Dog Park Opens

Mayor, DPR and Ward 2 Community Celebrate Opening of District’s First Public Dog Park
Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

This afternoon, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, DC Department of Parks and Recreation Director Clark E. Ray, and District leaders joined Ward 2 residents and dog owners for a “leash cutting” ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Shaw Dog Park at 11th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The Shaw Dog Park is the District’s first public dog park.

“Today is a day of celebration for dog owners throughout the District,” said Mayor Fenty. “After years of waiting, dogs and their owners can now enjoy the District's first public dog park.”
Each one of the District’s public dog parks will be maintained by partnerships between DPR and a sponsoring community organization. The Dog Owners of Greater Shaw (DOGS) is the sponsoring organization for the new Shaw Dog Park.

According to DPR Director Clark E. Ray, “This afternoon dogs are finally enjoying a park in the District leash-free. The opening of the Shaw Dog Park demonstrates how DPR is actively working to meet the many recreational needs of all of our residents."

The approximately 15,000 square foot Shaw Dog Park features fencing around the park, a dog park surface of pea gravel and stone dust, two enclosures - one for large dogs (25 pounds and larger) and one for small dogs, three waste disposal stations, and a community bulletin board. Access to the dog park is from 11th Street, NW. The Shaw Dog Park is a temporary dog park and is scheduled to close in June 2010 to accommodate the construction of the new Shaw School.

Use of the dog park is free, but each dog must have a valid DC dog license and have a DC dog park registration tag. Applications for the DC dog park registration tag are available in the "Dog Parks" section on DPR's website, DPR.DC.GOV.

Other local leaders at the event included Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, ANC 2C01 Commissioner Alexander M. Padro, and Coordinator of Dog Owners of Greater Shaw, George Kassouf.

Also joining the celebration was the Washington Animal Rescue League. “In keeping with its support of the city’s dog park initiatives, the Washington Animal Rescue League wholeheartedly applauds the establishment of the city’s first ever dog park and is proud to be on hand with a few canine ambassadors from the shelter to help mark the occasion,” stated Executive Director Gary Weitzman.