Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: MARCH 5, 2024
SUBJECT: REPORT REGARDING THE POTENTIAL INSTALLATION OF A SECOND DOG PARK
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss the potential installation of a second City Dog Park. The staff has accessed various locations, both city-owned and non-city-owned parcels, that would best be suited for this use. Two locations best meet the needs and specifications, one being city-owned and the other owned by Southern California Edison.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Discuss and provide staff with direction regarding a potential dog park within the City and adequacy of the proposed locations
BACKGROUND
In the Fall of 2009, after conducting research of various sites and considering the effects on nearby residential neighborhoods, the City Council established Downey's first "Dog Run" or Dog Park at Rio San Gabriel Park to meet the needs and desires of residents who sought a safe place to recreate and exercise their dogs in an off–leash location.
The current Dog Park is over 15,000 sq. feet and is divided into two separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs. Each area includes water fountains, trash cans, and seating areas. The dog park has over 10,000 visitors per year.
More recently, at the June 8, 2023 Special Meeting, City staff was asked by the City Council to research possible locations to add a second Dog Park in the South end of Downey to be included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 annual budget.
The new dog park would operate similarly to the current model, which provides two off- leash areas to be divided for small and large dogs. The new areas would include similar amenities, such as water fountains, trash cans, and seating areas.
ANALYSIS
UPDATE REPORT REGARDING INSTALLATION OF SECOND DOG PARK MARCH 12, 2024
PAGE 2
2 City staff toured various City properties to evaluate feasible locations for a new dog park.
Additionally, staff worked with other local agencies, including Southern California Edison (SCE), to determine the availability of parcels that might housing a new Dog Park.
Several factors were considered while looking for suitable sites that included, but were not limited to:
• proximity to entry to allow easy community access;
• available parking;
• isolated area ensuring multi-usage feasibility;
• existing water source; and
• effects on nearby residential neighbors.
Below is a listing of two proposed areas that staff believes would allow for the installation of a new Dog Park. It is estimated that each site would cost up to $350,000 to build out the new dog park facilities. After a site can be selected, staff can prepare a more detailed cost analysis for the development of the dog park. Importantly, the use of Location 2 as a Dog Park is contingent on approval from Southern California Edison, which the City is seeking to receive but does not have formal approval yet.
Location 1: Golden Park
Golden Park spans eight acres and is situated in the southern part of the City, just south of Imperial Highway. The park offers picnic shelters, a community room, a playground, an outdoor basketball court, walking trails, and a baseball field. The proposed location for the Dog Park would be in the southern section of the park, along Pritchard St. Currently, there is an open grassy area that is not programmed or extensively used (Attachment A).
The dog park would be approximately 18,000 sq. ft.
Pros:
• Ample parking
• Easy access
• It fits into park activity
• Existing water source
Cons:
• Proximity of residential neighborhood
• Located in South Downey close to the existing Rio San Gabriel Dog Park.
Location 2: Crawford Park
Crawford Park is a 2-acre parcel owned by Southern California Edison. It is situated on the westerly edge of the City, just north of Firestone Blvd and adjacent to the Rio Hondo River bed. The park boasts a natural landscape habitat, a playground, picnic tables, and an outdoor basketball court. The proposed site for the Dog Park is located in the park's
UPDATE REPORT REGARDING INSTALLATION OF SECOND DOG PARK MARCH 12, 2024
PAGE 3
3 western section, which is currently an open grass area not utilized by the public (Attachment B). The dog park would be approximately 22,000 sq. ft.
Pros:
• Easy access
• It fits into park activity
• Existing water source
• Removed from busy areas
• Location balance to another dog park in the City
Cons:
• Limited parking
• Not City-owned
City Staff has had several conversations with SCE and submitted a letter from the Mayor requesting approval to use the site as a Dog Park. While City has not been given permission through these avenues, staff is pursuing another opportunity through SCE’s Secondary Land Usage Application process.
City Staff has submitted the necessary documents for a Secondary Land Usage Application for the site and are awaiting a response. It is anticipated to take 3-4 months to receive a response.
Staff is seeking City Council’s direction regarding the location of the 2nd dog park location.
Once a site is selected, staff will put together a more detailed cost breakdown and return to the City Council with an update and appropriation for the budget.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal Impact at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Golden Park
Attachment B: Crawford Park
Golden Park
PROS:
•Access
•Parking
•Park balance
•Water source
CONS:
•Proximity to residential
•Proximity to other dog park
ATTACHMENT A
GOLDEN PARK
Crawford Park
PROS:
•Access
•Location
•Park balance
•Water source
CONS:
•Parking
•Not City Owned
CRAWFORD PARK