Parks Commission Advances Dog Park Proposal, Favors Greenbelt and Valley Park Options

The Hermosa Beach Parks & Rec Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend that City Council move forward with a dog park feasibility study, narrowing the focus to two preferred locations: the Greenbelt near City Hall and Valley Park East.

The commission also recommended that the city explore placing a ballot measure before voters this November that would amend the Greenbelt's 1989 founding ordinance — which mandates leashed dogs and restricts new structures — to allow for a designated off-leash area. Any such amendment would require a public vote under the terms of Proposition D, the 1988 ballot measure that established the Greenbelt.

Community group Bark for a Park, which has been driving the effort, has pledged to cover all pre-development costs including design, construction, and permits. The group reported $70,000 in donations and pledges to date, plus a $250,000 anonymous matching grant for donations of $100 or more — potentially putting roughly $500,000 toward construction.

Five locations were evaluated in a feasibility study: the Greenbelt, Valley Park East, Edith Rodaway Friendship Park, Bicentennial Park, and a stretch of beach between Herondo Street and 1st Street. Commissioners broadly rejected the beach option, and expressed reservations about Bicentennial Park given its proximity to residences. The commission asked that Valley Park East receive a more detailed ADA accessibility review before being ruled in or out.

The commission's recommendation goes to City Council on April 14. If council approves further study, a comprehensive report involving Public Works and possibly a consultant would follow. The city would need to act by approximately early August to place a Greenbelt measure on the November ballot.

FURTHER READING

Dog Park Progress On Leash

Bark For A Park group detail fundraising progress but urge city staff to move faster

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