Item No. 7.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE:OCTOBER 28, 2025
SUBJECT:DISCUSSION REGARDING A DOG PARK AT GOLDEN PARK
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss and provide staff direction regarding options for the installation of a second dog park, at Golden Park.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Discuss and provide staff with direction regarding options for the installation of a second dog park at Golden Park.
BACKGROUND
At the June 8, 2023, Special City Council meeting, City staff was directed to research potential locations for a second dog park in the South end of the City. Staff presented potential locations at the March 5, 2024, City Council meeting.
The sites considered by the City Council took into account multiple factors, including but were not limited to; Land ownership and lease restrictions
Proximity for community access
Available parking
Existing park programming
Available water sources
Potential impacts to residential neighborhoods
Following the review, the City Council selected Golden Park as the preferred location and directed staff to initiate the design and planning phase. Funding for the project was available, with no City match requirement, through the Los Angeles County Regional and Open Space District (RPOSD) - Annual Allocation, which dedicates Measure A (2016) funding for parks, recreation, and open space development and maintenance.
City staff initiated the design phase with GameTime - Great Western Recreation, a vendor specializing in research based design principles, high-quality products, and installation standards. GameTime is a member of the Omnia Partners purchasing group, which enables the City to secure competitively bid pricing for projects and equipment.
An initial conceptual design was developed to provide a visual foundation for community discussion. As required through the RPOSD program, community engagement followed through multiple outreach efforts, including; The Summer Concert Series (June - August 2025) at Furman Park, where attendees were invited to provide feedback and review the design
The information booth at Summer Concerts included design boards for attendees to review design concepts and recommend preferred features. The feedback that was received was popular overall, with some comments suggesting improvements of the current dog park at Rio San Gabriel.
Two community meetings held at Golden Park, allowing residents to review the design concepts and recommend preferred features.
Community meetings were held on September 28, 2025, and October 1, 2025, at Golden Park. These meetings presented detailed information about the project's design, funding, timeline, and next steps. At these meetings, staff received community feedback from some local neighbors who were in attendance, that were not in favor of the project at this location. Some concerns that were voiced included:
Ongoing maintenance; including but not limited to excessive odors and landscape maintenance Neighborhood parking congestion
Increased traffic and pedestrian activity
Loss of open space for alternative uses
ANALYSIS
Presented below are two options for the Council's consideration on moving forward with the Golden Dog Park development. Option 1, would consider moving forward with the development of the dog park, with a completion anticipated for early 2026. Option 2, would defer the dog park project, pending the completion of the Parks Master Plan update in Fiscal Year 2026 -2027, to provide an in-depth analysis of the best use of the space at Golden Park that aligns with Citywide goals and planning.
Option 1 - Proceed with the construction of the dog park at Golden Park
Next Steps
With Option 1, staff would move forward with the development of the dog park, incorporating community feedback and recommended features from the engagement process.
The estimated demolition and construction duration: 30 days Potential construction start: Mid November 2025
Estimated completion and close out: December 2025
Proposed ribbon cutting: January 2026.
Option 2 - Defer the dog park project pending the completion of the Parks Master Plan update.
Next Steps
Under Option 2, the City would pause the plans for a second dog park at this time and revisit the proposal following the completion of the Parks Master Plan update, scheduled for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
The current Parks Master Plan, set to expire in 2026, has guided park priorities and programming over the past 10 years. The update will provide comprehensive data and analysis of community needs, park usage trends, and available open space. Updating the plan is a critical step in ensuring that the Citywide park system continues to evolve in response to community growth, changing demographics, and emerging recreation trends. The Parks Master Plan incorporate extensive community engagement and City Council feedback to ensure that future park investments reflect the shared priorities and equitable access for all residents. For Golden Park, specifically, the plan will allow for a more detailed analysis of current use, community needs, and opportunities to enhance the park's amenities in a way that aligns with broader Citywide goals and long term stability.
The updated Master Plan will also:
Align with Citywide planning efforts of the current Downey Forward - Strategic Plan Ensure equitable division of projects throughout the City and where it is needed most Assist with feedback and data for driven decision making Provide opportunities for Citywide community engagement and consensus building
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of life, Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action of Option 1, will result in an appropriation of approximately $485,000 in Fund 26 (CIP Grant Fund). Funding is available and will be transferred from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD), Measure A - Annual Allocation funding balance allocated for the City of Downey. If Option 2 is selected, no fiscal impact at this time. The funds will remain in Downey's RPOSD - Annual Allocation balance and can be appropriated at a future date once a project is determined through the Parks Master Plan Update.