Building community

 

Lockdown in the time of Covid clearly illustrates the value of county parks. As Covid cabin fever set in, Goochlanders looked for safe close to home ways to get out of the house. Our parks were the perfect place to find a safe change of scenery close to home.

On Friday, October 9 two facilities related to the new animal shelter in Hidden Rock Park off of Fairground were dedicated. Two dog parks—fenced areas where dogs can gambol off leash, and a trail from the lower level of the park to the shelter—are the result of public private partnerships that leverage donations, labor, and in-kind contributions to enhance community recreation facilities.

Map of HRP trail system.

Sara Grattan Chairman of Goochland Pet lovers said that the parks are a place for residents to put aside the angst of current events, get outside, and enjoy their pets. The McCann family made the upper level dog park possible and the Reynolds family built the lower dog park.

Deputy County Administrator for Operations Derek Stamey said the newest dog parks and trails are an example of collaboration among Pet Lovers, the county, and private individuals. He thanked the general services, parks and rec, and the high school CTE program, which built the dog biscuit-shaped benches and will be working on an obstacle course when school gets back to in person leaning.

Dog biscuit shaped bench  made by GHS CTE students.

The Hidden Rock Complex is truly an example of private citizens coming together with the county to build things like the new animal shelter, which Stamey contended, “may be the nicest animal shelter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

In addition to trails, playground equipment, a picnic shelter, restrooms and a concession stand, HRP also boasts exceptional ball fields and state-of the art covered batting cages. In normal times these facilities are popular sites for regional sports competitions. The county is laying fiber to the park to boost Wi-Fi and support installation of security cameras there. Friends of Goochland Parks and GYAA raised private funds and contributed sweat equity to make the park facilities possible. “It takes everybody working together to make this happen,” said Stamey.

The trail, which includes a 300-foot board walk, is the result of a discussion over coffee with Rotary that took place about three years ago seeking a way to connect the park and the animal shelter.

Jay Shively, president of Rotary Club of Goochland—whose members tend to have a least a pinky in good things happening in the county—said it was very rewarding to see the concept become reality. Much of the funding, $5,000, came from a Rotary District grant. He praised all involved for their hard work and collaboration. He introduced the Otis, Rotary mascot, who made the initial canine inspection of the lower dog. “This does not end today. Rotary will continue to work with the county and citizens,” he said.

Otis, the mascot of the Goochland Rotary Club inspects the dog park.

In addition to the Hidden Rock complex, the county park system includes those at Leakes Mill on Rt. 6; Tucker Park on Maidens Road on both sides of the James River bridge; Matthews Road near Hadensville-Fife Road; the Central High School Cultural and Educational center; and Courthouse trails.

 See https://www.goochlandva.us/Facilities?clear=False for a complete listing.  An east end trail system using rights-of-way for the Tuckahoe Creek Service District is also in the work. You can get outside and enjoy our parks without leaving Goochland!