Socializing Dogs, Off Leash Dog Recreation

It is Azalea season at the National Arboretum! (see link for info about the park). [U.S. National Arboretum](https://www.usna.usda.gov/) Join me for a visit to one of my favorite, dog-friendly, beautiful, and FREE(!!!) parks in the area. Despite the forecast for a chillier Monday (About 50 degrees), we will walk through the gorgeous hilly trails and marvel at the beautiful display. The park ecompasses about 450 acres and has about 9 miles of roadways, plus lots of walking paths through the various areas and displays. There is SO much to see that it is easy to spend a whole day there, but usually a few hours is plenty. Please make sure you have sturdy and comfortable walking/hiking shoes and water, even though it will be cool out. There is plenty of parking. You can grab a map at the Adminstration Building, use the restrooms, and meet me out front by the benches (no dogs allowed in the building, but there are other restrooms elsewhere, or I can hold your dog for you) :-). We will head right over to the Azaleas. After that, feel free to explore the park on your own, by foot or by car (or even bike!), or stick with me (and my pups) and check out more of the park as we put on some mileage walking to various parts of the park. The park is a good mix of flat grade and some pretty decent hills (especially in the Japanese & Chinese Gardens - they go all the way down to the Anacostia River). I am not listing any particular "mileage" or "speed" for this visit, as you can do as much or as little with me as you would like. I have been there many times and have my favorite places, but always love to explore. LEASHED dogs are welcome in the park, except in the Bonsai Museum (which is absolutely INCREDIBLE if you have never seen it) and Penjing Museum. Again, happy to hold your dog for you if you want to check those out. It will likely not warm enough for a picnic, but please bring food/snacks/water/as there is no food sold in the Arboretum except vending machines. Any questions - feel free to call or text me at 410-487-5095.

## Details - Please read all below before you sign up **Cost:** Free **Court Type:** Outdoor Grass **Level:** BB/A **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one. **10 persons per net max** **Host's Philosophy on this event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. We do expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for total beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level(absolute beginner). if you can't pass to the setter for example, you are a beginner. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Flaky-ratio (your attendance ratio) > New Members \*If you have attended 3 events and dropped 6, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a Flaky-ratio -.50 or lower. If you have a recent no-show, you may not be invited. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** *-Bringing your dog or cat is welcome and encouraged.* -Can I come if I don't know how to play? \*No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. -Can I be late or leave early? *The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time.* -Can I come even if I am not on the going list? \*No, sorry -How can I improve my Flaky-ration? *You can attend other Smiley events. Commit to showing up.* -Why are new members accepted last? *Because they are the most flaky.* -NO SMOKING (anything) **Smiley Social Important Links:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Join us as we do an invigorating outdoor walk and talk in Historic Greenbelt MD. Our goal is to walk twice around the 1.4 mile path. Should take about an hour. Afterward, those of us interested will head to nearby Cedars of Lebanon restaurant for lunch and conversation. The address for GPS is Buddy Attic Lake Park. 555 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD. Meet us in the parking lot. Thank you! .....Ross A.

Let your creativity loose on the dance floor! Learn all the latest dances suitable for beginners and seasoned line dancers. Enjoy this great way to exercise, socialize, and energize yourself. Level: All. Ages 13 & up Fitness in the Parks is a FREE program that brings a variety of fitness opportunities to parks and natural areas across Prince George’s County, MD! We invite you to find the class that best suits your fitness goals and to come discover the benefits of exercising in nature. Ages 13 & up. Register at pgparksdirect.com. No classes on federal holidays (5/25). Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. [Register at: pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532319807) Activity Code: 17681-279A For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email wellness@pgparks.com **Tucker Road Athletic Complex (located on the basketball court)** **1770 Tucker Road** **Fort Washington 20744**

At Dawgie Linkup, we provide a safe and fun space for your dog to socialize and play. Our goal is to not only create a space for dawgs to build social interactions, but also cultivate relationships between dawg parents! Meet us at Bowie Dog Park on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00am for a Dawgie play date. There will be small and large dog enclosed spaces! We want to make this social club lots of fun. So come and linkup with your neighborhood dawgie parents. All dawgs are welcome! \- Sincerely\, Dawgie Linkup — where we connect paws & people

**Hosted by Giovanni** **📅 Date:** Sunday, April 26 **⏰ Time:** 10:00 AM – around noon **📍 Starting Point:** White Marsh Park - parking lot for the Bowie Playhouse ## **🗺️ Route** A relaxed loop through Bowie’s quiet green spaces: * Trailhead in White Marsh Park * Bridge to Spur Way * Acorn Hill Park * Bowie Marketplace * Back across the bridge to the trailhead Approx. **1.5 miles** (more if the group adds scenic loops or detours). Takes **40–90 minutes**, depending on pace and stops. ## **🌿 Terrain** * Mostly paved (macadam) * Short sections of packed dirt * Some gentle hills ## **🐾 Dogs** Friendly, **leashed dogs are welcome**. ## **🌧️ Weather** **Rain cancels.**

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Wunder Garten. We will hike through and by various monuments and gardens before returning for drinks and food at Wunder Garten. Closest metro NOMA-Gallaudet U.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/0/2/1/event_41792801.jpeg Washington DC Metro Shiba Inu Meetup.

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Quads games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.