Allumba Park Dog Off Leash Area
Design Intent
This project was designed within a large grass reserve that transformed into a fenced dog park with extensive gravel hardstand, lots of furniture with 3 separate shelters for plenty of shade opportunity, extensive planting of native shrubs and canopy trees. The project scope included 3 concrete path connections to existing shared use pathways, along with public lighting aspects to offer security and some limited use after daylight hours.
Project Delivery and Outcome
Whilst the project design is a simple approach to a very functional dog off leash area. The site presented some challenges that needed to be well planned, communicated and flexible changes considered during construction. The northern part of the site included a raised rocky outcrop that had been completely overrun by blackberries, this needed to be chemically treated over a series of visits and mechanically removed to avoid any risk of their return. We had to work with council to avoid considerable cost to remove all the rock and excess soil from this area, the approach was to use all the rock around the larger site as informal seating and vehicle exclusion, then cut and shape the soil to create a grass mound with planted swale. The natural topography of the site meant we had to carefully consider locations of the maintenance access gates and airlock sections for dogs and their owners to enter site without creating areas that might allow dogs to escape. These outcomes were both financially beneficial and provided additional design benefits.
Testimonials
Working with MLG is always a positive experience. They go above and beyond, maintain excellent communication, and always leave a tidy site. You can trust that the job will get done to a high standard, and if something doesn’t look right or extra work is required, they’ll proactively address it to ensure the client is completely satisfied.
— Senior Parks Project Manager, City of Whittlesea