(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, the DC Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) broke ground on the Texas Avenue Dog Park. This will be the first dog park to open East of the River and is scheduled to open in mid-2024 across the street from Plummer Elementary School.
“DGS is excited to deliver a beautiful dog park and gathering space, not only for our furry friends, but for the entire community East of the River,” said DGS Director Delano Hunter. “This historic first represents just one of 332 Capital Construction projects our team is spearheading across the district. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, we expect more than 75% of these projects to be delivered in the next 18 months, including the Texas Avenue Dog Park.”
The Texas Avenue Dog Park will feature two dog parks, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. In addition to these parks, the space will feature grills for public use, seating, and shade structures. The site will also have a landscaped bioretention area to ensure stormwater runoff is treated.
“This first dog park in Ward 7 will provide a safer space for our four-legged friends and expand the opportunities for residents to connect with their neighbors,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “As a dog parent in Ward 7, it means even more to be able to break ground on this amenity with my community and my puppy, Macksi.”
Work on the Texas Avenue Dog Park will be led by DC-based businesses, with 62% of the project awarded to local certified business enterprises (CBEs), representing an almost $600,000 investment in DC’s local businesses. In working with CBE partners, such as GCS SIGAL, DGS is furthering its commitment to award contracts to local businesses that employ local workers and exceeding its goal of 35% CBE participation.
The mission of the Department of General Services is to build, maintain, and sustain the District of Columbia’s real estate portfolio, which includes more than 840 District owned properties in Washington, DC. This work allows the agency to foster economic viability, environmental stewardship, and equity across all eight (8) wards.
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