Downey selects Golden Park for next dog park

Sparky, a teacup chihuahua, enjoys the day at Dave Gafin Dog Park at Rio San Gabriel Park. The City Council is moving forward with plans to open a second dog park at Golden Park. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to move forward in bringing a dog park to Golden Park.

At their meeting Tuesday, two locations were proposed for the implementation of a second dog park to the city, being Golden Park and Crawford Park.

The dog park would be situated in the southern side of the park, along Prichard Street. Golden Park was chosen due to its ample parking, easy access, and its existing water source, according to city staff’s report.

Crawford Park is considered to be more locationally balanced in proximity to the existing dog park at Rio San Gabriel Park, but that land is owned by California Edison. A land-use permit application to Edison by the city was denied. The city has submitted a letter of reconsideration, but has not yet received a response.

If the city were able to move forward on Crawford Park, the dog park would be placed in its western section in a grassy area not currently utilized by the public.

Though the city council ultimately told city staff to move forward with Golden Park, Mayor Mario Trujillo expressed desire to still pursue Crawford Park, saying “Our residents deserve both.”

Councilman Horacio Ortiz added that “sooner or later, at some point every district can have a dog park.”

It is estimated that each site will cost up to $350,000.

The new park will operate similarly to the existing Rio San Gabriel Dog Park, divided into two off-leash areas for large and small dogs, with amenities including water fountains, trash cans, and seating areas.