Columbia Heights dog park is not in immediate danger, says Ward 1 Councilmember

Since 2009, Columbia Heights has had a dog park at the corner of 11th and Park roads NW. According to PoPville, there are development plans that might threaten its fate. WMATA is considering selling the site for commercial use. Despite this, D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau says that there is no need for worry.

Originally, there were reports that there were plans to discuss the possible sale at a community meeting on January 23. In a letter to locals, ANC 1A06 Commissioner Angelica Castañon said the project won’t be discussed at that particular meeting, but that the park is “still under threat.” The local ANC hopes to “regroup and plan” before another community meeting is set to discuss WMATA’s plans.

In a statement, Nadeau further clarified WMATA’s plans and what her thoughts are on the project:

Neighbors –

I’ve gotten some calls from neighbors concerned about the 11^th and Park dog park and I wanted to make sure folks had all the info. I just got off the phone with the Chairman of the Metro Board, and he has assured me there is no immediate action being taken on the parcel which is owned by WMATA. WMATA has made a list of all the parcels they no longer need and would like to sell, and this is one of them. They’ve submitted the list to the District government for review to see if we’d like to acquire the parcels ourselves. The District will have all the time we need to consider that opportunity. Initially, WMATA indicated to some community members that it might be considering this issue at a public meeting early this week, but I have been told that’s not the case.

Over the past three years, I’ve been working with the 11^th and Bark community group to help them position themselves as the primary operators of the parcel and to keep the park open. I will continue to work with them and all the residents who are interested to ensure we can preserve this space for community use. The stewards of the park have put in countless hours of dedicated volunteer time to maintain the space, and it’s a beloved spot in the community, and I know it’s important for our residents and their furry friends that it continue.

If you have any additional questions or comments, my inbox is always open at bnadeau@dccouncil.us or you can call my office at 202-724-8181.

Curbed DC has reached out to WMATA for more details and will update this article once more information is revealed.

There is now an online petition to save the dog park. At the time of this article’s publication, there were over 300 signatures.

• Columbia Heights Dog Park at 11th and Park in Peril; WMATA “considering putting it up for sale for commercial use” [PoPville]

• Save the 11th & Park Dog Park [Change.org]