Downey council pauses Golden Park dog-park project after neighbors raise maintenance and safety concerns

Downey City Council voted unanimously to pause plans for a proposed second dog park at Golden Park and revisit the issue as part of the city’s parks master-plan update.

Director Jason Chacon told the council that, after earlier direction to research locations, staff conducted community outreach and two neighborhood meetings where “the majority of feedback received ... were not in favor of this location being used for the dog park,” citing concerns about maintenance, odors, parking congestion and loss of open space. The project’s estimated cost was reported at roughly $485,000 from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space annual allocation; staff said no general-fund match would be required.

The council considered two options: proceed immediately with the design and construction at Golden Park or defer the project until completion of a citywide park master-plan update scheduled for 2026. Council members described mixed input from residents. Councilmember Horacio Ortiz summarized outreach findings, saying some neighbors preferred upgrades focused on children rather than a new dog park. Mayor Pro Tem Dorothy Pemberton emphasized that residents who attended community meetings were largely opposed, while other council members warned that pausing could risk losing a rare funding opportunity.

After discussion, Councilmember Ortiz moved to select Option 2 — deferring the Golden Park dog-park project pending the parks master-plan update; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The council directed staff to follow up with neighborhood outreach and provide notification to nearby residents.

What’s next: Staff said funds would remain available in the city’s county allocation if the council later decides to pursue the project; the parks master-plan update will include extensive community engagement and is expected to inform priorities and equitable distribution of future park investments.