Sometime later this summer, Long Beach will begin construction on what will be the first Dog Park on the Westside of the city and only the second Dog Park citywide. The Downtown Dog Park was an idea first proposed by our neighborhood association, the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance (NPNA).
We proposed the park and its location to Vice-Mayor Lowenthal and the Redevelopment Agency after discovering a huge need for dogs and owners to have a place to play and relax. The location, on the corner of Pacific and 9th, is also in a developing neighborhood that will greatly benefit from the increased park activity and the numerous owners and dogs walking too and from the new park.
We are also very proud that the park will be built from sustainable materials.
A Coming Soon sign is currently being erected on the empty corner lot and the groundbreaking is scheduled for later this summer. Vice-Mayor Lowenthal and the Redevelopment Agency should be commended for their hard work and commitment to the neighborhood and the project. This park will go from idea to completion in one year.
The genesis for the park began when our neighborhood association participated in [Park]ing Day LA. Members of the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance participated in the county-wide event that encouraged residents to build temporary parks in metered parking spaces. My neighbors built a mini Dog Park between 4th and 5th as well as a park for the dog owners.
The demonstration was extremely successful and numerous neighbors brought their dogs to show support and to sign-up as supporters of a Downtown Dog Park. Vice-Mayor Lowenthal participated in our demonstration and promised to help us build the park.
The empty lot was MTA property, and Vice-Mayor Lowenthal helped broker the deal that allowed the city to build on the corner lot.
My neighbors, my dog Anakin, and I participate in [Park]ing Day LA. last year. Photo Credit: Daniel deBoom
I am looking forward to walking Anakin (my pomeranian) to the new Downtown Dog Park instead of having to drive to Recreation Park on the Eastside.
Once the groundbreaking is set, I will make sure to post the information on the lbpost.com.