Clarendon Dogs

Dog Park Redesign - Add Your Voice!

2007-10-06T16:19:00.000-04:00

Arlington County is currently engaged in a redesign of the park space at 13^th and Herndon Streets (currently the Clarendon Dog Park and the empty corner). The County’s Clarendon Sector Plan provides the requirement to redesign the park space to accommodate both the dog park and other public activities.

Proposed Master Design Unveiled

Clarendon Dogs representatives and other dog park users attended the unveiling of the county’s Preliminary Master Plan for the redesign of the on September 25, 2007. Members of the Arlington County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) design staff presented the proposed master design for the park’s future state. Residents from Lyon Village neighborhood and the Hartford Condominium also attended the meeting.

Clarendon Dogs Thoughts on the Design

Overall, Clarendon Dogs was very impressed with the proposed design, which incorporates natural features of the lot, preserves the length of the dog park (which Arlington County refers to as a Canine Community Area or CCA), and provides for green space and demonstration gardens. Under this design, the dog park would encompass 50.3% of the entire lot (which would include the currently unused corner). Clarendon Dogs was also pleased the design included a terraced plaza with water feature, proposed for outside of the dog park area. A water source would be included inside the dog park for hydration purposes.

Utilizing the natural grade (slope) of the current lot, Arlington County is proposing to gradually recess, following the natural grade of the land, the dog park area from planned entrances on the 13^th street side towards the Hartford condo building. To accommodate the plaza terrace, the graded dog park would have a retaining wall, with the fence built on top. People on the plaza would look out and over the dog park from their elevated position. The recess would likely be between 3 to 6 feet, and during the design process, appropriate measures would be taken to accommodate for drainage.

Sound mitigation measures were also taken into consideration in accordance with the concerns of Hartford condo and Lyon Village neighbors, as well as the acoustic evaluation the county had completed on the park. Sound mitigation may include clear sound barriers or walls, soft surfacing for the dog park, and utilizing native plant life to limit possible visual stimulation of dogs from people/dogs outside the dog park.

Add Your Voice - Comment on the Design!

Please let the county know you support the design! Please review the plan and submit your comments.

Dog Park Action Alert

2007-04-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

Your help is needed! Please read through the below details (and bear with us - we know this is a lengthy email, but there is a lot to say) and submit your comments on the future design of the Clarendon Dog Park to Arlington County by Tuesday, May 1st. Your participation is critical if we are to impress upon the county our concerns about their designs.

Arlington County has developed three proposals for the configuration of the space at 13th Street and Herdon. These proposed designs are the next step, now that at least part of the area has been designated an official Arlington County Community Canine Area (CCA).

The following are some of the concerns or goals we believe most CCA users share. If you agree with them, it would be helpful if you included some or all of them into your comments, so that the parks department will understand they are dealing with a unified group here. Please note these points are only for guidance, and we are not trying to tell you (a particularly well-educated and articulate group of people!) what to say or how to say it!

1) SPACE: The county has called for the park to be "approximate one half" of the size of the lot at 13th and Herdon, or about 16,000 square feet. The phrase "about half" could also mean a little more than half, not something that the county appeared to consider. A CCA which is significantly less than 16,000 square feet (such as the ones outlined in plans 2 & 3, which were developed due to a misreading of the Clarendon sector plan**) would not meet this goal. We have significant concerns about a CCA that is only some 10,000 square feet. Such a limited space would compact the community of dogs into a much smaller area than they are used to, and, we believe, would lead to more barking and, potentially, more fights. That would be extremely detrimental to our sincere and concerted efforts to try and minimize the noise from the park for the neighbors. Also, as a part of the space issue, we believe that the park needs to be quite long, to allow humans and their dogs to get good exercise playing fetch, and it also needs to include a section for those dogs and humans who don't want to be in that traffic.

2) COMMUNITY: As one of our members so beautifully stated, the CCA isn't just for dogs. It really is a community of people, both those who bring their dogs to the park for exercise and socialization and those who come to watch the dogs as they play. The CCA is a valuable community resource that helps strengthen the Clarendon community as a whole. People at the park gather together and socialize every day, discussing community events, sports, development, politics -- local and national, while we watch our dogs and pick up after them. We are a community of people with dogs. These interactions help neighbors to get to know each other and to build a sense of community. The social aspect of the CCA also helps enforce the basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one's dog and always controlling one's dog's behavior and sharing behavior and growth training tips.

3) BUFFER: We believe there is strong agreement among the community and CCA supporters about the need for a buffer all the way around the CCA, not just one portion of it. CCA supporters want to minimize our conflicts with the neighbors on all sides. Such a buffer could be green: trees, etc. None of the current proposals incorporate a balanced buffer zone around the entire park.

