By Theodore Houndsvelt, Hound in Residence & Woofer in Chief
If there's one thing I appreciate in a dog park, it's space.
Space to run, space to sniff and ideally enough space that my humans can't see precisely what I'm investigating behind a particularly interesting bush.
Apex Park in Altona, also known as Doug Grant Reserve, delivers on all three.
It's one of the places the Hound Hero pack regularly visits, and I consider myself suitably qualified to provide an assessment.
The Important Stuff (at a glance)
Location: Apex Park / Doug Grant Reserve, Altona
Off-leash: Yes
Fully fenced: No — openings at the shared path
Space: Excellent
Shade Available: Yes in parts
Water Access: fresh water tap available
Best for: Active dogs with reliable recall
Main consideration: Cyclists and open access points
Teddy's rating: 4.5/5 paws
First Impressions: Glorious Space
Apex Park is enormous.
There's room for long runs, energetic games of fetch and the sort of extensive sniffing expeditions that require a packed lunch and considerable patience from one's humans.
Unlike smaller dog parks, there's room to move away from other dogs and explore different parts of the reserve.
This is particularly useful for our Hound Hero groups, where some dogs enjoy playing together while others prefer their own investigations.
I fall firmly into the second category whenever an interesting scent is available.
The Fencing Situation
Now, I have been instructed to address an important matter.
Apex Park has fencing around much of the area, but openings near the shared path mean it is not completely enclosed.
My humans consider this a significant detail.
Apparently, having a dog who follows his nose beyond the designated boundaries is frowned upon.
For dogs with unreliable recall, a tendency to chase bicycles or a particular talent for escaping, a fully fenced alternative may be a better choice.
More Than Just Running
One of Apex Park's strengths is the variety of its environment.
There are open grassy spaces, trees and opportunities for exploring different scents and surfaces.
Not every dog needs to spend an outing chasing a ball.
Some of us prefer to undertake a detailed environmental assessment, stopping regularly to inspect evidence that other dogs have been present.
It's a demanding responsibility, but somebody has to do it.
Things Humans Should Consider
Apex Park is particularly appealing for energetic dogs, but it won't suit every hound.
Keep an eye on cyclists and other shared-path users, check the conditions after rain and make sure your dog can be managed safely around open access points.
For dogs who need secure containment, consider a fully fenced alternative such as PA Burns Reserve or McIvor Reserve.
Theodore's Final Verdict
Four and a half paws out of five.
Apex Park earns excellent marks for space, variety and opportunities for proper dog adventures.
It loses half a paw because of the fencing situation.
I personally consider this an opportunity rather than a flaw, but management has overruled me.
Adventures With Hound Hero
Apex Park is one of the locations we use for suitable Hound Hero adventures.
Our small-group daycare and walks are designed around the dogs attending, with opportunities for exercise, sniffing, social time and rest.
Looking for regular dog daycare or group walks in Altona? Discover Hound Hero and join the pack.
Theodore Houndsvelt
Hound in Residence & Woofer in Chief
