ClarendonDogs
P.O. Box 41603
Arlington, VA 22204
703.578.0522
ClarendonDogs@yahoo.com

Did you know that the park at 13th, Herndon and Hartford Streets in Clarendon is not designated an Official County Dog Exercise Area (DEA)?

Would you like to ensure that this location remains open to off-leash dogs by receiving official DEA designation?

Voice your support of official DEA designation for the 13th Street site to the County Board. Attached are several talking points that can help you to write your letter or e-mail. These points are just a few of the many reasons for official designation. Please add your own reasons why the County Board should approve a DEA for 13th Street.

You Can Make It Happen!

Send Your Letters Supporting Official DEA Designation of the 13th Street Site to: (Regular mail, e-mails and faxes are acceptable.) The Arlington County Board

• Mailing Address:
  Arlington County Board
  2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 300
  Arlington, VA 22201
  
• Telephone and Fax:
  (703) 228-3130
  (703) 228-7430(FAX)
  
• E-mail:
  countyboard@co.arlington.va.us
• County Board Members:
  Barbara Favola, Chairman
  Jay Fisette, Vice Chairman
  Paul Ferguson
  Charles Monroe
  Chris Zimmerman
  

Talking Points Specific to 13th Street

Why locating a DEA at 13th Street makes sense:

• The park is centrally located and serves mainly Arlingtonians.
• The park is large enough for dogs, but not big enough for soccer, lacrosse, or softball.
• The 130' Street location minimizes disruption and noise in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
• Helps bring a constant presence to that comer throughout the day to encourage street neighborhood and pedestrian safety.
• This unofficial DEA fosters a sense of community and promotes neighborhood pride. It encourages neighbors to get to know and look out for each other.
• Majority of park users walk with their dogs to the park, unlike suggested athletic uses that would bring more cars and traffic to the area.
• Numerous friendships have formed among users of the 13th Street site. Softball teams and fishing clubs among other social groups have formed.

General Talking Points

Dog Exercise Areas (DEA), or Dog Parks offer many benefits:

• Promotes public health and safety.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership.
• Dog exercise areas bring people together and create a greater sense of community.
• Safely socializes and exercises dogs, making them better canine citizens.
• Provides elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companion animals.
• Sharing activities with canine family members at a dog park is important, and increasingly recognized by cities. Coming to a dog park is a chosen form of recreation, much the same as jogging or biking.