FAQS

What is an OLDA?
Who owns the OLDA?
Who is responsible for the OLDA?
Who is the Sponsor?
What are the responsibilities of the FCPA?
What are the responsibilities of the Sponsor?
Why does the Sponsor have to provide funding?
Why can't general tax revenues support the OLDA?
Does an OLDA have to be fenced?
Is the style of the fence the option of the FCPA?
How big is an OLDA?
How many dogs can safety fit in an OLDA?
Can small dogs go to OLDAs?
Can an OLDA have a special area for small dogs?
Why do OLDAs have a double gate entry system?
Why should leashes be removed and attached in the entry area?
How does an OLDA keep clean?
Who can enter an OLDA?
What are the responsibilities of the Handler?
What are the requirements for the dog?
Why not have a Dog Park at Ft Hunt Park?
Will there be a parking area at Grist Mill Park near the OLDA?
When will the OLDA at Grist Mill Park be finished?
How much money will Mount Vernon Area DOG need?
How do I contribute?

 

What is an OLDA?
An OLDA is an Off-Leash Dog Area. "It is a fenced area where dogs may play and exercise without being required to be on a leash." It is informally known as a Dog Park.

Who owns the OLDA?
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)

Who is responsible for the OLDA?
Responsibility for the OLDA is shared between the FCPA and the Sponsor.

Who is the Sponsor?
An individual (s), group (s) of residents or combinations thereof and/or OLDA users who sign an MOU agreement with the FCPA.

What are the responsibilities of the FCPA?
The responsibilities of the FCPA are:

• Ensure that the grass is mowed on a regular basis.
• Maintain fencing, benches and other amenities.
• Place signs with rules and regulations in locations deemed appropriate by FCPA and the Sponsor.
• Maintain contact with the Sponsor, Fairfax County Police, and Animal Control on issues relating to the use or operation of the OLDA.

What are the responsibilities of the Sponsor?
The Sponsor shall obtain funding for fencing, bulletin boards, and other amenities approved for the OLDA. Additional responsibilities include:

• Ensure that the OLDA is free of animal feces and all litter, at all times.
• Act as a liaison between users and local residents.
• Provide education on park rules and regulations to users.
• Report maintenance needs to FCPA.
• Act as liaison with FCPA, Fairfax County Police, and Animal Control on all issues related to use of the OLDA.
• Monitor the facility as necessary to ensure proper utilization and operation of the facility.

Why does the Sponsor have to provide funding? Why can't general tax revenues be used to support an OLDA?
In order to show community support, the Sponsor is responsible for raising funds for the fencing, amenities, and continuing operations of the OLDA. Raising funds is a form of pre-user fee, i.e. pay before using it. Citizens are prepared to pay directly for activities they enjoy.

Does an OLDA have to be fenced?
In Fairfax County, Virginia, an OLDA must be fenced. In other areas of the Commonwealth and the United States, dog parks may be in areas with natural boundaries.

Is the style of fence the option of the FCPA?
"Fencing shall be the FCPA approved galvanized chain link type and shall be 5 feet in height. The chain links shall be crimped at both the top and bottom to assure safety to both dogs and people. The chain link portions shall be adequately entrenched or appropriately anchored to assure that no dog may burrow under."

How big is an OLDA?
The minimum size of an OLDA in the Fairfax County Park Authority shall be 10,000 square feet, less than a quarter acre. Ideally, given the land space available, an OLDA will be at least 27,780 square feet or one-half acre. The OLDA at Grist Mill PArk is planned to be one acre is size.

How many dogs can safely fit in an OLDA?
The carrying capacity for an OLDA will be one dog for every 700 square feet. There will be a sign posted stating the maximum number of dogs that are allowed in each OLDA.

Can small dogs go to OLDAs?
OLDAs are for all dogs regardless of size. It is the responsibility of the dog handler(s) to follow the rules of the OLDA and keep their dog(s) under control. The handlers of small dogs may want to keep a close eye on their dogs when there are a lot of big dogs playing in the OLDA. A small dog may get in the way of a group of larger dogs chasing each other in fun.

Can an OLDA have a special area for small dogs?
The design of the OLDA is a joint effort between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the sponsoring organization, and the terrain of the land. With a large enough dog park, there could be a separate area for smaller dogs.

Why do OLDAs have dual gate entry systems?
" Double gated entryways shall be provided for safety and to provide a neutral zone for dogs to be leashed/unleashed."

Why should leashes be removed and attached in the entry area?
Dogs are pack animals and are constantly judging their positions in the pack. In an OLDA this behavior is also seen.A dog on a leash is at a disadvantage in relation to a dog off leash. By allowing the dog to enter or exit without a leash, he is on an equal footing with other dogs in the OLDA. It is easier for the handler to remove or attach a leash in an area free of other dogs.

How does an OLDA keep clean?
Under the County Poop and Scoop laws, a dog owner is responsible for cleaning up after his own dog. In some OLDAs the Sponsor provides bags for scooping poop. It is the responsibility of the handler to use his own bags or bags provided to clean up after his dog and for disposing of the filled bag in the proper trash receptacle whether inside the OLDA, in the area surrounding the OLDA, or anywhere in the County. FCPA is responsible for mowing the lawn, providing trash receptacles, and emptying those receptacles.

Who can enter an OLDA?
A handler with no more than two dogs under his control and other people over the age of 8 are allowed in the OLDA. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What are the responsibilities of the Handler?
Handlers must be at least 16 years of age. Handlers must have possession of the dog leash(es) at all times. Handlers must "scoop the poop". Handlers must fill all holes dug up by the dog(s) under their control. Handlers are responsible for any injuries caused by the dog(s) under their control. Handlers must be in control of and in visual contact with their dog(s) at all times.

What are the requirements for the dog?
All dogs must be legally licensed and vaccinated and shall wear a visible dog license. All dogs must be over the age of 4 months. No female dogs should be in heat. No dog can wear a spiked collar in the OLDA. A dog must be removed from the OLDA at the first sign of aggression. Dogs must be on leash when entering or exiting the OLDA double gated entry. Dogs must be under the control of their Handler and in the view of the Handler at all times.

Why not have an OLDA at Ft Hunt Park?
Fort Hunt is not a part of the Fairfax County Park Authority; it is a federal park.

Will there be a parking area at Grist Mill Park near the OLDA?
Yes, there will be a 20 space parking lot built in close proximity to the OLDA.

When will the OLDA at Grist Mill Park be finished?
Mount Vernon Area DOG is raising funds for the fencing. When the funds are raised, the County will be ready to contract to build the fence. The sooner the funding is secured, the sooner there will be an OLDA at Grist Mill Park.

How much money will Mount Vernon Area DOG need?
The minimum amount is $10,000 plus $2,000 per year for scoop bags and other amentities.

How do I contribute?
Send your check or money order payable to Mount Vernon Area DOG to P O Box 15015, Alexandria, VA 22309. Contributions of all sizes are welcome.