An Update from Public Works Director John Ferons

While our brains want to call it the elementary school site, we have to train ourselves to embrace the new name, Yountville Commons.  The term “Commons” refers to land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole of a community.  This is a perfect description for what used to be the school site, it is land now belonging to the community whose fate will affect the whole of Yountville, making it the Yountville Commons.  To that end, the school’s multi-purpose building is now being referred to as Commons Hall so when the work gets reported below as Commons Hall - it’s the big building on the left that hosts open houses and public outreach events.

That said, we here at your Public Works Department are happy to report to the community the recent progress on the Commons site.  In June, we reported that the basic move-in and operational work was complete in time for our excellent Parks and Recreation team to host Camp Y-ville on the site.  Now that camp is over, work resumes on the site. Most notably, and sticking with the theme, "Canine Commons”, the Town’s first ever dog park opened this week due to efforts from Town staff, our contract manager, and two contractors.  The next most obvious change is the painting of the buildings in the theme of the Community Center and Community Hall.  But wait, don’t be alarmed, the school’s history is being preserved: the tribute walls with students' handprints are being protected and preserved. Choosing a paint theme to match the Town’s building will make them immediately recognizable as a Town resource or, more fittingly, the Yountville Commons.

While the site continues to be improved, Town staff and our consultants are working on the next phase which is the Town Council-approved Wellness Center and Farmstand. The Wellness Center, the medium-sized building in the middle, will receive an internal makeover to accommodate the future Yountville Fit gym use.  The Farmstand, formerly known as the Snack Shack, will receive an external glow up to create an inviting outdoor space for that casual cup of coffee or soup of the day.

In the meantime, our dedicated public staff will continue to perform work on the grounds and buildings to bring Yountville Commons up to the standards provided at all of our public facilities.

Now Open - Canine Commons 

Town staff is excited to announce the interim dog park at Yountville Commons is now open! Dogs and their families celebrated this new community space together at the Leash Cutting Grand Opening, which took place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM.

As part of the interim use plan for the Yountville Commons site, the Town has set up fencing and amenities for a new off-leash dog park. This park is open while long-term plans are being developed.

The 20,000 square foot enclosed park features two double entry gates and shaded seating areas from the old dugouts. Access is via the Hopper Creek Path from Finnell Road or through the playground/blacktop area from the west. The park offers a large open area for dogs to run and play, with fresh water available and temporary outdoor furniture in place until new seating arrives.

As the formal planning process for the Yountville Commons site continues, the Town is assessing how the dog park is being received and making changes as needed. A resident Canine Commons Liaison Group has been formed to assist in providing feedback. For more details and to give feedback, residents can visit the Town of Yountville Parks & Facilities webpage.

Yountville Fit at the Commons

Yountville residents have long expressed the need for a fitness gym or wellness center since the Yountville Fitness Center closed in 2015. The 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan included a fitness facility as a key long-term goal. When the Town acquired the Yountville Elementary School property in April 2024, it saw an opportunity to address this need. During a March 2024 open house, residents again highlighted the desire for a wellness center.

Currently, many residents travel to Napa for indoor fitness options. In early 2024, Donavan Wellness Solutions (DWS) proposed using the Community Center for a gym, but after evaluating site constraints, discussions shifted to the Yountville Commons site. The Town is now moving forward with opening Yountville Fit, led by Donavan Almond, known for his award-winning personal training and successful operations in Calistoga. 

Learn more about the Founders Membership here.

Sign up for the Yountville Fit email list.

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