Dog-friendly parks double as social fitness hubs in Werribee

Wyndham City Council opened the first formal dog-exercise circuit at Chirnside Park on Werribee Street last month, drawing 180 participants to its Tuesday evening sessions by 9 July 2026.

The circuit opened after Wyndham recorded a 34 percent rise in park permits for dogs between 2024 and 2025, a figure the council released on 2 July. Local wellness groups say the increase reflects residents seeking low-cost ways to stay active while managing pets.

Two hubs drawing steady crowds

Chirnside Park now features a 1.2-kilometre fenced loop with agility stations and a water refill point installed in late June. Three blocks away, the Werribee River Trail at the end of Watton Street added a 600-metre stretch of resistance-band posts and shaded benches in May, managed by the Werribee Active Dogs program.

Both sites run free 45-minute classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays led by certified trainers from the Wyndham Wellness Network. Participants must register through the council app, which logged 1,450 bookings for July sessions by the first week of the month.

Attendance data from the same council report shows average class size at Chirnside Park reached 47 people on 6 July, up from 29 in January. The River Trail site recorded 31 participants on the same date, with 60 percent arriving with at least one dog.

Practical steps for new users

Residents can join the next available session by downloading the Wyndham Parks app and selecting the 7 pm slot on 10 July at either location. Dogs must wear current registration tags and remain on a lead until inside the designated exercise zones.

Water fountains at both parks operate from 6 am to 8 pm daily, and the council advises bringing waste bags and a towel for post-workout rinses. Those with specific health concerns are directed to consult their local GP before starting any new routine.