluation stage because of their high score on the primary evaluation criteria.

Criteria

BroadmeadowsValley Park

(John Ilhan MemorialReserve)

SunburyPark

(Harker &Jackson St)

CraigieburnGardens

Spavin DveLake

Mt RidleyHilltop

Reserve

GreenvaleRec Res

Jacksons CrkReserve

BolindaRoad

(former landfill)

Primary Site Evaluation Criteria

1 The space available on the site to accommodate a dogpark without it unreasonably impacting on the spaceavailable for existing park activities and to enable abuffer between adjoining activities / properties

8 8 8 9 8 5 7 10

2 No environmental sensitivity associated with the sitesuch as the close proximity of wildlife areas, landfill

10 10 10 7 7 7 3 5

3 The site does not have perceptual or physical barriersthat limit access e.g. highway

6 9 9 8 4 4 6 0

SUB TOTAL 24 27 27 24 19 16 16 15Secondary Criteria - Site considerations

4 The site is not isolated from other parkland activities 7 10 10 7

5 The site has good natural features including naturalshade, attractiveness of the landscape

6 7 7 8

6 The site has existing and accessible infrastructure suchas - car parking, toilets, picnic areas / shelters

7 9 6 4

7 Good linkages to the site via the shared path network 6 8 8 7

SUB TOTAL 26 34 31 26

Secondary Criteria - Demographic considerations



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Feasibility Study Dog Parks in Hume City

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Criteria

BroadmeadowsValley Park

(John Ilhan MemorialReserve)

SunburyPark

(Harker &Jackson St)

CraigieburnGardens

Spavin DveLake

Mt RidleyHilltop

Reserve

GreenvaleRec Res

Jacksons CrkReserve

BolindaRoad

(former landfill)

8 The number of people living near the park and whowould potentially be able to walk to the site

6 8 9 7

9 The number of dogs residing within walking distance ofthe site 6 8 6 7

SUB TOTAL 11 18 15 14

Other considerations

10 The readiness of the site to accommodate a dog park inthe near future

7 8 8 8

11 Whether the site is already a popular dog off-leash / on-leas area (formal or informal). This indicates the site isalready well used and well like for dog off-leash activities.

7 8 2 7

12 Significant increase in the number of people who will live

within walking distance / catchment of the site in thefuture

4 6 8 7

SUB TOTAL 18 22 18 22

TOTAL (MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE 120) 80 99 91 86

Documents

Dog Parks in Hume City - Feasibility Study