wellness

Moonee Ponds Parks Double as Dog Walks and Group Fitness Hubs

Moonee Ponds residents combine dog walks with group workouts at local reserves that support both pet exercise and structured fitness sessions.

By Moonee Ponds Wellness Desk · Published 9 July 2026

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Z3 145 at Moonee Ponds junction, route 82. Photo: Liamdavies / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Groups of dog owners met at two Moonee Ponds reserves on 8 July to run through circuits of bodyweight exercises while their pets played nearby.

The pattern reflects a shift toward shared outdoor spaces that serve both pet needs and human fitness goals in the neighbourhood. Council records show increased use of reserves for mixed activities since the start of the year, driven by local wellness programs that encourage residents to stay active without indoor gym fees.

Named spots drawing daily users

Holmes Road Reserve on Holmes Road hosts a weekly Wednesday morning session run by the Moonee Ponds Active Dogs group, where participants complete 30-minute circuits of lunges and resistance-band rows between fetch breaks. Further along, the Walter Street Park near Mount Alexander Road features a fenced off-leash zone and a parallel gravel loop used by the Puckle Street Fitness Walkers for timed intervals on Tuesdays and Fridays. Both sites opened extended hours in May 2026 after the Moonee Valley City Council installed additional waste stations and water points.

A June 2026 council usage report recorded 1,240 visits to these two reserves in a single week, with 62 percent of visitors arriving with dogs. Entry remains free, though the Active Dogs group charges $8 per month for printed circuit cards and insurance coverage.

Next steps for new participants

Residents can join the next Holmes Road session at 7:30 am on 15 July or download the Moonee Valley Parks app for updated schedules. Anyone starting a new routine should check with a local GP before increasing activity levels.

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