(Nov. 23, 2009) -- LB's Parks & Recreation Commission voted at city management's request to approve the suitability of plans for an "Uptown Dog Park" (actually dog zone) at the western end of Scherer Park on November 19...but LBReport.com has learned that by this time the planned dog zone had already been basically installed.
Four photos below of the site, taken by Frank Acevedo, show it as of November 18, the day before the Parks & Rec Commission was scheduled to discuss the matter, hear public testimony and vote on whether to approve it.
In addition, on November 16 -- three days before public input and voted action on the project -- a City Hall release invited the public "to attend the opening of the Uptown Dog Park, located at the western end of Scherer Park, 4600 Long Beach Blvd., on Saturday, November 21 at 10 am..."
The Commission's agenda for its Nov. 19 meeting includes under "New Business" the following: "Recommendation to approve proposed improvements to Scherer Park through the creation of the Scherer Park Dog Park, and, as proposed, meet at [sic] recreational need in the city, through an appropriately designed site."
An accompanying agendizing memo describes the proposal in future terms.
The action before the Parks and recreation Commission is to review a proposed dog park at Scherer Park. As stated in the City Charter section 901 (b), the powers and duties of the Parks and Recreation Commission are to "recommend to the City Manager, City Council, and Planning Commission the approval or rejection of plans for improvement of parkland for public recreation and for other purposes..." The City Charter does not provide specific guidelines for the Parks and Recreation Commission to use in carrying out its powers and duties relative to park improvement plans. Thus, personal experience and expertise are the appropriate guides to such decisions.
Background The project site is located in the western section of Scherer Park adjacent to the flood control channel...The site is currently passive green space with turf and mature trees. The Department proposes to alter the site through the use of appropriate fence material to offer the neighborhood a facility to exercise both large and small dogs...
The proposed improvements to the site will provide a community requested recreational amenity in this portion of the city.
[Memo signed by Sandra Gonzalez, Manager of Planning & Development, approved by Phil Hester, Parks, Rec & Marine Director]
Among those present at the Nov. 19 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting was veteran LB parks advocate Ann Cantrell (LBReport.com Contributing Editor on Parks & Open Space). She reports that during Commission discussion, Parks & Rec Dir. Hester said there have been several requests from Councilmembers for dog parks in their districts, including the 5th district.
Ms. Cantrell says Commission member Harry Saltzgaver indicated displeasure in noting that although the Commission hadn't yet voted, a flier was visible saying the dog park was opening in the upcoming weekend. Commission member Saltzgaver added that he would nevertheless vote for it.
Another Commission member asked if nearby neighbors had been consulted; Parks & Rec. Dir Hester said they had been and approved.
Ms. Cantrell testified against further shrinking of Scherer Park, saying it had already been shrunk by the North Division LBPD station and now by the loss of more passive open space. "Having been on several Audubon Christmas Counts in this park, I know this is habitat for a number of wintering birds, including woodpeckers, warblers and white-crowned sparrows. This is also a possible nesting area, which will be unusable with dogs there," she said.
Mary Parsell of El Dorado Audubon testified about the loss of open space in Scherer Park since she was a child.
A city staff member indicated that the item had been on the agenda for the Commission's October meeting (which was aborted for lack of a quorum).
Ms. Cantrell asked how much the fencing would cost and from where the money would come (in the future tense, since she didn't know it was a done deal). Mr. Hester said it was $12,000...from the Department of Parks, Rec & Marine.
The item passed 4-2 (Commission members Brett Waterfield and Sarah Sangmeister abstaining).
A City Hall release says the new Uptown Dog Park "will provide separate areas for small and large dogs to play off leash. The fenced area is located near picnic areas and a parking lot. Uptown Dog Park will be open from 5 a.m. to dusk; Scherer Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m."
To view LBReport.com's photo coverage of the opening, click here.
