Proposed Dimboola Dog Park at Old Tennis Courts

The Dimboola Community has raised the need for a Dog Park in Dimboola at various community consultation sessions. Round 3 of the Tiny Towns Fund has recently opened and will fund a maximum of $50,000 for projects, with applicants required to make 25% co-contribution.

Hindmarsh Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to transform the Old Tennis Court in Dimboola into a dedicated Dog Park. This initiative aims to provide a safe, fenced area where dogs can exercise and socialise, while promoting responsible pet ownership and enhancing community recreation spaces.

Why the Old Tennis Court Site?

• Already a fenced site and hence reduced overall project cost.
• Conveniently located in main street of Dimboola.
• Located within walking distance from Dimboola CBD for visitors.
• Ample on-street parking for visitors in Lloyd Street.
• Dimboola already has another tennis court that is in great condition and regularly utilised.
• Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) not required - this reduces the cost of the project.
  
  

Why a Dog Park?

• Provides a secure environment for dogs to play off leash.
• Reduces conflicts between dogs and other users in shared spaces.
• Encourages social interaction among residents and visitors.
• Increases the town visitations and promotes local economy.
• Utilises an underused site for a community benefit.
• Highly requested by the community.
  
  

Typical Features in a Dog Park

• Fencing and secure gates
• Grassed area for dogs to run around (for this project this will involve removal of the existing tennis pavement and creating appropriate surface for dog park)
• Seating and shade for dog owners
• Waste disposal stations
• Dog drinking stations
• Dog agility equipment
  
  

Community Feedback and Support

We want to ensure this project meets the needs of our community. Before proceeding, we are asking for your input.

Councils grant application will be strengthened through demonstrated community support for the project. Council is encouraging the community to show their support by completing the Community Support Response Form below. The responses received will be included with Council's grant application with the email addresses removed.

Please provide your responses by 11:59pm on Friday 9 January 2026.

What happens next?

If the consensus is that the community supports the proposal to convert the old Dimboola tennis courts into a Dog Park, we will follow through with the funding application through Round 3 of the Tiny Towns Fund.

If the consensus is that the community does not support the proposal to convert the old Dimboola tennis courts into a Dog Park, Council will not apply for Tiny Towns funding and will consult further with the community on a suitable location. Council will be required to apply for future grants to enable the project to go ahead.

Outcome of Consultation

Following feedback from the community (with majority support), an application will be submitted for funding through the Tiny Towns grants program to establish a fully fenced and secure Dog Park in Dimboola.

Following valuable feedback from the community, the project scope will be amended as follows:

• retain one tennis court (closest to the croquet clubrooms) for public use;
• seek future funding to upgrade the court and establish an outdoor basketball ring;
• allow sufficient space between the retained tennis court and dog park for separation of activities;
• entry to the dog park to be from the recreation side (closest to the ticket box);
• seats, trees, and a drinking station to be included in the project;
• all abilities access to the dog park to be included.

There was a suggestion that Dimboola currently has two spaces already for dog parks, being the main oval and Les Howland oval. These spaces are currently utilised for community sport and establishing them as multi-use spaces would impact playing surfaces and require additional volunteer or paid staff hours to ensure they’re maintained to standard. Significant fencing upgrades would also be required and additional risk management activities relating to shared use spaces.

Feedback also requested the dog park be located beside the river, with a sandbank area for dogs to swim. Due to the Wimmera River and surrounding area being in a culturally sensitive area, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) would be required, at a significant cost and timeline of up to 12 months for completion and associated approvals.

As a result, it was determined that the original location, with the listed changes based on feedback, would be the most suitable for our furry friends. 

Council would like to thank those who have had their say.