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We’ve partnered with local councils and land managers to deliver $62.5 million in new pocket parks, dog parks, local park upgrades and trail connections across Melbourne and regional Victoria, creating more inclusive, accessible and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Off-leash area with brown and white dog emerging from large pipe centre left. Fence in background

Barwon River dog park, Belmont. Image supplied by City of Greater Geelong
Collage image showing two photos side by side. On the left is shown the before, of a narrow footpath leading to a road crossing with grass encroaching at the edges. On the right is the after photo, showing a wider shared path trail marked with directional arrows for pedestrian and bikes, with a marked pedestrian crossign over the road.

Polaris Link Trail, Bundoora
Divided trail with bridge leading to background dotted with trees. Bridge features safety rails both sides, central yellow trail divider pole and load limit sign centre right

Diamond Creek Trail extension, Diamond Creek.
Photo of a park in a built-up urban street setting, with many people standing, sitting and walking through

Otter and Smith Street pocket park, Collingwood. Image supplied by TJ Garvie for Yarra City Council
Large wall mural of butterflies in nature centre left, flower beds and grass in foreground, bench seating behind

Horscroft Lane pocket park, Moorabbin. Image supplied by Matt Harvey Photo
Area with fence in foreground, tree centre and park bench near tree

Emerson Place Reserve dog park, Rowville.
Landscaped area with rock walking path in right foreground, grassed area on left and covered open shed with table and seating in the centre

Aileen Avenue pocket park, Caulfield South

What we’ve delivered

  • 29 new pocket parks across Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs
  • 31 off-leash dog parks across metropolitan and regional Victoria
  • 41 park revitalisation upgrades to make our outdoor spaces more green, accessible and inclusive
  • 7 new trail connections in northern Melbourne as part of the Northern Metropolitan Trails Program

Pocket parks

We’ve invested $35 million to create 29 new pocket parks across metropolitan Melbourne.

These revitalised sites include a mix of new and existing parks and reserves that were underutilised, including former industrial sites, roads, and old assets. No longer needed, these sites were repurposed as quality open spaces.

They offer places to relax, play and connect with nature, especially for people living in high-density suburbs with limited access to open space.

Park revitalisation projects

Our $10 million park revitalisation program has upgraded 41 local parks across Melbourne.

These upgrades were primarily focused on revitalising existing parks and infrastructure to meet the needs of current and future populations. They also contribute to a high quality open space network which is accessible and all abilities friendly.

Dog off leash parks

We have partnered with local councils to invest $7.5 million into 31 off-leash dog parks across Victoria.

Our off-leash dog parks provide custom-designed spaces where Victorians and their pet dogs can exercise and socialise. Common features include new pathways, seating, fencing, drink taps and agility equipment.

Want to find out where new and upgraded dog parks are currently happening? Visit our New and upgraded dog parks page.

Northern trails

We’ve invested $10 million to help build new and extend existing walking and cycling trails across northern Melbourne.

These trails include:

  • The Polaris Link
  • Merri Creek Trail
  • Latrobe University Share Path
  • Diamond Creek Trail
  • Edgars Creek Trail
  • Hendersons Creek Trail
  • Yan Yean Pipe Track

The delivery of these trails helps support healthy lifestyles, connect communities, and offer more ways to enjoy local nature.

Walkway with trellis shading on right, green space and seating on left, trees in background

Horscroft Lane pocket park, Moorabbin. Image supplied by Matt Harvey Photo
Climbing frame and poles with trees in background

Penders Park, Thornbury
Playground with climbing frame, slide, surrounded by wooden boardwalk. Tree in foreground

Witternberg Reserve, Frankston. Image supplied by Frankston City Council
Playscape in centre of architectured area, sail cover on left

Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, Carrum Downs
Aerial view of green landscaped dog park with transecting elevated road in background

Barwon River dog park, Belmont. Image supplied by the City of Greater Geelong
Trail sign in foreground, 2 cyclists riding into the background next to a tree on the trail

Diamond Creek Trail extension, Diamond Creek

Further information

If you are looking for more information about this program, contact the Open Space Programs team at open.space@deeca.vic.gov.au

Page last updated: 11/07/25