Those are the main points. Additionally, we have heard support for:
1) positioning the park so that it gets maximum sunlight throughout the year;
2) creating an area within the CCA which could be used for small dogs (it would be critical that this be a structure that could be used when desired and open to other dogs when not needed);
3) An area for those who would like to watch the dogs at play from outside the park would be a good use of space;
4) A water feature could be fun;5) the draft Clarendon sector plan calls for the other use for the park area to be a "passive" use. One of the best ways to meet this goal would be to use the non-CCA space for demonstration gardens (butterfies or birds) or something like that., which could also function as a buffer;
6) A canopy for rain or sun (for the humans) might be nice;

Comments can be submitted electronically or printed and sent via snail mail to the county administrators. All comments must be received by the parks department by close of business May 1st. If you support the CCA and want to ensure its continued vitality, it is critical that you tell the parks department what you think. It is clear from the design proposal meeting that members of the Lyon Village will be participating, so it is crucial that we make sure CCA supporters' voices are heard.

Please click here to provide your comments. This site also includes pictures and descriptions of the proposed park plans.

Again, we apologize for the length of this message. Please don't forget to go to Arlington County and make your voice heard!
Thank you,
Clarendon Dogs

** At the meeting on April 17, Arlington County unveiled three proposals for the configuration of the space at 13th Street and Herdon. Only the first design would provide roughly 50 percent of the space for the dog park, while the other two would have reduced the dog park to 1/3 of the current space. These designs were evidently based on a misreading of the Clarendon sector plan, which calls for approximately half the space to be used as a Community Canine Area (not 1/3). We believe the county’s parks department has been convinced they made a mistake. Unfortunately, the three concept designs, with only the first including 50% of the space for the CCA, are still on the Arlington County parks website. Clarendon dogs believes CCA supporters need to continue to weigh in on how the space should be used.

CDogs Celebrate Clarendon Day 2006!

2006-10-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Clarendon Day Dog booth, to everyone who donated ($87 worth), and to all the pooches who gave up their last shred of dignity to let us get their photo. Bruce did a great job making the costume scene and helping (ah-hem) the dogs pose. Check all the shots in the 2006 Clarendon (Dog) Day Photo Gallery!

Karma Turns One!

2006-08-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

Click on the image to join Karma and her guests at her first birthday party.

K-9 Krewe of Barkus Ready for the Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade

2006-02-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

The K-9 Krewe of Barkus is once again marching in the Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade on February 28th. Dress up Rex in his finest and Duchess in her pearls and join us at the pawty.

This year the parade will start at 8:00 PM at the corner of Wilson Blvd. and Barton St. and proceed down Wilson to Highland St.

Our pre-parade staging area is the front yard of a.k.a. Spot, 2509 N. Franklin Rd. at 7:45 PM. (1/2 block from the start).

Information about the parade and the Clarendon Alliance can be found at http://clarendon.org/mardi.html

Park Designs Uninspired

2005-06-16T21:03:00.000-04:00

The second public planning meeting for the 13th Street Park (aka the Dog Park), Central Park and the Metro Canopy was held on 6/14/05. There was a fairly good showing of dog park users, as well as neighbors concerned about the dog park and park plans in general.

There was a general concensus that the concepts presented by HoK for all three sites were uninspired and failed to fit the character of Clarendon. Furthermore, all concerned with the 13th Street park (both dog park users and neighbors) agreed that the concepts presented for the multi-use park failed to meet the functional requirements previously expressed.

Several neighbors strongly expressed their concerns and complaints about the dog park. The main complaints are as follows:

Barking
Illegal parking
Dogs off-leash outside the park
Visual appearence of the park
Perception that no one is enforcing rules
Failure to involve and inform neighborhood representatives

Although it is tempting to say that the complaints are overstated and just an effort to stop the plans for a Community Canine Area (CCA), that would be a serious mistake. The reality is that the dog park is part of the neighborhood and, to many, not a desired part. It is our responsibility to hear the concerns of our neighbors and to show our committment to being good neighbors by taking appropriate actions to address them. Most of the neighbors at the meeting appeared ready to at least tolerate the dog park, and seemed willing to work with us.

Please help to insure that a substantial portion of the 13th street site remains a dog park by respecting our neighbors, following all the rules of a CCA, and reminding others to do the same.

See you at the park.

Madison CCA Relocation Progresses

2005-06-09T22:49:00.000-04:00

As Clarendon Dogs begins the planning process to becoming a CCA, our sister sponsor organization, MadDogs, is nearing the end of plans for the relocation of the Madison Dog Park and the design of the new park. If anyone is interested in seeing the architecutral plans of what sounds like a very well designed dog park, there will be a public meeting at 7 pm, Wed. June 22 in the Cherrydale Room of the Madison Community Center, 3829 N. Stafford Street. Perhaps we can get some useful ideas.

