Summerhill Park Dog Off Leash Area(Mooroolbark)

Summerhill Park's dog off leash area sits in the west reserve off Summerhill Park Drive in Mooroolbark, a large open grass zone set apart from the upgraded playspace on the east side. Yarra Ranges Council splits the reserve in two deliberately: dogs get the west, the playground and its walking path get the east.

The dog setup

The west reserve is a designated off leash area under council rules, and it is open grass rather than a fenced yard, so your dog runs under voice or hand control with a lead carried at all times. Keep the leash on along the paths, near the playspace, and within 20 metres of the fixed picnic and barbecue settings. Bins are provided and pick up is expected on the spot.

Worth knowing

Because the boundary is not fenced, this is a recall test as much as a run: dogs that bolt toward roads or other park users need to stay on lead here. The upside of the open setup is plenty of flat grass for sprints and socialising, and bench seating around the edges for owners. It fills with regulars in the mornings and late afternoons, which is when the social dogs get the most out of it.

Max: with no fence line to back you up, work the middle of the west reserve away from the paths until you know your dog's recall holds up here.

Getting there

Council lists Summerhill Reserve at 19A Summerhill Park Drive, Mooroolbark, with the off leash west reserve reached from the reserve's western side. Street parking is available along the surrounding residential streets, and the reserve sits a short drive from the Mooroolbark town centre.

While you're out there

The Retarding Basin Dog Off Leash Area and Hull Road Drainage Reserve Dog Off Leash Area are the other off leash options in the suburb, and Manna Lane Cafe is a dog friendly coffee stop a few minutes away. For a longer on lead walk, the Carrum to Warburton Trail Brushy Creek Connection passes through nearby Croydon.

More runs are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Mooroolbark destination page.