Projects for Park Improvements
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February 2025
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 and caretaker hydration and recreation, shaded areas, improved seating, access improvements and landscaping. We are confident that, working with the Fairfax County Park Authority (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 offer a preview of several projects we are implementing and planning for the 2025 season: Water Abatement Project — Early March 2025. The P.A.C.K. and FCPA are partnering on this project using P.A.C.K. funds and County labor to install an extensive drainage system to address the pooling issues in the center of the north (small) end, and the extensive mud near the gates and adjacent fencing. We are interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers. |
©James Ketola/Happy Paws Photography
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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 and caretaker hydration and recreation, shaded areas, improved seating, access improvements and landscaping. We are confident that, working with the Fairfax County Park Authority (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.
Preview of proposed projects for the 2025 season
Mockup Plan Provided by FCPA (2025)
Water Abatement Project - Early March 2025. The P.A.C.K. and FCPA are partnering on this project using P.A.C.K. funds and County labor to install an extensive drainage system to address the pooling issues in the center of the north (small) end, as well as the extensive mud near the gates and adjacent fencing.
ADA / Accessibility Project – Late 2025. Making Westgrove Accessible to all members of our community, regardless of their abilities, is of paramount importance to the FCPA and the P.A.C.K. In partnership with FCPA, we will be launching a “first of its kind” pilot to deploy engineered wood fiber that is designed to be kind to dog paws but offers the support and traction to provide a stable surface to those who require it. We will combine this improvements with an ADA accessible dog/human drinking fountain, pavers and ADA picnic / seating areas. The P.A.C.K will be applying for a matching grant with the County to make this happen, and will provide an update if we are awarded the grant.
Further Afield - 2026 and Beyond. We will be moving into more intensive fundraising to install another shade shelter (similar to the South end) with associated walkways and seating areas addressed by brick pavers. As well as installing additional shade trees and landscaping. Watch this space!
We are interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers.
ADA / Accessibility Project – Late 2025. Making Westgrove Accessible to all members of our community, regardless of their abilities, is of paramount importance to the FCPA and the P.A.C.K. In partnership with FCPA, we will be launching a “first of its kind” pilot to deploy engineered wood fiber that is designed to be kind to dog paws but offers the support and traction to provide a stable surface to those who require it. We will combine this improvements with an ADA accessible dog/human drinking fountain, pavers and ADA picnic / seating areas. The P.A.C.K will be applying for a matching grant with the County to make this happen, and will provide an update if we are awarded the grant.
Further Afield - 2026 and Beyond. We will be moving into more intensive fundraising to install another shade shelter (similar to the South end) with associated walkways and seating areas addressed by brick pavers. As well as installing additional shade trees and landscaping. Watch this space!
We are interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers.
Presented to the Westgrove Community at the General meeting April 21st, 2024.
Water Feature/Pool - ON HOLD
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 architect for this effort is loyal park supporter Scott Erb.
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