Projects for Park Improvements
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In addition to maintaining the turf surface in the park, Westgrove P.A.C.K. makes capital improvements to the park.
Our long term plan includes improved drainage, shaded areas, ADA accessibility improvements, improved seating, and - based on fundraising - a shade shelter for the north / small end of the park . 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 these efforts, please contact the P.A.C.K. We are always interested in suggestions for additional projects and volunteers to serve as project managers and volunteers. |
©James Ketola/Happy Paws Photography
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Recap: What to expect for 2026-2027
FOLLOW CIRCLES IN MAP ABOVE
- As a reminder, 2025 saw the completion of the successful drainage project. There is a little “topping up” of the swale to get the water moving into the drains, but we no longer have “Lake Westgrove” to contend with after heavy rains. The project was performed by FCPA (design and labor), and the P.A.C.K. paid for materials
- 2026 will see the installation of several improvements relating to ADA (accessibility) for people in our community who need a little extra help. In the late spring (after the south end reopens), we will be installing engineered wood fiber in the north end of the park, which is a stable walking and wheelchair surface. We will also be installing accessible picnic tables. This project was paid for via an FCPA Mastenbrook grant and P.A.C.K. caretaker funding.
- In 2026 the P.A.C.K. will be applying to Fairfax County for 15 shade trees to be strategically placed around the park to create much-needed shade. The arrival of these trees will likely be in the fall and we will communicate accordingly.
- Under consideration for 2027 are additional ADA improvements that will make Westgrove a better place for all patrons. They include the installation of a shade shelter and paver pad similar to the south end. A paver walkway of memorial bricks will be installed to connect the shelter with the gates, and an expanded parking area will be installed along the west side that features Accessible parking near the northwest and west center gates. The budgeted installation cost is $31,500, and we intend to apply for a Mastenbrook matching grant of $15,750 – look for a fundraiser this season!
2026 ADA Accessibility Improvements
Map Courtesy of Google Maps
ADA / Accessibility Project – 2026 (pending County match). Making Westgrove Accessible to all members of our community, regardless of their abilities. Accessibility and safety are of paramount importance to the FCPA and the P.A.C.K.
In partnership with FCPA, and subject to receiving a matching Mastenbrook grant (~$15,000), we will be launching a “first of its kind” pilot to deploy engineered wood fiber in the north end of the park. This surface is designed to be kind to dog paws but offers the support and traction to provide a stable surface to those who require it - as well as avoiding the dreaded stone dust. We will combine memorial pavers and ADA picnic / seating areas. The P.A.C.K has applied for a matching grant with the County to make this happen, and will provide an update if we are awarded the grant.
2026 Canopy / Shade Tree Installation
Map Courtesy of Google Maps
Fairfax County has an ongoing program called the Tree Preservation and Planting Fund (TPPF) which is designed to support the community at large to protect, manage and enhance its urban forest resources. The Westgrove P.A.C.K. will apply to the program for a grant of fifteen trees to be planted in 2026. We have obtained quotes from our landscape contractor for excavation and planting services (~$2,500) and will be soliciting volunteers to form a "watering brigade" to get the trees off to a good start.
Longer Term Projects
Further Afield - 2027 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.
Completed Projects:
2025 Water Abatement Project
Map Courtesy of Google Maps
Water Abatement Project - Early March 2025. The P.A.C.K. and FCPA partnered on this project using P.A.C.K. funds ($4,500) 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. We thank FCPA for their contributions of design / engineering expertise and the equipment and labor to complete the project!
ADA Seating (Spring 2025) As part of the ADA Access Improvements we contacted Fairfax County Parks Authority (FCPA) to install two benches in the North / Small end of the park to better serve users of the park with accessibility needs.
Circular Tree Bench (Fall 2024) Using a combination of P.A.C.K. funds (~$1,000) and a FCPA grant, the P.A.C.K. purchased and installed a new circular bench in the South (large) end on the west side. This bench is to provide much needed seating in the center of the park as well as to protect a river birch tree that was donated years ago.
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