Jack Edwards Reserve Dog Off Leash Area in Oakleigh is currently being rebuilt. The City of Monash is installing dog agility zones, seating, irrigation and landscaping, and parts of the off-leash area are closed while that happens. When the works finish it will be a considerably better space than it was, but right now you need to check the signs on site before you plan a visit.
On This Page
Jack Edwards Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- Current Status: Partially closed for construction. Stage two works run from August to October 2026. Signs at the reserve show which sections are open.
- The Vibe: A working sports precinct with soccer pitches, pavilions and a playground, where the dog area occupies the southern section.
- Best For: Local dogs once the upgrade is finished. Until then, owners who can check the signage and adapt on the day.
- Off-Leash Area: The southern section of the reserve. The synthetic and turf pitches are off-limits to dogs at all times.
- Spectator Areas: No dogs two hours before or after National Premier League Victoria games, or when either pitch is in use for scheduled games or training. On-leash at all other times.
- Getting There: Enter via Parkside Avenue. The Station Trail runs along the railway line to the south of the reserve.
Park Features & Amenities
The Upgrade
The project is funded by $150,000 from the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks program plus $50,000 from Council, and the final design was shaped by community consultation held in August 2025.
- Two Agility Zones: One with a digging pit and one with weave posts. These are scheduled to reopen between October 2026 and early 2027.
- Sniff and Explore Features: Timber logs and rocks are being added for dogs to investigate.
- New Concrete Path: A path through the off-leash area to improve accessibility, connecting to the gate next to the synthetic training pitch. This was built in July 2026.
- New Grass and Irrigation: Focused on the western side of the off-leash area, south of the main pitch. These sections stay closed after the equipment goes in so the grass can root properly.
For the Humans
- Playground: The reserve’s playground has swings and a slide, which helps if you are managing kids and a dog on the same outing.
- Pavilions and Open Space: The reserve has pavilions and a sports ground alongside the soccer pitches, so there is plenty of room even with the dog area partly fenced off.
- Etiquette Signage: New signage encouraging responsible dog ownership is part of the upgrade.
Insider Tip: Council has staged the works so that sections of the off-leash area stay open wherever possible, and the signs on site tell you which parts are available and point to alternative off-leash areas nearby. Read them before you unclip. The pitch rules are the other thing to get right here: dogs are never allowed on the synthetic or turf pitches, and the spectator areas close to dogs around National Premier League Victoria fixtures.
The Final Verdict
Jack Edwards Reserve is a work in progress. The finished off-leash area will have two agility zones, a proper accessible path, new turf and irrigation, which puts it well ahead of most council reserves in the area. Until the grass establishes in early 2027, though, treat every visit as conditional and check the signage at the gate.
For more official information, visit the City of Monash website.
Jack Edwards Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is Jack Edwards Reserve Dog Off Leash Area open?
A: Partly. Stage two construction runs from August to October 2026 and sections are closed while agility zones, seating, irrigation and landscaping are installed. Council keeps parts of the area open where it can, and signs on site show which. Areas with new grass stay closed until early 2027.
Q: Can dogs go on the pitches at Jack Edwards Reserve?
A: No. Dogs are not allowed on the synthetic or turf pitches at any time. The surrounding spectator area is closed to dogs two hours before and after National Premier League Victoria games and whenever a pitch is being used, and dogs must be on-leash there at all other times.
Q: Where is the off-leash area at Jack Edwards Reserve?
A: The southern section of the reserve is the designated off-leash area. Enter via Parkside Avenue.
