The Walter Pierce Park (behind the Calvert Cafe and near the Duke Ellington Bridge) was slated for resodding and leveling by the DC Parks and Recreation. The resurfaced field would have been fenced in a those who want to use would need a permit. It was originally a softball field but area folks have used for soccer (some Latino leagues come out there). It's a mess, bare spots, uneven surface (a twisted ankle waiting to happen). The biggest foe against refurbishment is the Adams Morgan dog contingency who basically use this large field as a dog run and litterbox and they seem to have successfully stopped the refurbishment as they wouldn't be allowed to use the field. (Who wants to play on a litterbox?) While most are good at poop scooping some don't and the pee burns the grass. Also, unleashed dogs in DC are illegal (cops do ticket people in the park). There is a lot of underutilized space there so a dog park could be created so ALL residents could be accommodated. While it would be most helpful for Adams Morgan/Dupont folks to write, any support is helpful. I'm on the Adams Morgan listserv and this gal forwarded me her note and the people she sent it to (please adjust to fit your situation). Thanks for your help. K Dear Mr. Albert: I am a parent and resident in the Adams Morgan community and a regular user and supporter of Walter Pierce Community Park. I understand that the Department of Parks and Recreation have allocated funds and have hired a professional field contractor to renovate the soccer field at Walter Pierce Park, but that you have halted this project. The soccer field at Walter Pierce Community Park is in abysmal condition. The soccer goals were so rusted that they finally collapsed last year. The field is a highly eroded, pockmarked, grassless field that is primarily used as an illegal dog run. This use is so prevalent that dog owners commonly refer to it as the "dog park." The dog owners unleash their dogs in the park and let them run helter-skelter over the field. My son is afraid to go down to the field area to play for fear of the dogs. As you know, Adams Morgan is a densely populated and highly diverse community with thousands of residents (adults and children) who play soccer and other field sports. There are very few available soccer resources available to this large community. A renovated soccer field at Walter Pierce Park would provide a wonderful resource to this large and important community. We want our voice to be heard. Parks are for people. Do not let this space go to the dogs. I am strongly in favor of the Parks and Recreation plan that calls for a mixed-use field including removable soccer goals and an irrigation system. I understand that the planned field renovation will take 9 months to 1 year after construction to allow the grass to grow. I understand that the field will be off limits during this time. I believe this is a worthwhile investment that will provide a vital resource to our community. Please give us your support on this project and let the field renovation go forward now. Sincerely, Karen E. Smith Parent and resident Councilman Jim Graham Constituent Services Fund P.O.Box 21008 Washington DC 20009-1008 grahamwone@aol.com <mailto:grahamwone@aol.com> Ms. Karen Miller Meacham Interim Chief Operating Officer Department of Parks and Recreation 3149 16th Street NW Washington DC 20010 Karen.miller-meacham@dc.gov <mailto:Karen.miller.meacham@dc.gov> Mr. Neil Albert Department Head Department of Parks and Recreation 3149 16th Street NW Washington DC 20010 Neil.Albert@dc.gov <mailto:Neil.Albert@dc.gov>