Public Invited To Reopening Of Fitch Mountain, Villa Dog Park

HEALDSBURG, CA — Healdsburg city officials, state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore and others will be on hand Saturday, May 4, to celebrate the completion of the Fitch Mountain Improvement Project and Villa Dog Park renovations.

The grand opening celebration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

The celebration will include music, artwork, mountain hikes, kids' activities, dog park activities, a hot dog barbecue, and a tail-waggin' good time!

Because parking is limited at the Villa Chanticleer, those attending the event need to park at the high school parking lot, 1024 Prince Ave., and use the free shuttle service —for humans and dogs— to get to the event. Shuttle service runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Those with a special parking need should call the city at 707-431-3301 or email communityservices@healdsburg.gov and we will help with reasonable accommodations.

Since August, the Villa Dog Park, the main Fitch Mountain trail and all connection trails have been for the construction of improvements which included:

• A sustainable trail access from the Lower Villa parking lot to the existing fire access road/trail on Fitch Mountain.
• A bridge system to cross the seasonal stream
• Low-gradient trail for ADA access
• Information kiosks and interpretive signage
• Redesigning the Villa Dog Park entrance area with new ADA access, signage, people water fountains, and associated improvements
• Installing ADA-accessible walkways in the dog park
• Relocating and improving the dog park's pet water fountain area
• Dog park Drainage improvements and erosion control
• New commercial-grade shade structures, benches and picnic tables for the dog park

Future work will include the installation of flush toilet restrooms once funding becomes available.