Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL
SUBMITTED BY: DAISY PEREZ, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
PREPARED BY: DAISY PEREZ, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: FULLERTON POOCH PARK RELOCATION DIRECTION
SUMMARY
Staff seeks City Council direction whether to continue exploring Fullerton Pooch Park relocation to an alternate location, and if so, to identify a preferred relocation site. Options include retaining the park at its current location at the Hunt Library with potential modifications or relocating it to another location in the City.
PROPOSED MOTION
Direct staff to:
Retain Pooch Park at current location and maintain existing footprint OR
Retain Pooch Park at current location with a reduced footprint and potential enhancements OR
Relocate Pooch Park to another location identified by City Council.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Direct staff to explore other potential relocation sites Provide alternate direction
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
This particular project has been discussed prior to the opening of the Hunt Library. At the time, the City Council wanted more focus on the Hunt and directed looking at alternative locations. There was a location identified but the costs were.high.
We have evaluated the issue and are bringing back the item for the City Council to determine if you would like staff to continue to look at relocation of the pooch park. The Parks & Rec Commission voted to recommend maintaining it at the current location.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statements:
Fiscal and Organizational Stability
Public Safety.
FISCAL IMPACT
Relocating the Pooch Park to another location would cost an estimated $500,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the direction provided and subject to site conditions and extent of ADA site improvements required. Improvements to the current site at the Hunt Library would incur significantly lower costs, estimated at $50,000, for fencing repairs, signage updates and modest amenities upgrades.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City created the Fullerton Pooch Park in 2007 as a temporary facility located at the Hunt Library property. It became a permanent feature in 2009 due to its popularity among residents. Fullerton Dog Park Foundation operates the Park under an agreement with the City and consistently provides a valuable outdoor space for dog owners and their pets. Recent developments, however, have necessitated evaluating the park location.
City Council directed staff to explore relocation options for the Pooch Park in 2023 during discussions regarding future use of the Hunt Library property. The City identified the site for potential repurposing as part of a public-private partnership to create a cultural center which required evaluating whether the Pooch Park could coexist with new uses or if the City would need to relocate the Park.
Staff reviewed several potential sites based on factors such as size, accessibility, safety and cost. Staff presented initial findings to the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 8, 2024 where public and commission input highlighted various preferences and concerns:
Commissioners and public speakers supported keeping the dog park at the Hunt Library with a reduced footprint and enhancements.
Discussions identified alternate locations such as Independence Park, White Park and Brea Dam Park.
The Fullerton Dog Park Foundation preferred retaining the current site due to safety and accessibility concerns with other options.
Staff explored relocating the dog park to Independence Park. However, survey results during the community input process for the Independence Park Master Plan indicated low support for incorporating a dog park at that site. Residents prioritized other amenities such as inclusive playgrounds, walking paths and splash pads over a dog park.
Current Site
The Hunt Library site provided a central location for the Pooch Park since its establishment. The Hunt Library reopened in April 2024 jointly operated by the Library and Parks and Recreation Departments. The dog park presence at this location generally does not interfere with library operations and often complements activities at the site. For instance, the dog park helps create a positive and active atmosphere when the library hosts events or large programs. The dog park temporarily closes during larger-scale events to minimize potential conflicts and free up parking spaces for library patrons.
Most private rentals at the Hunt Library occur outside the dog park general operating hours, ensuring minimal overlap and disruption. The infrastructure provides mutual benefits for the library and park users. However, space constraints and the need to balance shared uses limit opportunities for expansion and long-term development.
Other Considerations
The Fullerton Dog Park Foundation raised safety concerns regarding the Brea Dam Park site due to its proximity to Harbor Boulevard, a busy roadway that could pose risks for dogs and owners. Similarly, community survey results for the Independence Park Master Plan indicated low support for a dog park at that site, as residents prioritized other amenities such as playgrounds and walking paths. Staff considered White Park as an alternative location, however, it presents challenges related to limited infrastructure and parking availability. Initial feedback from the Gilbert Park neighborhood resulted in mixed reviews. Residents expressed concerns with proximity to homes and limited on-site parking.
Given these factors, staff seeks direction from City Council whether to retain the Pooch Park at the current location or pursue relocation to another site in the City. cc: City Manager Eric J. Levitt
Fullerton Pooch Park Relocation
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