Research Park

There is no trail officially called the Research Park Shared Use Path. What locals walk is Research Park itself, a community reserve in Research with an oval, perimeter paths and one useful perk for dogs.

Lead rules

Nillumbik Shire Council allows dogs off lead on the sports oval, but only when it is not in use or booked by schools and sporting clubs.

Everywhere else in the reserve, including the paths, dogs stay on a lead.

The walk

Asphalt and concrete paths run around the grassed recreation areas, so it is an easy surface in any weather. Along the way you pass club pavilions, community tennis courts and open turf, all backed by mature native trees.

It is short and simple, more a loop and a run on the oval than a long walk.

Max: Check the oval before you unclip. If a team or a class is on it, the off-lead rule does not apply.

Pair it with

Coffee is close at Soul at Mickys. For a fenced run on another day, try Eltham North Dog Park.

Go early on a weekday or late on a weekend afternoon, when sport is less likely to have the oval.