Crozet Dog Park Update

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By Ellen Braun & Kim Guenther

Proposed dog park at Claudius Crozet Park
Proposed dog park at Claudius Crozet Park

Recent discussions with the Albemarle County Department of Parks and Recreation have finalized the location of the proposed Crozet dog park and produced an agreement with the county to provide the land. The goal is a central location where dogs can run and play safely off-leash.

A team of Crozet residents worked with Parks and Rec leadership and planners to review two site alternatives, one in Mint Springs Valley Park and the other adjacent to Crozet Park. Though the Mint Springs site has advantages of tree cover, good drainage, and an existing county park setting, its distance from the center of Crozet made it the runner-up.

The Crozet Park-adjacent site is centrally located, linked to the Crozet trails system, and would become part of the main activity hub in Crozet. The location enables easy access by bicycle, foot and car. Though it will require brush clearing and drainage improvements, the site provides an expansive fence-enclosed area shaded by large trees. These advantages make it the preferred site.

A detailed estimate of the cost to build the dog park at the Crozet Park-adjacent site comes to $29,000. The county will manage construction of the project, but has no funds for building it. Donations already received for the project total $1,200, leaving $27,800 to be raised. The dog park committee hopes to start in September, 2014, and is looking for ways to reduce expenses on fence building and tree work to help whittle down the overall cost.

Crozet-area residents are asked to volunteer their talents and effort to help fundraise at community events between now and September and to do some of the “hard labor” when it comes time for construction. Volunteers should visit www.crozetdogpark.org for more information.

Finances for the dog park are being managed by Claudius Crozet Park, an independent, non-profit, community-owned park, and money donations are tax deductible. For every $200 donated, a special sign with your dog’s name on it will be installed on the dog park fence. To donate, send a check made out to Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. to Claudius Crozet Park, Inc., P.O. Box 171. Crozet, VA 22932. Remember to note “DOG PARK” on the memo line of the check.

For more information, email Kim Guenther, who is coordinating this effort, at [email protected].