Bringing Shade to Westgrove Dog Park
When we developed the Westgrove Dog Park Concept Plan, one of our major concerns was making the dog park safe and comfortable for the dogs and their owners during the summer months when temperatures soar. It was clear we needed water and shade for the dogs and ourselves. Sometimes the temperature is so high that having access to a shaded spot is almost a necessity.
Fairfax County Park Authority does not have funding for shade improvements, so they are paid for by Westgrove PACK with private funds. After planting several trees which will eventually grow and provide much-needed shade, we discussed several short-term options for bringing more shade to the park. These included adding a wood gazebo and a shade sail. We discarded these options based on price.
After discussion at the April 2016 General Meeting, it was decided the first canopy would go in the southwest corner of the park on top of the hill. This location was chosen for several reasons. First of all, as an amenity to the park that needs to be accessible to all users, it was located relatively close to the handicapped parking space. Also, the southwest corner is the coolest place to be in the summer since it is already partially shaded (based on the season and time of day.) Having the sun and big trees are at your back affords a good view of the park. The higher elevation of this location will make it easy for users to keep their dogs in sight at all times and monitor their activities.
After the construction of the shade canopy was complete, we became aware that a mud problem existed under the canopy because of spillage from water bowls and the fact that the shade delays natural drying. To complete this project, as approved at the October 2017 General Meeting, a brick patio was installed under the shade canopy. Fairfax County Park Authority does not maintain these amenities. The shade canopy and patio are maintained by Westgrove PACK with private funds.
As envisioned on the Concept Plan, additional shade structures may be added in the future, but we will try to maintain a balance between providing necessary shade and maximizing the open turf area.
Please direct any questions regarding this project to Scott Erb at scottcerb@outlook.com.
Fairfax County Park Authority does not have funding for shade improvements, so they are paid for by Westgrove PACK with private funds. After planting several trees which will eventually grow and provide much-needed shade, we discussed several short-term options for bringing more shade to the park. These included adding a wood gazebo and a shade sail. We discarded these options based on price.
After discussion at the April 2016 General Meeting, it was decided the first canopy would go in the southwest corner of the park on top of the hill. This location was chosen for several reasons. First of all, as an amenity to the park that needs to be accessible to all users, it was located relatively close to the handicapped parking space. Also, the southwest corner is the coolest place to be in the summer since it is already partially shaded (based on the season and time of day.) Having the sun and big trees are at your back affords a good view of the park. The higher elevation of this location will make it easy for users to keep their dogs in sight at all times and monitor their activities.
After the construction of the shade canopy was complete, we became aware that a mud problem existed under the canopy because of spillage from water bowls and the fact that the shade delays natural drying. To complete this project, as approved at the October 2017 General Meeting, a brick patio was installed under the shade canopy. Fairfax County Park Authority does not maintain these amenities. The shade canopy and patio are maintained by Westgrove PACK with private funds.
As envisioned on the Concept Plan, additional shade structures may be added in the future, but we will try to maintain a balance between providing necessary shade and maximizing the open turf area.
Please direct any questions regarding this project to Scott Erb at scottcerb@outlook.com.