Project Update - August 2025
We've updated the design for the Sydenham Basin Reserve Dog Off-Leash Area to address Melbourne Water requirements, and protect the site's native vegetation.
As the site sits within a stormwater basin, some limitations impacted the final design.
- A full circuit path around the site could not be delivered, as it would reduce the basin’s capacity and impact native trees on the western side of the reserve
- We cannot build structures such as shelters within the basin, as this could block water flow and reduce the basin's capacity to manage stormwater.
- We also cannot install seating, concrete pathways, or undertake landscaping within the basin due to the presence of native vegetaion.
Given these constraints, the project will focus on improving the south-east corner of the reserve, which sits outside the stormwater basin. Here's what's planned for the upgraded dog off-leash area:
- Pathways
- Two new shelters
- Picnic settings
- Seating with views across the stormwater basin and open running space
- Dog play elements
- A drinking fountain
- Natural landscaping (rocks and logs)
- Concrete paths and feature paving
- Partial fencing along the south-east corner of the reserve only
- Bins and bag dispenser
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026.
The plan for Sydenham Basin Reserve
Click on the image to zoom in and see more detail.
- The plan shows areas of native vegetation shaded in red.
- The whole park will remain an off-leash park. The dog park facilities will be in the south eastern corner.
The detailed plan for the dog park upgrade
Click on the image to zoom in and see more detail.
This is a close up plan of the south eastern corner.
This is a close up plan of the north eastern corner.
