Getting closer to our goal!
Update June 2021
Virginia Highlands Dog Run is nearing completion. If you haven’t noticed, there are some happy doggos in the neighborhood that have started to utilize the new temporary dog runs at Virginia Highlands Park. There are 2 dog runs; one for dogs under 20 pounds and one for larger dogs. The site is not yet complete, so please take caution if you choose to use it before all of its elements are installed and secured properly. Moving forward, Pentagon City Dogs will need volunteers to help organize clean up days, fundraise, maintain dog bags, and help report any maintenance issues. So please sign up (at the bottom of this page) to volunteer to make this the nicest dog run in Arlington for humans and dogs!
Update September 2020
We are excited to report that Amazon has agreed to sponsor up to $50,000 towards the construction of a temporary dog run Virginia Highlands Park along with dog waste bags! We are thankful for this generous contribution from Amazon to improve our community.
Our volunteers have been working closely with Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to develop a detailed design and cost estimate for a temporary dog run with separate sections for small and large dogs. This estimate was finalized in August 2020 and the next step is for the County to provide an opportunity for community feedback.
The public engagement process will consist of at least 1 public meeting and/or online feedback opportunity. Based on public feedback, the concept design may be adjusted and, if needed, the cost estimates will be updated. If the project receives significant support then the DPR Director will review and consider approval. If approved, then construction will typically begin approximately 3 months later, weather permitting.
The current park design includes a 5700-SF large-dog area and a 2300-SF small-dog area with separate ADA-accessible entrances. The County will provide waste receptacles, benches, a message board, and signage. Options for lighting installation are being evaluated but may not be included in the initial construction depending on cost and feasibility.
We have worked with the County for Pentagon City Dogs to be a “dog park sponsor group” for the dog run. Generally the group supports the County in the operation and maintenance of the park. We will be looking for volunteers to help with various responsibilities, including:
- Working with park users to encourage them to clean up after their pets by posting notices on the board, holding meetings and sharing information about the benefits to users and pets of a healthy park, and when necessary organizing volunteer cleanup projects.
- Reporting general maintenance needs to the Parks Dept. dog park liaison.
- Acting as liaison between users and local residents.
- Provide education and explanation about park rules and regulations to park users
- Maintaining liaison with Animal Welfare League of Arlington to report dog bites in the dog park.
If you would like to be help out with any of these responsibilities, please reach out to [email protected] !
Request for a Temporary Dog Park
We are requesting the creation of a public dog park facility in the Pentagon City area, specifically a site at Virginia Highlands Park (VHP) as the most feasible location to support the broadest group of residents.
Location of dog parks Approx location for main & small dog area [top right] depiction of main dog area in part of diamond field
The proposed site at Virginia Highlands Park makes use of underutilized area in the northern edge along the park service road. We propose using two separate areas for a main dog area and a dog area for dogs under 25 pounds, separated by the service road, as shown below.
These
Need is Significant & Now: There are ~2,500+ dogs located within 10-minute walk of VHP & no public dog park.
Support
Neighborhood Conservation Plan: The 2008 Aurora Highlands Civic Association NC Plan calls for the creation of multiple dog parks in the area, and specifically cites desired locations at both Virginia Highlands Park and Fort Scott Park.
County’s Public Space Master Plan (PSMP): Map Cites Dog Park Need in 22202, near Pentagon City.
Resident-Volunteers to Help Maintain the Park The dog park will be maintained by Pentagon City Dogs, 20 volunteer residents of both single-family homes and multi-family high rises in Pentagon City who have signed up in advance to help maintain this dog park.
Civic Association Support: The proposed site, and the majority of Pentagon City, fall within the Aurora Highlands Civic Association boundaries. The AHCA civic association unanimously supported the VHP proposal on July 17, 2019.
Community Support: Over 150 signatures from residents in multi-family homes and single family homes.
Parks and Recreation Commissioners: In 2017, commissioners have expressed support for “temporary use spaces” in this area as a prelude to more intensive redesign.
Shirlington Dogs II Support: Shirlington Dogs II endorses the proposal and has offered to lend their knowledge to ensure that the Pentagon City site is well implemented and maintained.
Local Business Support: There is a need for a dog park to help support our community businesses. Two Way Dog Walking supports the dog park proposal.
Logistics
Right: Existing trash services
There are ~11,000 households within 10 minute walk: Pentagon City has embraced the “Car-free diet.” Without a car, it is virtually impossible for dog owners to even access any other County dog park facilities
Quickly & Temporary 2019: This area of the park was slated for improvements under the 2016 CIP program and is recommended for a master planning process by the County. We suggest that the location proposed may be temporary with relatively little cost that could easily be funded out of general maintenance budgets before the end of 2019.
Opportunity to expand the main dog area to the west by using land currently occupied by one of the softball fields. Expanding to the west by approximately 30 yards would nearly double the space and provide the necessary capacity, and open space for other community needs as requested by the neighborhood in a 2016 Civic Association vote.
Not located near homes: The location provides easy access from high-rise and single family homes without any disruption to the quality of life of neighbors. In fact the closest single family homes are the equivalent to nearly 2 blocks away from the end of the proposed dog park. A dog-friendly multi-family building is across the street and uses VHP
Size: The smaller of the two options consists of two fenced in dog areas; one which is approximately 7,000 square feet for the area for “small” dogs under 25 pounds, and another area for “larger” dogs of approximately 8,000 square feet for the main dog area outside of the softball field fences.
The main “large dog” area according to Arlington’s standards of 450 sq ft per dog would safely accommodate approximately 17 dogs.
However, we know that even within Met Park, just one apartment complex, frequently 20 or more dogs are using casual use space as a de facto dog park in the evenings and weekends. Therefore, the 8,000 sq ft accommodating only 17 dogs at any given time is simply insufficient for the greater needs of the community and the nearly 11,000 households within a short distance from the park.
Observations at Met Park apartments and VHP show that there will be easily 50+ dogs (small & large) at peak times. The size would need to be at least 22,500 ft to avoid conflicts, which can be achieved by expanding into space currently occupied by one softball field. The larger option shown would provide approximately approximately 25,000sq ft. between the small and larger dog areas.
Temporary Fencing could be achieved using the heavy-duty temporary fencing currently warehoused by the County. This could be used initially, at no or relatively low, cost.
Utility Services: Water Source already exists in the area delineated in the diagram by the “small dog park”.
Trash Service already exists: In addition, there are already County trash bins and trash service provided by the County along the service path between both dog areas.
Shed already exists to store the necessary maintenance tools at Virginia Highlands Park. Volunteers can use it to store the dog bags, first aid kit, broom, shovels, clippers, signage and tools.
Easy Entrance Access: The service road in VHP is ideally situated to allow for owners to enter and exit the dog park without using main sidewalks.
Easy Parking (if needed): There is plenty of street parking adjacent to the location & a full parking lot
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