Thanks to everyone who joined our 2024 Annual Meeting. We were lucky to have ANC Rep. Anthony Davis-Thomas join our meeting to give us information on the status of the park and DPR’s upcoming construction. John Henderson of Green Spaces of DC also joined us to give us a report on administrative matters related to the organization. And 11th & Bark board members reported on our activities over the last year including our clean-ups, events, financial status, and more.
2024 Earth Day Cleanup
Thanks to everyone who helped us clean up the park last Saturday. At the cleanup, we picked up trash in and around the park; filled holes throughout the park; swept up dirt and leaves in and around the park; and spread mulch around the existing trees. We also took down the shed, which was falling apart due to people trying to break into it. Stay tuned—soon we will have a new shed.
70 Dogs Stopped By Queen’s English to Meet Santa
Queen’s English hosted us for our sixth annual Dogs Meet Santa photo event. In one of our most fun events of the year, more than 70 dogs met and had their pictures taken with Santa. We also collected donations for the Humane Rescue Alliance.
You can see all of the Santa photos here.
11th & Bark 2022 Annual Meeting
11th & Bark held its 2023 annual meeting on Tuesday, September 19. We were pleased that Council Member Brianne Nadeau and ANC Member Anthony Thomas-Davis joined us to make an exciting announcement—the District’s Department of General Services (DGS) signed the lease with WMATA to take control over the park. The next step in the process is for WMATA to sign the lease. And then, DGS will begin determining what must be done to renovate the park.
At the meeting, we also discussed our prior and upcoming cleanups and other events, shared aour financial report, reminded people about park etiquette, and how to get involved with the park.
You can see the powerpoint slides from the meeting here.
Earth Day Clean-up 2023
We had a great showing at our Earth Day Clean-up. As always, we cleanup the dog poop and trash inside the park and on the surrounding blocks. And we continued to replace and repair the mesh on the fence around the park.
Mardi Paws 2023
Thanks to YaVonne Boyd and the Community Wellness Alliance for putting together another fun Mardi Paws event at the park. At the event, which was held on Sunday, February 19th, we handed out beads, treats, and dog toys and we held a costume contest.
December Clean-up is in the books
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Saturday, January 17 for our quarterly clean-up. We were able to pick up dog poop and trash inside and outside the park.
5th Annual Dog Photos with Santa (2022 Edition)
Has your furry friend been naughty or nice this year? Time to find out. On Sunday, December 4th from 1pm – 4pm, Santa will be stopping by once again to meet the neighborhood dogs and take a photo with them. Since we all enjoyed Columbia Heights Green (the community garden space across the street from the dog park) so much last year, they agreed to host us there once again.
Find the gallery of photos from last year here.
How to Sign Up
Like in past years, we have set up a sign-up site so you can reserve a time slot for your furry friend: Dog Photos with Santa Sign-up. We highly recommend to sign-up for a spot ahead of time because registration fills up very quickly. One sign-up per person/furry friend only please so everybody can enjoy. Thank you!
If all spots are taken, please come by anyway. We will accept walk-ups, time permitting. In past years, we have been able to take most—if not all—walk ins.
What To Do When You Arrive:
Please check in when you arrive. You will receive a number so we can link your photo with your registration and contact information and then we can e-mail you your photos after the event.
Suggested Donation to the Park
A $10 tax-deductible donation to 11th & Bark for dog park maintenance is suggested. Contactless donations ahead of time are very much preferred and appreciated. Contactless donations will also be available on site. PayPal is the most cost efficient for 11th and Bark because no fees are levied by them. You can find the link here. Please reference "Santa Photos with Dogs" in the "Add special instructions to the seller" space before you click "donate" so we have that for reference.
donations for the Washington Humane Rescue Alliance.
We will again accept in-kind donation for the WHRA. They accept toys, treats, martingale collars with buckles and rope leashes (See also their Amazon “Dog Supplies” list for more ideas or if you want to purchase items through Amazon and have shipped to them directly). They are also accepting unexpired dry dog/cat food in unopened bags of any size and unopened, unexpired canned dog/cat food for Alliance's Pet Pantry Program. The Pet Pantry program was created to support DC residents in caring for their pets by providing free pet food to those who indicate need. The food distributed is intended to supplement the pet's monthly food needs and to reduce the financial burden associated with pet care. Please note that the HRA does NOT accept: clothing (human or animal), fitted sheets, pillows, down comforters, newspaper, stuffer or memory foam dog beds or pillows, retractable leashes or prescription pet food.
The 2022 Annual Meeting Is in the Books
Tonight, more than 20 members of the community joined our annual meeting.
David Meni of Council Member Brianne Nadeau’s office reported on the District’s negotiations with WMATA to lease the property. In short, the Department of General Services (DGS) has completed its negotiations with WMATA on the lease of the property. But before the lease can be finalized, a land survey must still be completed. DGS reports that it will be ready to move forward with planning for construction once the lease and survey are completed. Money remains in the District’s budget for construction.
ANC1-A ANC Rep. Brandolon Barnett also spoke, as did John Henderson of Green Spaces DC.
Members of the 11th & Bark Board then reported on what we accomplished over the last year, including our community cleanups and events. And, the Board spoke to our finances, how to get involved, and dog park etiquette.
Thanks so everyone who joined the meeting and who is active in making 11th & Bark successful.