[3] Prior to the sand removal, Karkarook Park and adjacent areas were largely used as a stormwater retarding basin and for market gardens and horse agistment, and much of this was weed-infested and strewn with rubbish.

A revegetation program began in 1995 with the assistance of local primary schools, but many of the seedlings were destroyed by a grass fire in January 1997.

These ponds receive and improve the water quality of the runoffs drained from Oakleigh South across Dingley Bypass in the north, and from Moorabbin across Warrigal Road in the west, by retaining and filtering through the wetland vegetations.

In case of severe inflow (though very rare), the excess water may flood east over a low-lying lawn and trail southeast of the ponds (which serve the function of a mechanical weir) and drain into the main lake via a small enclosed bay at the lake's southwestern corner (unofficially known as "the inlet"), where a wooden trestle bridge crosses over the narrowest part of the grassy channel.

[2] Since the development of the wetlands in 1998, over 90 species of native waterfowls have been recorded in the park, including ducks, coots, moorhens and cormorants.

Additionally, more than 145 species of native birds in general have also been observed, with revegetation measures expected to improve habitats values and increase the fauna population.

The main picnic area has electric barbecue grills provided free of charge, as well as a playground, public toilets and a small observation deck that looks over the lake.

Recreational angling is permitted in on most of the sandy/rocky beaches and on designated zones on the grassy shores, particularly the inlet mouth (outside of the trestle bridge), the eastern flats and the northeastern bay.