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Long Beach council asks staff to evaluate dog‑park designation process amid calls for more green space
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Summary
Council directed staff to report back within 120 days on the municipal process to designate dog parks and to evaluate inventory and needs citywide after residents and councilmembers highlighted high demand in dense districts and available park grant funds.
The City Council voted to request a staff presentation and analysis of the dog‑park designation process, asking for an evaluation of existing off‑leash areas and recommendations for additional locations within 120 days.
Councilmember Mary Zendejas and others said many dense neighborhoods lack adequate off‑leash space and urged the city to consider low‑infrastructure options and equity in siting. Public commenters described strong local demand, cited multi‑family housing patterns that limit private outdoor space, and pressed the city to unlock regional Measure A park funds they say are available for active‑use recreation.
Ben Fisher, a District 1 resident, told the council the city has approximately $17 million in county park funds across districts that could be used for active park projects, and urged staff to prioritize dog parks where appropriate. The city manager said staff will bring this issue into the forthcoming five‑year infrastructure plan and look at park grant opportunities.
Council members voted to have staff return with the requested report, which is intended to create a consistent rubric and pathway for dog‑park siting and funding decisions.
