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.