This is a precaution to ensure the ground cover continues to act as a barrier to contaminated soil throughout the park.
A section of the park with intact ground cover will be reopened on Monday after temporary fencing arrives. The rest of the park will remain closed until a surface upgrade is completed. We will do this as quickly as possible so the entire reserve can continue to be enjoyed as a dog park.
As with many parks in our City, soil contamination is not unusual. This is why across our City we have contamination management plans which require a physical barrier to separate contaminated soil from the surface.
We were already investigating whether the ground cover at this site was continuing to prevent contaminated soil from being exposed. On-site inspections have shown some sections of the park have started to deteriorate. There is no indication that any potential exposure of contaminated soil has posed a health risk to park users including dogs. However as safety is a priority, we are temporarily closing the park as a precaution to ensure ground cover provides a proper barrier to contaminated soil.
A community consultation already underway into how best to upgrade the park’s surface will progress as planned until 16 November. The results will be considered when surface upgrades are decided.
We know our residents, and their four-legged friends, love our beautiful open spaces and we apologise for any inconvenience.
While Eastern Reserve is closed, you can try nearby alternative off-leash dog parks at Albert Park, Gasworks Arts Park and the Kingsway fenced off dog park. The newly opened and fenced MO Moran Reserve dog park on the Elwood Foreshore is another great resource for our community.
To find off leash dog parks, go to: 2020-copp_dog-off-leash-map_parks-and-reserves_1120.pdf (portphillip.vic.gov.au)
