Doncaster is set to receive Australia’s first exclusive and private high-rise apartment complex dog park in a move by Beulah International to encourage greater support of dog ownership and apartment living.
For the first time in the history of apartments in Melbourne, dog lovers are embraced in apartment living and their needs incorporated into apartment design. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world with 36% of households owning a dog*.
Home to 136 one and two bedroom apartments, Gardenhill will feature an enclosed ground floor garden that will permit dogs to be off lead in a secure and user friendly environment.
Beulah International Director Adelene Teh says the introduction of an off lead dog park will encourage responsible pet ownership and will also draw attention to the issue of pets and the urbanisation of Melbourne.
“Melbourne’s population is growing at an incredible speed and the amount of people living in apartments is higher than it has ever been before. Apartment living should never be seen as a compromised lifestyle and we understand that pets are an important part of many individual’s lives,” she said.
“A big reason behind why dogs are surrendered is because the owner finds themselves in a situation where they are moving to an apartment or home that is not pet friendly and pet ownership is often frowned upon in apartments.”
Adelene said off lead areas are quite popular in apartment complexes overseas, with some apartment complexes offering “Yappy Hours” and rooftop dog parks, but dog facilities are yet to be adopted in Australia.
“By offering our Gardenhill residents a designated place they can take their dogs for exercise, socialisation or even mental stimulation, we’re encouraging responsible pet ownership and hopefully paving the way for other developers to follow suit,” Adelene said.
The private off lead area will be equipped with secure fencing, seating, a clean up station and a drink station.
“The dog park will only further enhance Gardenhill as a community focused project as it offers residents a fun and relaxing place to socialise with others.”
Adelene said residents will need to abide by strict guidelines just as they would at any other off lead park, including cleaning up after their dog and being mindful of other residents.
To celebrate the announcement, Gardenhill is teaming up with one of Victoria’s largest animal shelters Pets Haven Animal Shelter, Forever Friends Animal Rescue and PetBarn to host a ‘Dog Adoption Day’ at their onsite display suite on August 22.
“The best way we could think of to celebrate this announcement is to give a second chance to dogs in shelters, while also educating people on living in an apartment with a dog.
“We will have a professional trainer attend to advise on which breeds are best suited to apartments, the importance of exercise and mental stimulation and other things to be mindful of when bringing a dog into your life,” said Adelene.
“We always had dog lovers in mind when designing the apartment but didn’t announce it in a big way until we received overarching feedback from current purchasers and how great it was for them.
“There is a big gap and also a need in the market for something like this and we took up the challenge to fill it. Most developers would use the extra space to build more concrete.”
Gardenhill residents who do not have a dog can also enjoy a garden oasis by award-winning landscaper Jack Merlo, featuring a rooftop terrace, teppanyaki barbeque, seating pods, an edible garden, pergola and sun deck, grassed entertaining area and stunning landscaped surrounds.
The Woods Bagot-designed project is currently 80% sold with construction commencing next month.
The dog adoption day will run from 11am to 1pm and will include food trucks, children’s entertainment and stalls by Pets Haven, Forever Friends Animal Rescue and Petbarn. The onsite display suite is located at 5 Elgar Court, Doncaster.
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