Shirlington Dog Park to Be Cut In half!

May 24, 2017

This weekend, many Shirlington Dog Park visitors were dismayed to learn that the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department planned to submitthree alternatives for the redesign and reduction of the park, ending it at Oxford Street, removing the nothern half of the park and access to the northern "big dog" beach.

A “Save the Shirlington Dog Park” Facebook group and Change.org petition were put up soon after. Within the first seventy-two hours, over 1,800 people signed the petition, voicing their concern about these proposed changes. Visitors from Arlington and all over the DMV immediately began posting comments about how much they enjoy the park, writing comments like:

“This is one of the only parks in the entire DC region that is large enough for dogs. PLEASE keep it the way it is. The vast majority of the dog parks in DC are too small and lead to way too many dogfights due to the lack of space.”

“4 Mile Run Shirlington Dog Park is the best dog park in northern Virginia. One of the biggest reasons is its current layout. The small dog area, the water access, and the lengthy, open run area, as well as the seating, provide the best experience. Please do not alter this dog park!!”

Many SDP visitors feel that the current proposals to “halve” the dog park would detract from the “walking” dog park experience, which differs from the vast majority of dog parks. There is a “flow” that benefit humans and dogs alike. Strolling the length of the dog park is good exercise, meditative, and relaxing. With ample space to walk away, doggie spats are minimized in a way that is not possible in smaller “stagnant” parks.

On the weekends, holidays and on any nice afternoon, the park attracts thousands of visitors, from across the County and the metropolitan area. The current proposal would eliminate some of the most attractive features of the park – its long walking path as well as the northern dog beach, both much-beloved features.

It is expected that the current proposal would negatively impact the seven dog-centric businesses within walking distance of the park; as well as the numerous restaurants and coffee shops in Shirlington Village that attract dog owners with ample outdoor seating and the dog-friendly apartment complexes.

It is important to note that most dogs and their humans support the reforestation and environmental remediation goals of the Parks and Rec Dept. However, we think that there are other solutions out there that will not negatively impact our enjoyment of the park or Shirlington businesses. We are confident that other, better, win-win solutions exist and we encourage the Board to push for solutions that more adequately represent the wishes our humans and canine citizens.

The County Board is set to have a work session on Four Mile Run Valley planning on May 30. Arlingtonians and SDP visitors are encouraged to write to their county board members in advance of this meeting and indicate their support for maintaining the current capacity and experience of the Shirlington Dog Park and to sign the Save the Shirlington Dog Park petition at Change.org.

For more information and updates please visit

Save the Shirlington Dog Park Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890/

Change.org Petition

https://www.change.org/p/arlington-county-board-save-the-shirlington-dog-park