We are upgrading Mackie Road Reserve in Bentleigh East, replacing the existing pavilion with a new, modern and fit for purpose facility that better supports local sport and community use. 

This project is part of our ongoing investment in community infrastructure to ensure facilities continue to meet the needs of a growing and changing Glen Eira. 

What we’re doing 

We’re replacing the existing pavilion, which has reached the end of its useful life, with a new single-story pavilion. The project includes: 

• Demolition of the existing pavilion 

• Construction of a new pavilion with a social area, change rooms, amenities, storerooms and kitchen facilities 

The new pavilion has been designed to be fit for purpose, accessible and flexible, supporting a range of users and activities now and into the future. 

When works will happen 

Construction is scheduled to: 

• Start: February 2026 

• Finish: April 2027 (weather permitting) 

Works will take place on weekdays. 

What to expect during construction 

During works: 

• The existing pavilion will be fenced off 

• You may notice some noise and dust 

• Signage will be in place to help direct Reserve users 

• The BBQ area will remain accessible 

• Temporary amenities provided to the members of the public behind the Scout Hall and to the sporting clubs at the south end of the cricket nets. 

• The carpark on the northern side of the existing pavilion, will be unavailable during construction. 

Keep an eye on this page for updates — we will continue to provide updates throughout construction and work to minimise disruption where possible. 

Community involvement 

We worked closely with tenant sports clubs and the wider community to help shape the design of the new pavilion. Feedback from the community helped inform the final design, which was endorsed by Council in late 2024. See more information about the community engagement process here: www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/mackie-road-pavillion 

Contact  

For more information or enquiries, contact Project Engineer Darren Lee on 9524 3333 or at projects@gleneira.vic.gov.au  

In July 2025, we asked for your feedback on the draft design for our new, dedicated off-leash dog park at Mackie Road Reserve in Bentleigh East.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. We received 296 responses — 285 via the survey and 11 by email.

We've reviewed your feedback and are making changes to the design, including:

• planting more trees and garden beds for shade and sniffing
• moving the agility equipment to create more space for running and playing
• moving the gate to make the park easier to access
• adding screening between the dog park and tennis club.

We heard that shelter, water and bins are important to you, so these will remain key features in the design.

We’ve chosen equestrian sand for the dog park. It reduces the risk of injury for dogs because it’s softer and less slippery. It’s also easier to maintain and drains well — making it a better choice than grass in busy spaces like this. We know some people would prefer grass and we carefully considered that feedback. Based on our research and experience, sand is the safest and most practical option.

What's next?

Thanks to your input, the new dog park will be a welcoming space where dogs and people can socialise and play. The existing off-leash oval in the Reserve will continue to give dogs more room to exercise and run.

We're moving into the detailed design phase, so we won't be seeking further feedback. We'll share the final design with you by the end of the year.

Construction is planned to begin early next year. We'll keep you updated as the project progresses.

For more information about the community engagement process, visit www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/mackie-road-reserve-dog-park

Published 1 December 2025.

We’ve made space for the future playground by purchasing and demolishing the properties at 64 and 66 Mackie Road.

With your help, we’ve also finalised the plans for the space. Highlights include:

• an all-ages and all-abilities play space
• opportunities for unstructured natural play
• a public toilet
• barbecue facilities
• a picnic shelter and seating area
• pathways with solar lighting.

These plans were endorsed by Council in late 2023.

Now, we’re working on getting the right funding so we can make it happen. We’re advocating to the Victorian and Australian Governments and applying for state and federal grants.

We’ll keep you updated with our progress.

Find out more information about the engagement process for the Mackie Road Reserve playground.