Martin Reserve Dog Off Leash Area on Domain Street in Hadfield is a spacious, open recreational reserve, not to be confused with the fenced park of the same name in West Footscray. It features a large central oval surrounded by shady trees and a circuit path, making it a popular spot for locals to stretch their legs.
Martin Reserve: At a Glance
- 🏏 The Vibe: Suburban sport. It’s a classic local oval where cricket and netball take priority on weekends.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs with good recall who enjoy a lap around the oval or a game of fetch on the grass.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 Hours (Restricted during organized sport).
- Fencing: Unfenced. Open to car parks and roads.
- 🅿️ Parking: Off-street parking available on the east side.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Open Oval: The main feature is the large grassy oval. It offers plenty of room to run, provided no sports are in play.
- Circuit Path: A walking path circles the reserve, good for on-leash warm-ups.
- No Water: There is no water tap specifically for dogs on the oval side (taps may be inside the locked pavilion area). Bring a bottle.
For the Humans
- Facilities: Features a playground and BBQ area (dogs must stay 15m away).
- Toilet Issues: While there are toilets at the pavilion, they are frequently locked unless a sports club is using the facility.
- No Bags: No poop bags supplied.
Insider Tip: Be careful of the netball courts and cricket nets. These areas are strictly out of bounds for dogs. Also, the car park side is unfenced, so keep an eye on dogs wandering too close to vehicles.
The Final Verdict
Martin Reserve is a solid, functional local park for Hadfield residents. It lacks the bells and whistles of a purpose-built dog park (like fencing or agility), but it offers decent open space for a run. Just remember to bring your own water and bags.
For sports schedules, check the Merri-bek City Council website.
Martin Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is Martin Reserve fenced?
A: No, it is an open recreational reserve with an oval. It is not fully fenced.
Q: Is there water for dogs?
A: No accessible taps are reliably available for dogs. Bring your own.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: Toilets are present but often locked outside of sports hours.
