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Health & Fitness

My Dog Spot

Information of interest to canines and (since most of them can't read or don't like to) the humans who choose to spend time with them.

Sarah Nemeth has written previously about the Heurich Dog Park at Ager Rd. and Nicholson Street here in Hyattsville. It opened officially exactly 18 months ago this week through the efforts of numerous individuals, perhaps most notably those of Councilman Will Campos (D-District 2). While it is a welcome treat to have this resource for canines and their human companions, it has a number of shortcomings which have been apparent right from the beginning.


To begin with, there are serious drainage issues that have necessitated the closing off of approximately 1/4 of the park.  Even so, some low patches of the remaining portions hold pools of standing water up to several days after significant rainfall.  There is no source of drinking water in the park, though a drinking fountain was installed last year near the children's playground, approximately 300 ft north of the park.  It is not configured to fill water dishes.  There is no shade anywhere in the park except that provided by pet owners sitting on one of the eight existing benches, as all the dogs quickly learn.


Even before the park opened, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) had developed a plan to address most of these defects.  So far though, the only changes addressing any of the obvious needs has been to sink a large PVC pipe into the area of the park most subject to drainage problems and surrounding that area with a 6 ft. chain-link fence.  Precisely what that pipe is for is not clear.

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During the same period of time, MNCPPC spent $500,000 on a 3 field, multi-sport athletic complex for in the very same park.  The Washington Post covered the opening of this facility in March.

If you agree with me that the dogs of Hyattsville (and their human companions) deserve a better dog park, contact the following and let them know how you feel, and that you vote.

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Will Campos, Prince George's County Council - WACampos@co.pg.md.us

Eileen Nivera, MNCPPC -Eileen.Nivera@pgparks.com

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