Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
 
This afternoon, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, DC Department of Parks and Recreation Director Clark E. Ray, and District leaders joined Ward 2 residents, park lovers, and dog owners for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of major improvements at the S and T Street Triangle Parks in Northwest Washington. 

"Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of another capital improvement project by DPR which has long been anticipated by the community," said Mayor Fenty.  "It’s always exciting to move a project like the S and T Street Parks off of paper and onto a shovel."

Work at the two parks located along New Hampshire Avenue and 17th Street, NW, at S and T Streets, NW, will bring the District its first permanent off-leash public dog park at S Street Park, and an improved park and plaza at T Street Park.

"DPR works everyday to meet the recreational needs of all of our residents, and the work now underway at S and T Street Parks will help DPR meet that goal through two new parks, including our first permanent dog park," said Director Ray.  "And most importantly, these news parks will provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone to enjoy."

The S Street Park dog park will be 5,600 square feet and will be the District’s first permanent public dog park and will be maintained by a partnership between DPR and Circle Dogs, the sponsoring community organization. The Shaw temporary dog park located at 11th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW, opened in November 2008. 

The S Street dog park will feature artificial grass designed specifically for dogs, historic ornamental fencing, entrances on both New Hampshire Avenue and 17th Street, a community bulletin board, seating area, a water fountain for dogs, and preservation of the existing cherry trees.  In addition to the dog park area, a new plaza will be constructed at the corner of S Street and New Hampshire Avenue. 

The artificial grass being used for the dog park is K9Grass, which is the only artificial grass designed specifically for dogs.  The grass drains well, is able to withstand wear and tear, is easy to maintain, and the knitted structure of K9Grass helps wick away urine for a cleaner facility and a cleaner dog. In addition, the grass blades are coated with an antimicrobial product which helps fight odors and creates a safer, cleaner environment for the dogs.

The main feature of work at T Street Park will be the preservation of one of the oldest swamp oak trees in the District.  To protect the tree’s roots, much of the park will be landscaped with small plants to provide year-round visual interest, and a plaza will be constructed near the intersection of 17th Street and New Hampshire Avenue.  The Friends of S & T Street Parks will also maintain a colorful planting bed at the southern tip of the triangle park.

The parks will be closed to the public during construction, and are anticipated to be complete and ready to open for this year’s Memorial Day holiday weekend. 

Also joining today's event was the Washington Humane Society, which was offering dog adoptions to the public.   The Washington Humane Society, the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to over 20,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, humane law enforcement, lost and found, human–animal therapy programs and humane education.

Select the link below to view graphics and information about the S and T Street Parks Improvement and Dog Park project from DPR’s website:

• S and T Streets Parks - Park Improvements and Dog Park