Hanover approves lighting and parking upgrades for Taylor Park dog park; nonprofit to contribute funds
May 28, 2025 | Hanover County, Virginia
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The Hanover County Board of Supervisors on May 28 approved an amendment to the Taylor Park conditional use permit to allow limited lighting and parking improvements for the county dog park at Taylor Park, just east of Ashland on Route 54.
Parks and recreation staff presented the plan, saying the lighting would be limited to 25‑foot fixtures with house‑side shields to reduce glare and would be controlled by automatic timers; the park’s dog area would be allowed open hours until 10:45 p.m. but the lighting would shut off at 11 p.m. The amended conditions require that the fixtures meet zoning standards, that parking be landscaped and that lighting be shut off automatically each night.
Parks Director Aaron Reed Miller said existing county budget lines will fund the lighting infrastructure while parking improvements will come from a paving/parking budget, and he acknowledged Friends of Hanover Dog Parks — a nonprofit — for raising funds and volunteer support. Carolyn Cook, speaking for Friends of Hanover Dog Parks, told the board the group will contribute “a 5‑figure sum” toward purchase of the lights and has supported other dog‑park projects in the county.
Several users described the dog park as an important community gathering place and said evening lighting would extend safe use after dusk. Chuck Reese, a frequent patron, described survey support from more than 300 patrons and asked the board to approve the upgrade. After discussion, the board voted to approve the CUP amendment; proffered conditions include the automatic shutoff, fixture shielding and landscaping for the parking lot.
The approvals require Parks and Recreation to comply with the updated CUP conditions and to coordinate installation with county procurement and building‑permit processes; staff said they will notify frequent patrons when construction is scheduled and will work with Friends of Hanover Dog Parks on the donation and installation logistics.
Parks and recreation staff presented the plan, saying the lighting would be limited to 25‑foot fixtures with house‑side shields to reduce glare and would be controlled by automatic timers; the park’s dog area would be allowed open hours until 10:45 p.m. but the lighting would shut off at 11 p.m. The amended conditions require that the fixtures meet zoning standards, that parking be landscaped and that lighting be shut off automatically each night.
Parks Director Aaron Reed Miller said existing county budget lines will fund the lighting infrastructure while parking improvements will come from a paving/parking budget, and he acknowledged Friends of Hanover Dog Parks — a nonprofit — for raising funds and volunteer support. Carolyn Cook, speaking for Friends of Hanover Dog Parks, told the board the group will contribute “a 5‑figure sum” toward purchase of the lights and has supported other dog‑park projects in the county.
Several users described the dog park as an important community gathering place and said evening lighting would extend safe use after dusk. Chuck Reese, a frequent patron, described survey support from more than 300 patrons and asked the board to approve the upgrade. After discussion, the board voted to approve the CUP amendment; proffered conditions include the automatic shutoff, fixture shielding and landscaping for the parking lot.
The approvals require Parks and Recreation to comply with the updated CUP conditions and to coordinate installation with county procurement and building‑permit processes; staff said they will notify frequent patrons when construction is scheduled and will work with Friends of Hanover Dog Parks on the donation and installation logistics.
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