Cliff Whitworth Reserve at 37A Emerald Street in Essendon West is a fully fenced, dogs-only park that Moonee Valley City Council opened in August 2022, funded through the Victorian Government’s New Dog Parks Program. The main run is open grass, with a quieter agility area on granitic sand, a sandstone rock scramble and a separate small dog area. It sits beneath high-voltage power lines, and one of the transmission towers stands inside the fence, ringed by sandstone blocks.
Cliff Whitworth Reserve: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Busy and social, with a well-planned layout of lawn, agility gear, sandstone and garden beds.
- Best For: Dogs who enjoy agility obstacles, social dogs who like a crowd, and small dogs who need their own space.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days (no lighting).
- Fencing: Fully Fenced. Black chain-link fencing on timber posts, with double-gated airlocks and a separate small dog area.
- Parking: Street parking on Emerald Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Grass and Granitic Sand: Most of the park is open lawn for running and fetch. The agility area is laid with granitic sand, which stays firmer and less muddy in winter, though some dogs find it a bit gritty.
- Agility Area: A quieter corner has weave poles, hurdles, a table and an inverted ramp made of grey recycled plastic, set against terraced sandstone blocks.
- Rock Scramble: Stacked sandstone blocks give dogs something to climb and explore.
- Small Dog Area: A separately fenced section lets small or shy dogs play away from the bigger, bouncier ones.
- Drinking Water: A drinking fountain with a dog bowl is on-site.
For the Humans
- Seating: Timber benches line the concrete path along the fence, and more benches sit around the tower, with sandstone blocks for extra seating.
- Poo Bags: Dispensers are usually stocked, and there are bins on-site. Carry a spare in case they run out.
- Public Toilets: There are no public toilets on-site, the main drawback here.
Insider Tip: The park often draws a social crowd of locals. If your dog prefers a quieter session, try mid-morning on a weekday. The park suits social play and agility practice more than flat-out sprinting, so a greyhound or other fast dog may find the straight runs a little short.
The Final Verdict
Cliff Whitworth Reserve is one of the best-planned dog parks in the area. Secure fencing, a small dog area, water and a proper agility setup cover what most owners want, and the granitic sand keeps the agility corner usable through winter. Plan around the lack of toilets and it’s an easy pick for Essendon West dogs.
For more details, visit the Moonee Valley City Council website.
Cliff Whitworth Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is there grass or gravel?
A: Both. Most of the park is open grass, with a granitic sand surface around the agility equipment to reduce mud in that section.
Q: Is there a separate small dog area?
A: Yes, there is a separately fenced area for small or shy dogs.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: No, there are no public toilets on-site.
