General Information

Poop. Users are required by county ordinance to clean up after their own dogs -- but we don't always catch our dogs in the act. It is perfectly good manners to shout a "poop alert" when necessary. It is also good manners to pick up those many stray poops when you see them. Users are also expected to participate in systematic "poop sweeps" which are carried out from time to time as needed -- usually on Saturday mornings. We hope to keep the park relatively clean of feces through the following simple system: For every dog you bring into the park, please pick up at least one or two poops -- and not necessarily your own dog's poop.

Barking and other noise. If we want to keep this dog park, we must be considerate of our neighbors. County noise code prohibits frequent and continous barking (or other noise) that can be heard across real property boundaries and in nearby dwelling units. It is therefore our responsibility to control excessive barking and other noise. We must, in compliance with county code, ask continous and frequent barkers to leave the park or wear a muzzle. Shouting by dog owners, especially before 10 am on weekends, can also become a disturbance to neighbors and should be avoided.

Aggressive Behavior. You are responsible for restraining aggressive behavior by your dog and you are legally liable for any harm your dog may cause others. Mounting, while sometimes play, can also lead to fighting, so please discourage it.

Children in the Park. At no time are unattended children allowed in the dog exercise area. Furthermore, parents are advised that bringing small children into the dog park is dangerous. Children can be knocked over easily and any dog may react suddenly and aggressively to attention from children. In addition, a dog owner whose attention is divided between children and dogs, places everyone at risk.

Financial Support. Thanks to many generous members of Banneker Dogs, we have raised almost $2,500 to help pay for park improvements. We have spent $230 on Virginia incorporation fees, application for tax-exempt status, and postage. Since Arlington County will pay for the fencing, kiosk, water supply, bench, signage and handicapped access, we hope our funds can be used to install a timed lighting system. For this we will first need to come up with a design and obtain approval from the immediate neighbors. Volunteers to organize the lighting effort are needed. See Join Us for information on where to send contributions to Banneker Dogs, Inc.

Maintenance. Please let one of the Banneker Dogs officers know if you see anything that needs fixing.