The Spotsylvania Dog Park Committee is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when volunteers come together for a positive cause. Established in 2011 by passionate animal lovers, the ultimate aim of this group has been to provide an off-leash area for the 28,600 dogs living in the Virginia County of Spotsylvania – and now, thanks to ample fundraising efforts and generous donations, that dream is gradually becoming a reality.

Fundraising Efforts

The Spotsylvania Dog Park Committee was established in 2011 by a passionate group of Spotsylvania dog lovers who were determined to build a public dog park for the county. With an estimated 28,600 dogs living in Spotsylvania County, the need for such a facility was great. Initially, the group sought to build the park in Patriot Park but was unable to acquire the necessary funding as the cost estimates exceeded $200,000. Undeterred, the dedicated volunteers incorporated a non-profit charitable group and continued their fundraising efforts with pride and positivity.

Donation of Land for Dog Park Construction

In June 2015, Dollar General Stores made a generous donation of 2.9 acres of land at 10601 Gordon Road to be used specifically for the construction of a public dog park. Following this, funds on hand were used to survey the property and create a site plan, which was approved in 2017. With the help of Luck Stone, who donated gravel for the dog park driveway and parking lot, the Virginia Department of Transportation entrance permit was obtained in April 2018. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all those involved.

Features of the Spotsylvania Dog Park

The Spotsylvania Dog Park is an exciting project that will provide a safe and well-supervised place for the almost thirty thousand dogs living in the county to run and play. The park will include two, half-acre off-leash areas, each with its entrance, a five-foot perimeter fence, large gates for maintenance access, twenty parking spaces including a handicapped space, and a county water connection. Though the cost of fencing is close to $23,000, 25% of this amount has already been raised. This much-needed dog park will be an invaluable resource for those who don’t have access to a fenced yard for their canine companions.

Join the Dog-Loving Volunteer Group

Spotsy Dog Park is proud to invite generous donors to join the dog-loving volunteer group and help give Spotsy dogs a place to exercise. Donations can be made to the GoFundMe page on Facebook, or by mail to the designated address. These donations are tax-deductible and will go towards making Spotsy Dog Park open to everyone. Every second Wednesday of the month, members gather from 7-9 pm in rooms 3 and 4 at Salem Church Library to discuss their progress. For more information, visit https://spotsydogpark.net/.

Those who have seen the wild joy of dogs in motion, leaping and galloping, know that a Spotsy Dog Park will bring immense happiness to the area.

The Spotsylvania Dog Park Committee has worked tirelessly to turn a dream into a material reality. With the generously donated land from Dollar General Stores and assistance from entities such as Luck Stone and the Virginia Department of Transportation, the dream of a much-needed, public county dog park is closer than ever to becoming a reality. Approved in 2017, the dog park will feature two half-acre, off-leash areas, a five-foot perimeter fence, and twenty parking spaces including at least one dedicated to those with handicaps. Fundraising for these necessary projects continues and more contributions can be made through their non-profit status. Here’s looking forward to an amazing resource that generations of canine companions can appreciate for years to come.

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