Need more space to walk you pre- or post-pandemic puppy? You’re in luck, Columbia Heights’ non-profit “11th and Bark” announced last fall that the Columbia Heights dog park would be saved from the threat of private development. The city agreed to lease the land upon which the dog park sits from WMATA for the purpose of maintaining the dog park that has been serving Columbia Heights canines and their owners since 2009.
With more DC residents working and learning from home, dog adoptions in the area, and across the country, have soared since the pandemic lockdowns started. Just last month the Washington Post reported (the good problem) that so many dogs and other pets are being adopted in the DC area that shelters are “running out.”
11th and Bark, comprising a group of passionate neighborhood dog lovers, plans to work with the city to renovate the park. In fact, 11th and Bark was founded in 2015 for the very purpose of “making the Columbia Heights Dog Park an official city off-leash dog park.” It is slowly but surely fulfilling its mission.
As a partner organization with Green Spaces for DC, 11th and Bark also advocates for preserving green space. Leaders of the organization hope to get the go ahead soon to move forward with fundraising efforts for the dog park renovation. 11th and Bark’s website has information for residents on how to get involved, learn more about their efforts, and stay posted on the park’s progress.
