Downtown Arlington Awarded $100,000 Grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation

Downtown Arlington is thrilled to announce it is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation in support of the “Doggie Depot” project. With the groundbreaking approaching, the Doggie Depot is well on its way to becoming a one-stop destination for downtown’s four-legged community to connect, play, and exercise. This grant will prove beneficial in transforming the neglected land adjacent to the railroad tracks into a place of community involvement, and it will ensure the park is safe and accessible for everyone. 

“The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is proud to support any project that upholds Arlington’s culture and strengthens the vitality of our community,” said Mayor Jim Ross, President of the Board of Directors for the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. “The Doggie Depot is the next step in creating a thriving downtown neighborhood, enhancing the quality of life for our residents, visitors, and furry friends while reviving a long-forgotten green space.” 

Downtown Arlington’s Doggie Depot will include ADA access, running water, lighting, dog waste stations, a sustainable groundcover, separate play areas for both small and large dogs, and eco-friendly fencing with mesh openings and an anti-climb design. In addition to the dog-centric infrastructure, there will be shaded seating areas for people to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. 

The Doggie Depot project was developed after the 2022 Downtown Arlington Resident Survey revealed a dissatisfaction with the availability of local, pet-oriented outdoor spaces. With 40% of survey respondents reporting pet ownership, Downtown Arlington found it imperative to seek new development opportunities in response to the increasing needs of a growing population. 

“In the past decade, Downtown Arlington has exceeded the tipping point of progress, experiencing nothing short of an economic renaissance and cultural rebirth,” said Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of Downtown Arlington. “As we continue this upward trend of growth and renewal, it is important that we maintain our focus on the heart of the community: the people.” 

The principle of including the community itself in the development of a shared vision is the key to placemaking and the driving force behind the Doggie Depot project. After being awarded the Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces with funding from General Motors, Downtown Arlington collaborated with the renowned placemaking organization as well as residents and local businesses to craft the character of the new dog park. 

“The new dog park will be a great amenity for Downtown, incorporating the environment into our unique identity and tying together our appreciation for the outdoors and our love for our pets,” said Carolyn Mentesana, Executive Director of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. “The Doggie Depot is a stride towards creating sustainable public spaces in Arlington and a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.” 

The project needs to reach its $52,000 private fundraising goal by the end of March to leverage up to $175,000 in outstanding grant funds. If you would like to get involved and join the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation in helping bring the Doggie Depot to life, consider purchasing an on-site commemorative brick, donating to our capital campaign, and/or following the Doggie Depot on Instagram and Facebook.