Hodgson Reserve is home to three significantly varied playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment and extensive open spaces with walking paths. This reserve is perfect for play, recreation and social gatherings and, due to it being the home of Bayside Companion Dog Training School, is particularly well used for exercising dogs.
Hodgson Reserve
Features
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BBQ Facilities
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Dogs – on leash
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Dogs – off leash
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Fitness station
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Playground
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Rotunda or picnic shelter
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Tables
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Seating
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Lawn bowls club
Hodgson Reserve is named after Ken Hodgson, who made a significant contribution to the Bentleigh McKinnon Youth Centre located on Higgins Road.
Playground
There are three playgrounds located at Hodgson Reserve, all offering a different range of play opportunities.
Traditional playground
This is the playground closest to the Bentleigh Bowling Club and includes:
- slides
- monkey bars and climbing frame
- swings
- spinner
- educational panels
- shade sails for protection from the sun
Adolescent playground
This playground is located beside the Bentleigh McKinnon Youth Centre and features a range of climbing opportunities.
This playground will undergo a significant redevelopment in 2019/20, to be converted to a play space that features a modified basketball court, multipurpose hit up wall, table tennis table, bouldering wall and climbing frame.
Board game playground
On the upper level of Hodgson Reserve, there is a 3D snakes and ladders life-size board game.
Picnic shelters and BBQs
There are two picnic shelters at Hodgson Reserve. The most popular is located close to the traditional playground, with 2 picnic tables available for social gatherings. There are BBQ facilities and toilets nearby to this picnic shelter.
The second picnic shelter with picnic tables is located on the upper level, close to the snakes and ladder game.
Book and reserve a picnic shelter
To apply online you will need to create an account or login. The cost to book a picnic shelter starts at $140.
The full booking fee payment is required within 48 hours of receipt of invoice.
You are required to email us proof of payment if your booking has been approved within 48 hours notice from your booking date.
Equipment such as marquees, jumping castles, petting zoos and BBQs are not permitted without written consent from us.
Please note: A minimum notice of 2 business days is required for all bookings (subject to availability).
BBQs are a free communal facility for all users of the park. They are not included as part of a picnic shelter reservation.
Active recreation
Hodgson Reserve has many opportunities for recreation, including:
- sports ground (training)
- internal walking/running pathways
- outdoor fitness equipment
- dog school training
Dog leash information
- The open space sportsground area of Hodgson Reserve is off leash. However, it should be noted, that dogs must be on-leash within 20 metres of playgrounds and barbecues.
- The playground areas and upper level of Hodgson Reserve are on-leash at all times.