Heaven to dogs and dog walkers; the Koonung Creek Reserve is one enormous canine playground…read more An off-leash park, there are trails and ovals where dogs of every breed imaginable disport themselves and owners chat. The Reserve also features a little lake, playground and exercise equipment set up periodically along the main trail. The trail is ideal for beginner runners as the hills aren't very steep, and there are a few benches and drinking fountains set up along the way. The track that I normally take stretches from Bulleen Road along the Eastern Freeway to Doncaster Road. Its only short but makes a nice loop, and you aren't too exposed to the freeway sound. Keep your eyes pealed for Eastern Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets and other native wildlife around the lake, and if you've got kids with you the playground is great and includes a barbeque area and toilets. The only downside is certain cyclists who speed along the track. Aggressive and not inclined to stop or let you know if they're approaching make sure you keep an eye on your pets and kids. This doesn't occur every day, but I have witnessed poor behavior on the cyclist's part from time to time.

Known locally as "rocket park" due to the 5 level "rocket" on the playground.read more

Quite a pretty park with all the norm park attractions - toilet, BBQ, grassyness, large trees -…read morewhich was actually perfect on the 40 degree day that I visited. The trees are big enough to provide shade for a large group, and the park is quite close to Hawthorn station. About a 5 minute walk if I remember correctly. Quite a win for casual going away/ just cause we can/ birthday picnics and parties.

Leigh Park is my local sports oval. It's fairly large and boasts a playground, changing area for…read morethe cricketers and footballers, and some great trees around the rim for climbing. I like Leigh Park because it is a community center. Lots of locals come along and watch the cricket during the summer and the oval buzzes with activity during winter when the kids have Auskick on the weekend. While during summer the oval can take a beating from the heat and turn into a dustbowl, it is lush and green in winter and the perfect place to practice laps or sprints, or even just hang out with a picnic with the kids or the dog. There is a small strip of shops a short stroll away where you can get sweets from the milk bar or coffee from the little café. Although I have to admit I haven't been on the playground (yet!) it does look like a lot of fun and it seems to be fairly safe.

Very nice park, good parking, safe environment for children with a fenced in adventure playground…read more One of the best in the eastern suburbs Very nice park, good parking, safe environment for children with a fenced in adventure playground. One of the best in the eastern suburbs

This park has a lot going on. Dog training school, archery lessons, cricket, soccer, BBQs and much…read moremore. It's a great local park with a little river to enjoy the serenity of nature. There is parking available and also a good track to ride your bike or go for a run. It's family orientated, which makes this park very safe. The playground is gated and you can also walk your dogs without a leash. Enjoy your day!

I believe that at one stage this used to be a factory. Well, not anymore because they have turned…read moreit into a park. Honestly, this is a pretty good use of old factory space, turning it into a park, and it is a pretty massive park as well, with quite a few facilities as well. The other great thing about it is that it is off the main roads, so it is also very quite. Lovely place for a wander.

Grass? Check! BBQ…read morefacilities? Check! Playing fields with nets and hoops? Check! Gravel running tracks? Check! Dog friendly? Check! Next to a skate park for hipsters in training? Check!

The Mont Albert Reserve is one community area that is well loved. It is next to Box Hill Secondary…read moreCollege so I would avoid it around school starting and finishing times each day as it is suddenly inundated with students. There is a football oval that is complete with Cricket pitch. Football and Cricket clubs play here and there is clubhouse on the corner of the reserve, which they use. On the corner to the left of the clubhouse are a few basketball and netball courts. These are gravel but they have the lines marker out with paint. The oval itself is a popular dog walking spot in the mornings. Not everyone is honest about picking up their dogs poop so I would watch your step around the edges of the oval. The grass here is well maintained and is pretty much always looking good. Shade wise there are a lot of trees around the edges of the oval but none on it for obvious reasons.