Clarendon Dog Park Recognized as Best New Park Facility of 2014
Dogs Just Want to Have Fun
While most people don't want to think about going out in the frigid temperatures this time of year, your furry, four-legged friend may beg to differ. And, the James Hunter Park in Clarendon, Virginia, continues to be a great option, open from sunrise to 9pm, even in the winter. In warmer months dogs (and their humans) can take advantage of some top-notch amenities. The facility features an open grassy area for informal play, a plaza area with tables and chairs for picnics where the approximate 15,000 professionals who work for nearby employers can eat lunch, as well as a community canine section.
More Than a Dog Park
The Parks and Recreation Department describes the Park as "more than a dog park" -- positioning it as a sustainable community gathering place that is an easy "go-to destination" for people who work and live in Arlington. The Park reopened in 2013 following a somewhat controversial $1.6 renovation that some residents felt was too costly for a dog park. As part of the project, the Town of Arlington worked with Alfred State College to design the park's much lauded solar irrigation and water management systems which relies on a combination of rainwater and solar power. The Park's signage is also part of a public art project although the canines have largely been silent on the displays. Despite a few glitches when the park opened (the fountain stopped working and some owners initially complained about dust from the gravel in the canine play area), most of the kinks have been ironed out. In December 2014, the Virginia Recreation and Park Society recognized James Hunter Park as "Best New Facility" calling it a model for "today's urban parks." The Park, located at North Herndon and 13th Streets is minutes from the Clarendon Metro and reportedly within a 10-minute walk of the more than 8,000 people who live in the area. The park honors a former Arlington County Board member and is one of several community dog play areas in Arlington.
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