There was a meeting yesterday that I just learned about for the community to discuss plans for the closed Gage-Eckington School in Ledroit Park. Currently, Common Good City Farm, the community garden group, just relocated there. And the city has apparently set its plans to demolish the building for the next few years (seems a shame really). I’d heard some initial debate over whether or not to do it, but it seems the city has decided.
The post below from the Bloomingdale list advocates that some of the space be used for a dog park and give a contact for those interested. I am abbreviating the post. The area is big enough for multiple use.
Gage-Eckington is the first reasonable opportunity for a dog park within walking distance. If you are interested please attend tonight’s meeting at St. George’s Episcopal Church and/or e-mail me at the address listed at the end of this message. We must establish an interest group to acquire and, if acquired, manage the dog park. This is required by the City.
To touch on a few reasons this is desired and can benefit the community and park:
- The community has an increasing number of dog owners.
- Dog owners would be frequent and regular users of the dog park area, thus conferring a constant human presence and increased safety for all park users. Aggressive dogs are not allowed in any DC dog park.
- A few dog owners without respect for the park as a whole will take their dogs to the park regardless of a dog park area. If one is present, dog owners will be compelled to take their dog into the designated and enclosed space. This will prevent wear & tear and feces from the few disrespectful dog owners.
- The nearest dog park is too far to walk and thus is still impractical for most to use on a daily basis.
- There appears to be more than sufficient land to provide a dog park without infringing on the use, safety, or apportionment for other uses.
The City has carefully crafted and reasonably stringent regulations governing the requisite steps and standards for the establishment and maintenance of dog parks. To touch on just a few:
- A dog park group must be established and ANCs as well as interested parties sign off on the dog park. I believe, this would include Common Good.
- The dog park is fenced in and there are strict design standards to allow for safety of dogs and humans.
- A dog park shall be at least 5000 square feet, so, less than 4% of the available land.
- There are limitations on use such as the number of dogs and time of day.
If anyone would like to see an established dog park area, the closest is at the 1600 block of 11th Street between Rhode Island & R St, NW. Near the basketball courts and skate park.
If you are interested in a “Dog Park Interest Group” or have questions or reasonable concerns please e-mail me at bloomingdale.ledroitdoggroup@gmail.com. The intent of the group would be not only be to advocate, work for, and manage a dog park, but also, to work on other issues related to dogs and pets (and perhaps our friendly feral cats) in the community and work with other community groups for greater cooperation and respectful dialogue.
Hope to see you tonight.
Christian / bloomingdale.ledroitdoggroup @ gmail.com
Bates Area Civic Association 