Projects for Park Improvements
In addition to maintaining the turf surface in the park, Westgrove P.A.C.K. is working to make capital improvements to the park. This plan includes improved drainage, water for dog hydration and recreation, shaded areas, improved seating, access improvements and landscaping. We are confident that, working with FCPA and our Caretakers, we can make Westgrove a truly world-class dog park for the 21st century. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact the P.A.C.K.
We are interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers.
We are interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers.
To see a drawing of proposed improvements, click here.
Ongoing Projects:
Drainage
Phase II of our project to eliminate standing water in the dog area is complete. We are working to eliminate the remaining problem. Click here for more information.
Water Feature/Pool
Park users have expressed a desire for a water feature that can allow dogs to cool off in the summer, but not become a stagnant breeding ground for waterborne parasites. After extensive research, the P.A.C.K. Board identified a design being used at a dog park outside Pittsburgh that seems like it might meet our needs (see photo). This design is a concrete bowl with a slow drain. It can be filled to provide a water play area and the water will slowly drain out. When not in use, it will dry out and sunshine will disinfect it. It is simple and durable. FCPA has approved the concept in principle, but the project needs to be planned in detail to obtain formal FCPA approval. A vendor will need to be selected and a budget will need to be prepared so that the P.A.C.K. Caretakers can formally approve construction. It is expected that this project will be 100% privately funded. The project manager for this effort is loyal park supporter Scott Erb. Contact Scott for more information.
Invasive Species Control
The hillside outside the fence just east of the dog area has been overgrown with invasive vines, which are unsightly and have been killing the trees in that area which provide a vegetative buffer between the dog area and Dyke Marsh. Westgrove P.A.C.K. is working with FCPA to remove the invasive plants and restore native species to that area. Westgrove P.A.C.K. is leading this project, and FCPA is providing additional manpower through a program that employs residents of the Eleanor U. Kennedy homeless shelter. FCPA is also funding new plants. The trees in that area has now been cleared of vines and new plants are being installed. This project will continue until the area is under control. The project manager for this effort is loyal park supporter Anne Street. To volunteer, or for questions and suggestions, contact Anne directly.
Previously completed Projects:
Entry Improvements (Fall 2021)
As part of the ADA Access Improvements (see below), some of the entryways were hard surfaced with brick pavers. This project completed that process by installing brick pavers in the vestibule entry to the north (small) end and west side of the south end. This project was 100% privately funded, in part by sale of engraved celebration bricks which were be used in the project. Many thanks to Emma McAlary, Jonathan Amaya, Scott Erb and Melissa Pandin for their combined efforts to manage this project.
Agility Equipment (Summer 2020). The P.A.C.K. was approached by a donor who wanted to establish an agility area in the park to honor the memory of our recently departed former Chair, Barry Spangler. Sufficient funds were raised from park users which were matched by the donor. We have installed the Canine Castle and the Adjustable Bar Jump (see photos). The project manager for this effort was loyal park supporter Anne Street. Many thanks, Anne!!!
Navigational Signs (Summer 2020). Westgrove P.A.C.K. has installed numerical signs on the fenceposts around the park to assist park users in navigating to their dog's droppings. This project was suggested by park users. This project was 100% privately funded. The manager of this project was a loyal park supporter Jan Speakman. Many thanks, Jan!!!
South End Water Fixture (Summer 2020). The Caretakers of Westgrove P.A.C.K. approved a project to extend the water line into the south (big) end of the park and install a new water fixture. This fixture includes a dog bowl and a hose tap. It is not freeze resistant, so it will be turned off during the winter. A drainage system and French drain have been installed to prevent puddling around the fixture. This project was 100% privately funded and is now complete. The manager of this project was loyal park supporters Jeff Pandin. Many thanks, Jeff!!!
Tree Benches (Fall 2019). Westgrove P.A.C.K. purchased and installed benches around the two trees on the east side of the south (big) end of the park. As those trees grow, those benches will provide shaded seating. The benches also help protect the trees from direct exposure to dog urine. This project was 100% privately funded.
ADA Access Improvements (2019). Substantial improvements were made to bring the park into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This work was primarily funded by Fairfax County Park Authority, but Westgrove P.A.C.K. funded upgrading the new walkways from stone dust to brick pavers.
Tree Planting. Westgrove P.A.C.K. has purchased and planted a number of trees in and around the park to provide shade, absorb water, and improve the park environment. In accordance with FCPA regulations, these trees are varieties that are recognized as native species. All tree planting efforts are 100% privately funded. If you would like to purchase an additional tree and dedicate it as a memorial, please contact us.
Storage Shed. Westgrove P.A.C.K. purchased and installed a storage shed for P.A.C.K. materials needed for park maintenance and special events. This project was 100% privately funded. Details are posted here.
Shade Canopy (2016). Westgrove P.A.C.K. purchased and installed a shade canopy in the south (big) end of the park. This project was 100% privately funded. Complete details and updates are posted here.
Water Access (2015). Thanks to the generosity of our Caretakers, an all-weather water fixture was installed in the park. For guidelines about water use and more information about future plans, click here.
Turf Improvement (every Spring). In addition to routine maintenance such as aeration, fertilizing, seeding and mowing, Westgrove P.A.C.K. has funded a number of operations to improve the soil in the park to better support the turf surface. Although FCPA has agreed that Westgrove Park will have a turf surface, all expenses related to that surface are 100% privately funded. The P.A.C.K. is continuing to work with FCPA and other certified turf experts to refine our long-term plan to maintain the best possible turf surface in our park. Additional information is posted here as it becomes available