Hermosa Beach advisory commission backs feasibility study, eyes Green Belt referendum for dog park

The Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission voted 5–0 on March 3 to tell the Hermosa Beach City Council it believes an off‑leash dog park is feasible and to request additional study of specific locations, including Valley Park East, and the possibility of placing a Green Belt referendum on the November ballot.

Brian Souza, speaking for parks staff, presented a feasibility report summarizing a subcommittee’s site visits and best‑practice research. Souza said staff examined candidate locations — the Green Belt, Edith Rodaway Friendship Park, Bicentennial Park, the beach between Hirondo Street and First Street, and Valley Park East — and listed basic amenities the city would need to provide, including a double‑gated entry, 4–6‑foot fencing, a potable water source, waste stations and ADA access. “Staff has completed its review of the proposal including evaluation of potential locations within Hermosa Beach,” Souza said, and noted the Green Belt’s OS‑1 open‑space designation means “any amendment to…