Frequently Asked Questions about Establishing a New Dog Park
How do I establish a new dog park for my neighborhood?
A Dog Park Establishment Application* and proposal must be submitted by a sponsoring group. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) must be contacted prior to the submission of a Dog Park Application so a preliminary review to determine ownership of the proposed site can be conducted. Once it is determined that the proposed area is available District-owned parkland, an application can then be submitted.
What is a sponsoring group?
A sponsoring group is a group of people or an organization that has come together to support a dog park for their neighborhood. Each proposed and operating dog park must have a sponsoring group. Once a dog park application is approved by DPR, sponsoring groups must become formal partners with DPR through a Memorandum of Understanding that lists the roles and responsibilities for both the agency and the sponsoring group. As official DPR partners, sponsoring groups will act as stewards of the dog park, helping to provide amenities for the park and assisting with management and maintenance duties.
Does DPR work with other land owners—e.g. National Park Service—to obtain land for new dog parks?
No. Only District-owned parkland can be used for dog parks.
When a dog park is proposed, what is the neighborhood’s involvement?
Dog park applicants will be required to provide letters of support from adjoining Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) and collect signatures from residents within a ten-block radius of the proposed dog park. Letters and/or petitions of support from individuals and organizations in the surrounding area of the proposed dog park can also be submitted.
What weight will DPR give to opposition groups that reflect a minority position (i.e. gardeners, parents of young children and school children)?
All public comments will be given equal consideration in the decision making process in order to ensure a fair review process. DPR’s mission is to provide leisure and learning opportunities, safe parks and facilities, and to preserve and protect the natural resources for District residents and visitors, in order to enhance the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and communities. DPR will take into account not only the physical conditions of the site, but also the needs of the community.
Who participates in the Dog Park Application Review Committee?
As outlined in the final rules, the Dog Park Application Review Committee (DPARC) is a standing committee appointed by the DPR Director, comprised of the following (current members of the DPARC are in parenthesis):
- DPR Director or his or her designee from the Department (Richard Phipps III, Chief of Staff);
- A representative from the District Department of Environment (Peter Hill);
- A representative from the District Department of Health/Animal Control Division (Peggy Keller);
- A veterinarian active in canine health in the District of Columbia or recognized canine behaviorist;
- A representative from a recognized animal shelter or animal welfare organization located within the District (Tiffany Barrow-Rogers, Washington Humane Society);
- Four community representatives, two of whom shall be from sponsoring dog park groups of existing or potential dog parks. (Kathy Silva, Newark Street Park K-9 Friends; Darren Binder, Circle Dog; Jeffrey Jackson; Angela Jones)
Who pays for and maintains dog parks?
Dog parks are a partnership between DPR and sponsoring groups. DPR will pay for design and construction of a basic dog park. If additional amenities are proposed, sponsoring groups will be responsible for the purchase and installation of those amenities. Any amenities added to completed dog parks will also be provided by sponsoring groups. DPR will provide basic maintenance for dog parks, but will work with sponsoring groups to share daily maintenance responsibilities.
