In an article titled, “Metro puts up for sale developable Columbia Heights parcel that hosts unofficial dog park,” DC Curbed writes: “A nonprofit civic organization called 11th and Bark is petitioning for D.C. to bid for the land so that it can save and spruce up the dog park.”
There's a for sale sign at the dog park, but we can still save it.
As you likely know, the Columbia Heights Dog Park sits on property owned by WMATA, which has allowed us to use the space for our dog park since 2009. In the last few years, WMATA has shown interest in selling the property. Knowing this, the community urged the District of Columbia Council to purchase the land. More than 1,500 District residents (both those with and without dogs) signed a petition, local businesses submitted letters, and our ANC representatives passed a resolution in favor of saving such green spaces in our neighborhood. The Council heard us and allocated money in the FY2019 budget to buy the land.
Now, WMATA has officially listed the property for sale and is accepting bids, which are due the end of February. That is why the for sale sign suddenly appeared in the park.
The District did make an offer to buy the land, but WMATA rejected it. The fight to save the park, however, isn't over. We now need Mayor Bowser to make a fair market value offer on the property.
On Wednesday, January 9, ANC1A adopted a resolution, introduced by Commissioner Angelica Castañon (1A06), to show support for the mayor making a fair market value offer.
Now it’s your turn. Please take a moment to ask the mayor to make this offer.
Santa Meets the Good Dogs of 11th and Bark
On December 9th, Santa dropped by District Dogs to meet the good dogs of 11th and Bark. In addition to getting to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, the dogs also got a photo with St Nick.
Thanks for everyone who volunteered, brought their dogs, and donated to the park. Check out some of our favorite photos.
December Cleanup
On December 8, 11th and Bark sponsors another park cleanup. We picked up poop, raked and bagged leaves, cleaned the benches and tables, removed some metal that had been exposed from erosion. Thanks to everyone who helped!
Join Us for el Dia de los Muertos Events
We are excited to team up with the Petworth Arts Collaborative for the 2nd annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The day celebrates the lives of loved ones—family, friends and pets—no longer with us. It is a great way to share a common experience, not just with friends and neighbors from the dog park, but with those from across the community. Learn more about el Dia de los Muertos here.
The events include:
Thursday, October 18: “Get Crafty” & Happy Hour
We will make marigolds, butterflies, and paper garlands that we will use to decorate the dog park on the Day of the Dead. We will also have supplies for the ofrendas (shadow boxes) we will make on October 27th.
Where: Maple Restaurant (3418 11th Street NW)
When: 6pm-8pm+
What: Help us create marigolds, sugar skull garlands and other decorations from tissue paper.
What to bring: Yourself. We will supply tissue paper, scissors, and instructions (if you need them).
Please RSVP here for this event.Saturday, October 27, 2018: Make your own Ofrenda (shadowbox) (Kids VERY welcome)
Make your own shadowbox celebrating the life of a loved one, family friend, or pet. Take your ofrendas home and showcase them around the neighborhood on November 2nd.
Where: Columbia Heights Green (3321 11th Street NW)
When: 1pm-3pm
What to bring: Memories, souvenirs, and photos of and about your loved one. We will provide crafting supplies, boxes (big and small), tissue paper, and other materials.
Saturday, October 27, 2018: Free Screening of Coco (Kids VERY welcome)
The Petworth Art Collaborative will screen the great Disney/Pixar movie that explores the traditions of Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos. The DC Bureau of is sponsoring sweets: Churros and pan dulce
Where: Powell Elementary School (1350 Upshur Street NW)
When: 6pm-8pm
You can RSVP here for this event.
November 2, 2018: Parades and Celebrations
There will be a procession up Georgia Avenue and celebrations at both the dog park & Columbia Heights Green. Dress up your dog or just enjoy the fun.
Procession
Where: Petworth Metro, going North to Upshur
When: 6:30pm
Gatherings
Where: 11th&Bark Dog Park & the Columbia Heights Green (3321 11th Street NW)
When: 6pm-8pm
September Cleanup a Success
Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday to help make the dog park and the community just a little bit better. We mulched the tree boxes, edged and pulled the weeds inside and outside of the park, disinfected the benches, and cleanup up dog poop. We also added new new poop bag dispenser. Just an hour of work made a huge difference.
And after the cleanup, a few of us joined together for a dog friendly brunch at Bar Roubaix.
Fall Park Cleanup & Brunch - September 22
It's time for a fall cleanup, and we need your help. Join us on Saturday September 22 at 10:30. We'll add new mulch to the tree boxes, trim the grass, pick up any debris in and around the park, and repair the plastic meshing that keeps small dogs safely in the park.
We'll bring trash bags, gloves, mulch, a rake and shovel, and zip ties for the plastic meshing. If you can bring, or lend us, a manual push-mower or a gas-powered weed wacker to trim the grass, please email us.
Post-Cleanup Brunch at Bar Roubaix
After the cleanup, we’ll gather and have brunch at Bar Roubaix on Irving Street. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
Please RSVP here to let us know if you are coming to brunch.
If you can't attend but would like to help? Consider a tax-deductible donation to help fund the cleanup. Your generous donations help us buy mulch and other supplies. Thanks again.
Gus Kenworthy & Birdie Visit 11th and Bark
Olympian Gus Kenworthy just rescued a new pup named Birdie. The Humane Society International saved Birdie after she was born on a meat farm in South Korea, and then Gus came to DC to adopt her from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. What was one of their very first stops after she was adopted? That’s right—the Columbia Heights Dog Park! Thank you Gus for saving dogs and for your dedication to making others aware of the cause.
Columbia Heights Day Was a Huge Success
Thanks to board member Yared and volunteer Elise for staffing the 11th & Bark table
On June 16, the community came together for Columbia Heights Day. 40 dogs (and their humans) participated in our Dog Show and many supporters stopped by our table to learn more about our efforts to save and improve the park. Thanks to everyone who volunteered, competed in the dog show, and donated to 11th & Bark.
Read more, find photos, and see the winners of the dog show here.
Summer stopped by the 11th & Bark table after winning first prize for best dressed at the Dog Show.
You can still get a dog bandana like Picasso's if you donate $10 or more. Email us for info