“Paws” for celebration: Eades Park off-leash space for dogs now open

Four-legged city residents now have a dedicated area to run, play, and socialise, with the opening of the new fenced off-leash dog park at Eades Park on November 19.

A hard-fought victory for dog owners, the new park is the result of years of advocacy by CBD residents and those from surrounding areas. 

For the past four years, Joanna Peter, part of a dedicated group of “Flagstaff Gardens dog pawrents” and herself now known as the “Eades Park dog pawrent”, has been working tirelessly to secure a safe, welcoming space where dogs can enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the CBD.

“We realised there was quite a lot of dog owners in the area, and there was a need for a space where dogs can play and run safely within the city,” Joanna said.

As of September 2023, nearly 5,400 dogs were registered in the City of Melbourne, yet for CBD residents, the nearest off-leash park was a 30-minute walk away. 

With the opening of Eades Park, dog owners now have a nearby place for their pets to get much-needed exercise and to connect with others.

“It’s about so much more than just dogs running around, it’s a social gathering of the local community,” Joanna told CBD News.

Local residents Brett and Brendan also played a crucial role in advocating for the park, with Brett spearheading the first petition to establish a designated off-leash area.

Sadly, Brett and Brendan’s beloved beagle cavalier cross, London, who has been a cherished member of the Flagstaff Gardens dog community for the past 12 years, passed away before the park’s completion.

Joanna hopes the new space will serve as a place of joy for all dogs, their owners, and dog lovers alike, in memory of London and all the other pets who never had the chance to enjoy it.

“We want Melbourne to be just as liveable for our four-legged friends as it is for Melburnians,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

“We’re delighted to see the city’s newest fenced off-leash area open at Eades Park – a safe space for dogs to play, sniff and zoom to their hearts’ content.” •