Thompson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Cnr Gordon Street and Aquatic Drive, Maribyrnong VIC, 3032


Thompson Reserve is situated on the top of the escarpment above Pipemakers Park with extensive views over the river valley. There is some limited parking near the entrance to Pipemakers Park. There is a huge sculpture titled 'Pipe Dreams' in the corner.

A gravel path leads around an oval grassy area. On the side is an agility area with with weave poles, hurdles, tunnels, balance beam and ramps. There is a shelter with a seat, unshaded seat and water tap on the side of the path. Off to the side there are a number of unshaded seats scattered about a large grassy area which has clumps of trees.

This is often referred to as a fenced dog park. This is not correct. There are fences along the section near the road but other areas, such as near the carpark and the eastern side are not fenced.

Background information on the 'Pipe Dreams' sculpture - Maribyrnong City Council commissioned Pipedreams by artist Matthew Harding to celebrate key elements of Pipemakers Park's industrial heritage and highlight the entrance to the 8-hectare riverfront parkland. The sculpture was fabricated from over 30kms of rolled stainless steel rod and tube.
The concept design was inspired by historical working methods used in the pipe making industries over many decades at the Park - e.g.. Walter Hume's 1911 invention of steel cages. built to reinforce concrete pipes. This new technology by Hume Pipeworks (1911 - 1978). revolutionised sewerage and drainage systems throughout the world .

Message from artist Matthew Harding - 'Pipe Dreams' is a site-specific piece of art. I spent a lot of time at Pipemakers Park, seeking the story of place, seeing what the place told me about itself: the history, river's influences, people who worked and spent time there - informing the story behind the concept. It all went into the concept design. In essence, the design really references the energy and flow of the Maribyrnong Rarer story and symbolises the hopes and aspirations of the local community.

This artwork is not intended for climbing purposes.