Owners Howl Over Proposed Dog Park Regulations

Demand for dog parks is increasing, particularly in such gentrifying areas as Petworth and Capitol Hill. Along with a desire for granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, many affluent homeowners want dogs and a legal place for them to exercise without a leash, as the District's strict leash law requires. A few unofficial dog parks exist in the city.

With open space at a premium, the dog park issue has pitted owners and their furry companions against community gardeners, children, parents and residents who might get in the way of a snarling, charging dog.

Regina Williams, a spokeswoman for the city's parks department, said several city agencies came up with the list of regulations. She said they were guided by similar rules in such jurisdictions as Arlington County and Alexandria, which have a number of dog parks.

The rules threaten the experimental dog park at Walter Pierce, where the smell of garlic wafts from a nearby Middle Eastern restaurant. A few years ago, the dog park was established in the southwest corner of the Adams Morgan park, away from the soccer field and tot lot.

A wire fence marks the border. Dogs and owners pass through double chain-link gates, in place to prevent an easy escape.

Claire McHenry, who comes almost every day with Stella, a chow-shepherd mix, said dog parks promote the health of owners as well as of their four-legged companions.

"You get to know all the dogs pretty quickly. Eventually, you get to know the people," said McHenry, who is involved with an Adams Morgan dog advocacy group.

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who wrote the law directing the mayor to establish rules for dog parks, said the proposed regulations "need work."

But the rules have some fans.

"They'll protect everybody," said Linda Blount Berry, vice president of the Newark Street Community Garden, which borders the area near McLean Gardens where Silva wants to create a dog park.

"We are not against dog parks, but we want them on an appropriate site where they do no harm to green spaces or pose a health and safety threat to parents and children -- or organic gardens."