Photo of the Moment

2005-06-02T18:03:00.000-04:00

Hamilton wants you to follow him to the Photo Gallery to view another of his photos (along with new images of other CDogs)!

Alert: Public Planning Meeting

2005-06-02T15:08:00.000-04:00

What: 2nd Community Planning Meeting regarding the Clarendon Canopy, Central Park, and 13th Street Park (aka, the Dog Park)
When: Tuesday, June 14, 2005, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: 3033 Wilson Boulevard, Room 7E-F *

Background
This project is to develop detailed design plans and construction documents for a new canopy over the existing entrance to the Clarendon Metro Station, design plans for 13th Street Park, and design plans for improvements to Central Park.

The beginning stages of design are currently underway. HOK, Inc. has been hired as a consultant and has completed the surveys, base maps, and site evaluation. An initial public meeting was held on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 to introduce the project and listen to comments and suggestions from the community.

Upcoming Meeting
The meeting on June 14th will be an opportunity for community members to critique alternative conceptual plans that have been designed by HOK using the feedback from the last meeting, staff input and current planning efforts in Clarendon.

Contact Information
If you have any questions about the meeting or the Clarendon Canopy please call Tara Lake at 703-228-4803 and if you have any questions about Central Park or 13th Street Park please call Carlton Hart at 703-228-7577.

Make sure that your ideas and wishes are heard!!

*The building is located across the street from the Clarendon Metro Station. It is also on the Metrobus 38B or ART 41 and there is free parking under the building.

Chew on This...

2005-06-01T20:15:00.000-04:00

Mulch: Clarendon Dogs’ request to the county for a fresh supply of mulch for the dog park is on hold because the county has run out and is seeking new supplies.

Water: Clarendon Dogs has learned that dog owners will not be able to access water from the Ban-Ban Auto site on an interim basis because the county will soon begin to remove asbestos from the site; demolition of the structure will take place this summer after the asbestos removal. In the meanwhile, please remember to bring supplies of water.

Interested in the Upkeep of the Park?
Join the Park Care task force! Read more about this and other task forces that are forming now.

Dog Owners, Neighbors Attend Planning Meeting

2005-06-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

County Staff to Issue Park Plan Proposal Soon
Dog owners and Clarendon neighbors, including many from the condos next to the dog park and Lyon Village, attended the first public planning meeting with county staff on May 3 to discuss the design for the dog park, as well as the canopy for the Metro station escalators and the park located alongside the Metro.

A lot of good input was offered on how the space should be used and constructed. County staff will take all the suggestions made at the meeting and issue a proposed plan which all will have a chance to comment on. Stay tuned to news of the proposal by checking the blog frequently.

Interested in the Park Plan?
Join the CCA Planning task force! Read more about this and other task forces that are forming now.

Task Forces Forming

2005-05-25T20:30:00.000-04:00

Mark Your Spot Now

A number of park users and supporters met on Saturday, May 21 to discuss the Park's status in the County's planning, the process of becoming a Community Canine Area (CCA), the organization of Clarendon Dogs, and how to move forward. The meeting ellicited a lively and constructive discussion and many good ideas.

Based on consensus reached during this meeting, the following task forces are now being formed and are in need of members and coordinators. Becoming involved in a task force is an excellent way to have your voice heard and to influence the future of the Park. Send an email to ClarendonDogs@yahoo.com indicating all task forces in which you are interested, as well as any that you may wish to coordinate.

Community Relations. This task force will spearhead our efforts to maintain and improve our standing in the surrounding community by identifying all stakeholders in the Dog Park from both the residential and business neighborhood, being proactive in identifying and addressing concerns about the Park, organizing educational and promotional opportunities, and planning meet-and-greet or other events. Coordinator: open.

CCA Planning. This task force will stay abreast of County and civic organization hearings and meetings that might impact our efforts to become a CCA, and will mobilize CDogs members into action. They will work on planning groups, develop relations with County officials and civic organization leaders, and will insure that Clarendon Dogs has a voice and presence in all relevant events. Coordinator: Peter (Taylor's Human).

Fund Raising. This task force will plan and organize fund raising events and activities other than membership. Events may include activities (such as Dog Washes), merchandise sales (such as Calendars, bandanas, T-shirts), procuring donations, etc. Coordinator: open.

Membership. This task force will develop a Clarendon Dogs membership plan to present to the Park community for approval, and will organize and implement a membership drive. Coordinator: open.

Park Care. This task force will organize and lead efforts to maintain and improve the Park grounds and facilities. Coordinator: open.

2005 Neighborhoods Day Parade

2005-05-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

Clarendon Dogs marched in Arlington's Neighborhoods Day Parade on Saturday, May 14.

View more photos of our Pooches on Parade in the Photo Gallery.

