Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park on Alexandra Parade in Fitzroy had a serious upgrade in 2025 and is now a proper, fully fenced off-leash spot with double-gate entries, fresh turf, a drinking water fountain, evening lighting, and poop bags on-site. The heavy traffic right outside means the secure fencing isn’t just a nice extra, it’s what makes this park actually usable.
Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: Buzzing and social. It feels like a village square for Fitzroy dog owners, especially after work when the lights come on.
- 🐕 Best For: Social dogs and owners who want a fully enclosed, well-lit spot close to the city.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Fencing: Fully fenced with secure double-gate entries, which matters a lot given the park sits right on a busy main road.
- ♿ Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible.
- 🅿️ Parking: Metered street parking on Alexandra Parade. It can be tight during peak hours, so build in a few extra minutes.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Secure Fencing: The high perimeter fencing keeps your pup well away from the fast-moving traffic on Alexandra Parade, so you can genuinely relax while they run.
- Fresh Turf and Paths: A mix of new grass and paved paths gives your dog different surfaces to explore, and the turf is kept in solid shape between visits.
- Drinking Water: A water fountain is available on-site, so you don’t need to haul a water bottle along for a regular visit.
For the Humans
- Seating and Shelter: New bench seating and weather protection make it comfortable to sit and watch the action, even when the weather isn’t playing ball.
- Evening Lighting: LED lights keep the park well lit after dark, making it a practical choice for after-work visits when the days get short.
- Poop Bags: Bags and bins are provided at the entry gates, making it easy to keep the park clean. Carry a spare or two just in case the dispensers run out.
- Public Toilets: No public toilets are available inside the dog park zone. Keep that in mind if you’re planning a longer visit.
Insider Tip: The new turf can get soft and muddy after heavy rain, so stick to the paved perimeter path if you want to keep your shoes clean. Street parking on Alexandra Parade fills up fast on weekday evenings after work, so arriving a little earlier or a few streets back on a quieter road will save you the headache.
The Final Verdict
Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park is one of the best inner-city off-leash options in Fitzroy, with secure fencing, evening lighting, water on-site, and poop bags provided. It gets busy because it deserves to, and while there are no public toilets, everything else you need for a great daily run is covered.
For more official information, visit the City of Yarra website.
Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park: FAQ
Q: Is Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park fully fenced?
A: Yes, following the 2025 upgrade, the park is fully enclosed with secure double-gate entries.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs at Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park?
A: Yes, a drinking fountain is available on-site for pups to stay hydrated.
Q: Are there public toilets at Smith Reserve Fenced Dog Park?
A: No, there are no public toilets inside the designated dog park zone.
