Work will start next week on the biggest upgrade to the popular Rio Vista Off Leash Dog Park since it was established several years ago.
The $192,900 suite of works will include:
- full perimeter fencing, including improved fencing to make the park more secure for dogs and their owners
- a dividing fence to provide separate areas for small and large dogs
- upgraded gates and a new transition area where dogs can be safely led in and have their leash removed before entering the main park area
- improved ground conditions to reduce prickles
- more trees in the park to provide natural shade
- additional separate drinking water fountains for dogs and their owners
- play spaces for dogs, including a sand section
- seating and tables
- steps from the off leash dog park to the Rio Vista steps to improve access
- new signage
The comprehensive program of works will kick off this Monday 18 January, starting with establishment of the new perimeter fencing and dividing fence.
The 650 metres of 1.8-metre high perimeter fencing is expected to be completed by 15 February, paving the way for the next stage of the project in March.
Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said the massive upgrade to the off leash park was a direct result of feedback from the community.
"Our Recreation Development team consulted extensively with regular users of the park before establishing a local community advisory group to seek further feedback on what should be included in the park," Cr Modica said.
"The impressive list of features set to be introduced reflect this feedback and have been endorsed by the advisory group members."
Due to the scale of the works, and to ensure the safety of park users, there will be brief periods where part, or all of the off leash park, will be inaccessible, however these interruptions will be minimised as much as possible.
Council will communicate these interruptions ahead of time.
"There will be certain points where it's simply not safe or practical to have the entire park open to the public, such as when there is concreting under way as part of installing the new gates or furniture," Cr Modica said.
"However these unavoidable interruptions will be very brief and kept to an absolute minimum.
"The final result I'm sure will be well worth these minor inconveniences."
The program of upgrades will continue throughout the year and is expected to be completed in December.
The Rio Vista Off Leash Dog Park is supported by the Victorian Government through the Suburban Parks Program.
