A new fenced dog park, basketball half court and connecting path network are now open for the community’s enjoyment at Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park.

Built by the City of Greater Geelong, the $1.07 million fenced dog park and path network were funded with the help of $989,141 from the Australian Government via its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, with the remaining funds contributed by the Council.

The basketball half court, along with a new sealed car park and tree plantings, have been funded through the Council’s open space renewals budget at a cost of around $165,000.

Designed by Fraser Design Collaborative, the fenced dog park features separate areas for active and passive dogs, with a mixture of surfaces and features such as boulders and logs.

Two drink fountains and dog bowls have also been installed, along with seating, fencing, a water meter upgrade and turf irrigation.

Supporting the Council’s environmental sustainability aims, the park’s garden beds have been constructed using 34 tonnes of compost made at the City’s Anakie garden organics processing facility.

The compost is made from garden organics collected from kerbside green bins, supporting a circular economy and reducing the overall project cost.

The improvements are in line with the Council’s Aldershot Reserve Master Plan.