We’re seeking community feedback on our concept plan to transform Spring Road Park in Hampton East into a secure dog off‑leash area.

Hampton East is one of Bayside’s most densely populated suburbs, with more than 5,000 residents living within just 1.44 km² and population expected to grow by 34% by 2036.

As the suburb grows, high‑quality open space becomes increasingly important for social connection, recreation, and wellbeing.

Spring Road Park is currently underutilised, with fencing that already makes it function informally as a dog park. It’s play equipment is below standard and soon to be removed. There are two playground at Basterfield Park, which is only 250m away.

The concept plan proposes improvements that would make the park a more functional off-leash space for local dog owners.

Bayside currently only has one dedicated full fenced off-leash area. This project responds to strong calls from our community for more secure facilities for off leash exercise.

Bayside has a high level of dog ownership (around 13,000 registered dogs), with dog(s) residing in around one in three households.

This community engagement program will only consider feedback from the community on the design elements included in the concept design of the off-leash facilities at Spring Road Park, Hampton East. It does not include modifications for the use of the site.

Environmental impacts

• Improved infrastructure for dogs and their owners/walkers
• Improved visual appearance
• Improved environmental outcomes through native and indigenous planting and vegetation

Social and community impacts

• Potential impact neighbouring properties if the area generates higher than usual activity for longer periods of the day
• May experience a short to medium term increase in traffic while the space is perceived as ‘new’ and ‘upgraded’.

Financial impacts

• Budget to improve the park as an off-leash area.

We’re seeking feedback to understand if the concept design of the off-leash area at Spring Road Park, Hampton East reflects the local community’s needs and aspirations for the space

What can the community influence?

• Type and location of supporting infrastructure (bins, seating, water, waste bag dispenser, education signage, double gates etc)
• Types of vegetation and planting locations
• Whether the park includes dog agility equipment
• The overall look and feel of the park

What can’t the community influence?

• Use of the land at Spring Road Park – Council decided in December 2025 to create a concept design for converting the Spring Road Park in Hampton East into a dedicated dog off-leash park. This means other uses for the space are not currently being considered eg organised sport, biodiversity or passive recreation.
• Elements within the design required to meet accessibility standards
• Removal of the playground. The playground is scheduled for removal as part of Bayside’s Playground Improvement Plan. It will not be replaced. There are two alternate playgrounds within 250m at Basterfield Park.
• Existing or new infrastructure additional to the proposed concept design, e.g. no new public lighting.
• Budget allocated to the project.This will be determined through the 2026-27 budget process.

This stakeholder assessment is a generalised understanding of sections of the community that have a connection to the project or matter. This information is used to understand the types of tools and techniques that will achieve the strongest and most effective outcomes for engagement and communication.

Impact: What level of change the stakeholder / community segment may experience as a result of the project / matter

Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated

Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum

Stakeholder / community	Impact	Interest	Influence
Current users of of Spring Road Park	H	H	Consult
Neighbouring residents	H	H	Consult
Bayside Dog Alliance	M	H	Consult
Local registered dog owners	M	M	Consult
Local residents	M	M	Consult
Broader Bayside community	L	L	Consult

The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought. The impact of COVID-19 restricts our ability for face-to-face communication, as well as slower distribution of printed mail.

Key tools for communicating the project

• Email notification to Have Your Say members and Domestic Animal Management Plan project subscribers
• SMS or email to registered dog owners in Hampton East
• Website news story and This Week in Bayside e-newsletter
• Social media posts
• Letters to neighbouring residents
• Postcards for residents in walkable catchment
• Direct emails to key stakeholder groups
• Large scale site signage
• Digital screens at the Corporate Centre and Hampton and Sandringham libraries

Key methods for gathering feedback

• Online engagement through Have Your Say, including opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback
• Drop-in sessions at Spring Road Park (3, including dedicated session for neighbouring residents)
• Bookable meetings with project officer(s)
• Phone, postal and email correspondence.

Timeline:
Community engagement – Concept designs	Active	2 March – 29 March 2026 Community feedback from this phase will be considered by Council Officers to guide the detailed design
Detailed design	Incomplete	April 2026 A detailed design will be created incorporating feedback from the community based on the concept design. The cost of construction will be referred to the 2026–27 budget process
Construction	Incomplete	From late 2026 to mid 2027

Community feedback from this phase of engagement and the next steps for the project are expected to be considered by Council Officers and consultants, including a specialist landscape designer in April 2026.

Following this, a detailed design of the off-leash area will be prepared by the consultant who specialises in dog play spaces. It is expected that construction could commence from late 2026, subject to budget approval.

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More information

Rob Egerton

Project Landscape Architect - Open Space and Recreation

T: 03 9599 4357
E: regerton@bayside.vic.gov.au