Bree Ellett

One of the largest challenges facing the Darebin Parklands is balancing user demands with biodiversity outcomes. This is particularly evident in the task of appeasing dog owners, prominent users of the park, whilst protecting the quality of habitat within. This design proposes a fenced dog off lead area in the west of the park, minimising conflicts with wildlife and other users. Once occupied by the tip, this site sacrifices a zone that is less valuable to biodiversity and protects a designated habitat corridor along the Darebin Creek. As wildlife can be disturbed even by leashed dogs, and dog faeces can increase nitrogen loads in the creek,  it is proposed that over time areas that prohibit dogs will also be established.

The success of this proposal relies on creating a space that is appealing and provides amenity for dogs and their owners. Previous concerns from DOGG have highlighted the lack of natural character here, and as such an increase in trees and planting is proposed. Paths surrounding the off-lead area have been rerouted to maximise space, and a ‘dog pond’ is proposed to offer dogs a swimming area. This alternative protects the creek from further erosion and dogs from the contaminated water of the leachate system.