We’re seeking community feedback on our plan to upgrade the dog park at Wishart Reserve in Hampton East.

The western area of Wishart Reserve is a dedicated and secure dog off-leash space. This reserve is extremely popular among dog walkers, which has led to heavy wear and tear and deterioration of some of the existing surfaces and infrastructure.

This project presents a great opportunity to enhance the play and exercise experience for dogs and their owners, as we improve the reserve and provide a safe and suitable space for all user groups.

Works are proposed to include a new perimeter path, additional planting and infrastructure designed for dogs within the fenced off leash section of Wishart Reserve.

This community engagement program will only consider feedback from the community on the design elements included in the concept design of the dog park at Wishart Reserve, Hampton East. It does not include modifications for the use of the site.

Environmental impacts

• Improved infrastructure for dogs and their owners/walkers
• Improved public open space
• 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

• Increased operational costs associated with maintenance of new equipment.

We’re seeking feedback to understand if the concept design of the dog park at Wishart Reserve, Hampton East reflects our community’s needs and aspirations for the space.

What can the community influence?

• Types of vegetation and planting locations
• Locations of dog agility equipment
• The overall look and feel of the park.

What can’t the community influence?

• Use of the land at Wishart Reserve – i.e. the space will not be used for organised sport, biodiversity or ‘passive recreation’
• Elements within the design required to meet accessibility standards
• Existing or new infrastructure additional to the proposed concept design, e.g. no new public lighting, playground modifications, upgrades to the path connections
• Budget allocated to the project.

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 off-leash area of Wishart Reserve (dogs and owners/walkers)	H	H	Consult
Playground users of Wishart Reserve	L	M	Consult
Neighbouring residents	H	H	Consult
Bayside Dog Alliance	H	H	Consult
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
• Website news story and This Week in Bayside e-newsletter
• Social media posts

• Letters to neighbouring residents

• 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
• Pop-up sessions at Wishart Reserve
• Bookable meetings with project officer(s)
• Phone, postal and email correspondence.

Timeline:
Community engagement – Concept designs	Active	30 January – 27 February 2023 Community feedback from this phase will be considered by Council Officers to guide the detailed design
Detailed design	Incomplete	March – April 2023 A detailed design will be created incorporating feedback from the community based on the concept design
Construction	Incomplete	From mid-2023

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 the specialist consultant landscape designer in March-April 2023.

Following this, a detailed design of the off-leash area will be prepared by an external landscape designer who specialises in dog agility, and it is expected that construction will commence in mid-2023.

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More information

Paul Gibbs

Open Space Coordinator - Open Space, Recreation and Wellbeing

T: 03 9599 4735
E: pgibbs@bayside.vic.gov.au