The DC Council’s FY2022 budget, approved by the Council on August 3, includes full funding to build out the Columbia Heights dog park. This budget allocation, combined with the fact that the District is close to finalizing a 20-year lease with WMATA, is a huge milestone in making the park an official District dog park.

The lease and budget allocation are a big win for the community. They will not only ensure that members of the community have a safe space for our dogs, but will also maintain a valued meeting place where Columbia Heights and surrounding community residents interact with their neighbors, make new friends and feel a sense of community. Furthermore, it will preserve green space in our neighborhood, which is already greatly lacking.

Please thank Chairman Mendelson and other members of the Council for their efforts. And, in particular, please thank Councilmember Nadeau, who has continued to support the park throughout the years, even when we faced unexpected twists and turns with WMATA.