By Laura Michell
Mickleham pooches will soon have the chance to lap up a new off-leash dog park.
The Merrifield Dog Park will be built on St George’s Boulevard as part of the state government’s Suburban Parks Program, which aims to build 15 pocket parks and nine off-leash dog parks across Melbourne.
The government has committed $275,000 for the Merrifield park, which will open in late 2021.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Suburban Parks Program would give families much-needed green space in their suburb for recreation, relaxation and spending time with their pets.
She said the program would create up to 6500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.
“Being stuck inside the last few months has taught us the value of open green space to stretch the legs, clear the head and get some fresh air – that’s what this investment delivers,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
Yuroke MP Ros Spence said the park would make the growing Merrifield community even more appealing for dog owners.
“This is great news for our community of dog lovers who will soon have access to designated parkland to exercise their pets with other like-minded people.”
