Public Hearing Set to Reconsider Dog Exercise Areas

Alexandria’s Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, to hear from the public on a proposal to remove the designation of three unfenced dog exercise areas because they “present potential safety issues for dogs, as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and others using adjacent streets,” the City says.

The unfenced dog exercise areas under consideration are

1.) Ft. Williams Parkway at Dearborn Rd;

2.) Southeast corner of Braddock Road and Commonwealth Ave.;

3.) W. Timberbranch Parkway and Parkway Terrace.

The Commission also welcomes comments regarding the status of other designated unfenced dog exercise areas.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the center, located at 2701 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. Individuals unable to attend the public hearing are encouraged to send written comments by Tuesday, Sept. 15 to:

Jack Browand, Division Chief, by email at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov

Or standard mail to:

RPCA, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314.

All comments received before Thursday, Sept. 17 will be forwarded to the Park & Recreation Commission for consideration. After discussion, the Commission will hear comments from the public.

The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities manages five fenced dog parks and 12 unfenced dog exercise areas, which are marked by bollards. Dogs are welcome in public parks outside of dog exercise areas but are to be kept secured by a leash consistent with City Code Section 5-7-35. For additional information on dog exercise areas and dog parks, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Dogs.

Commission-recommended changes to the Sept. 25, 2000 City Council-approved Dog Master Plan will be forwarded to City Council for consideration. For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Division Chief, at 703.746.5504or jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the American with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, please call Jack Browand at 703.746.5504 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.