Dog Parks in Adams Morgan Area

There are a few dog parks in the Adams Morgan area of DC. The Walter Pierce Dog Park is located at 20th Street and Calvert Street, NW. This dog park was the District’s first official fenced dog exercise area. Just down the road at 2501 Calvert Street in Northwest, you will find an unofficial dog park without a fence. There is also another official dog park in the southern area of Adams Morgan -- S Street Dog Park at 17th Street and New Hampshire Avenue in Northwest.

Walter Pierce Community Park is a mixed-use facility including a playing field, basketball court, community garden, playground, chess tables, and picnic tables in addition to the dog park. The park is a partnership between the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and Friends of Walter Pierce Community Park. Thus, the two share maintenance responsibilities.

Welcoming features of the Walter Pierce Dog Park include picnic tables, trees, and other shady areas. However, the park does not provide water for dogs. Sometimes you will find that dog owners bring water bowls to share, but be prepared with your own water.

On the other hand, the unofficial dog park does provide a water fountain. Plus, the open space encourages play between dogs. But make sure your dog is well-trained and responsive off lease since the park is not fenced-in and is near busy streets.

Some pet owners have noticed that the majority of dogs who frequent Walter Pierce Dog Park are large dogs over 75 pounds. But compared to the Shaw Dog Park, Walter Pierce is generally less crowded.  Plus it’s open later. 

The surface of the dog parks in Adams Morgan vary.  The Walter Pierce Dog Park is a sand/gravel mix, while the unofficial park on Calvert Street is grass (with some dirt patches), and the S Street Dog Park is artificial turf.

If you are in the neighborhood, take some time to let your four-legged friends explore the dog parks in Adams Morgan!