Dog Park Meeting - Saturday May 21

2005-05-15T12:45:00.000-04:00

Please try to make this important meeting of Clarendon Dogs and all users and supporters of the Clarendon dog park. The purpose of this meeting is to disseminate information about park planning and movement toward becoming a CCA, opportunities for volunteers to participate/lead a variety of task forces, and information about other upcoming events. Please plan to attend on Saturday, May 21, 9:00 AM at the Park.

Canine Blood Drive - May 17

2005-05-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

Arlington Sun Gazette. A canine blood drive for the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at 4140 South Four Mile Run Drive. The first appointment is for an orientation for dogs and owners, as well as a simple blood typing of each prospective canine donor. Actual donations will take place at a later time.

For information, call Fur-Get Me Not at 703-933-1935.

Pooches On Parade - Saturday, May 14, 2005

2005-05-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

March With Clarendon Dogs In the Arlington County Neighborhood Day Parade

Calling all canines and their owners: Meet at the 13th Street dog park at 1:45 p.m. Parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Clarendon Metro station and ends at Courthouse. Of course, hats, bandanas and other parade finery will be de rigueur.

Join the Mailing List

2005-05-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

Stay informed of all that is going on with your Dog Park by joining the mailing list. Just send a message to ClarendonDogs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added. If you are unable to join via Email, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClarendonDogs/ and click Join this Group.

We Respect Your Privacy! Clarendogs will not share your email address with anyone. Furthermore, we will not send you any email other than messages concerning the dog park.

You may unsubscribe from the mailing list and stop receiving emails at anytime by sending a message to ClarendonDogs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Alert: Public Planning Meeting Set for Tuesday, May 3

2005-04-30T07:16:00.000-04:00

As many of you have already heard, Arlington County recently purchased the Ban-Ban Autos property at the corner of 13th and Hartford streets. The county now owns the block of land bordered by 13th, Herndon and Hartford streets.

The County has tacitly allowed us to use the fenced-in area as a dog park. The next step toward making our dog park an official Community Canine Area is to work with the County to develop a plan for the site.

The Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources is holding the first public planning meeting to discuss the design for the 13th Street dog park, the design of a canopy for the Clarendon Metro station escalators and “Central Park,” i.e., the park located alongside the Clarendon Metro.

The meeting will be held at the DHS Building, 3033 Wilson Blvd., 7th floor, on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Photo of the Moment

2005-04-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

Harley and Maizie at the park.
View more photos of CDogs At Play.

What Is Clarendon Dogs?

2005-04-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

We are the nonprofit organization of Arlington dog owners that is working with the county to have our dog park made into an official Community Canine Area (CCA). Our vision is for a mixed-use park with plantings for all Arlingtonians to enjoy as well a sizable off-leash area for dogs to exercise and socialize. We need your help. Don’t just stand there throwing balls; get involved with us. We need people with a variety of skills and interests, such as:

Accounting
Legal
Event Planning
Public Relations/Newsletter/Web
Volunteer Coordination

For information about volunteering, contact us at ClarendonDogs@yahoo.com.

Finally, no matter what your level of involvement, please be a good neighbor and observe park rules. Help keep the park tidy and be sure to keep your dog from barking.

Help Your Dog Park

2005-04-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

The Clarendon Dog Park is your dog park--at least unofficially and at least for now. We need your help to make the park an official Community Canine Area (CCA) and to develop its facilities into those that we all want. Here are some of the things that you can do:

Stay Informed. Read the blog regulary and join the Mailing List to keep informed of issues and upcoming events regarding the dog park.
Get Involved. We are forming a number of task forces to educate the community and raise awareness, to work with and lobby county government and community organizations, to maintain and improve the park, and to raise the funds needed for all of these activities. Join a task force and stay involved in it.
Go Public. Let others in the community know about the dog park and issues it faces. Attend community events with your well-behaved canine companion wearing a Clarendon Dogs T-Shirt or Bandana (coming soon).
Be Responsive. Important Alerts and Calls for Action will be posted on the blog and emailed to those who have joined the Mailing List. Respond to as many of these as possible with letters/emails/phone calls, by attending important meetings, or by following other actions prescribed in the alert.
Be a Good Neighbor. We need as much neighborhood support as we can possibly get, and we most definitely need to do everything possible to minimize any antagonism from immediate neighbors. PLEASE follow all the rules of the dog park, chat with interested neighbors, follow parking regulations and traffic laws, and offer a helping hand where possible.

See you at the park.

Gone to the Blogs

2005-04-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the offical blog of Clarendon Dogs. In the future, check here for news and information about:

Goings-on at the dog park
Upcoming County and community meetings where the park needs your voice and support
Upcoming events of interest

Also look for photo's, stories, comments, and other amusements.

Please be patient as we get house-broken.

- woof