RPVCCA_SR_2010_08_03_05_Palos_Verdes_Landfill_Dog_Park_ProposalMEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUN
TOM ODOM,INTERIM DIRECTOR,RECREATI
AUGUST 3,2010
PALOS VERDES LANDFILL DOG PARK PROPOSAL
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER o!l--
Staff Coordinator:Katie Howe,Administrative Analyst II
RECOMMENDATION
Support efforts to locate a dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill site,and direct
staff to send the attached letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors'Office
demonstrating City Council's support.
BACKGROUND
In June and July of this year the cities of Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes Estates,
respectively,sent letters to the Los Angeles County Supervisor's Office supporting the
placement of a dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill site.
The former Palos Verdes Landfill site consists of 175 acres of land owned by Los
Angeles County and is located in the City of Rolling Hills Estates.As Council members
are aware,there has been considerable discussion on use of the site,and community
interest in using a section of the site for a dog park to serve the Peninsula and South Bay
communities.
The lead proponents of using the site for a dog park have been Mr.Bruce Megowan and
Mrs.Maureen Megowan of Palos Verdes Estates,with support also from Peninsula Dog
Parks,Inc.,a non-profit organization comprised of concerned dog owners who raise
money and identify appropriate dog park locations in the San Pedro and Peninsula areas.
In May of this year,Mr.Megowan presented to the City of Rolling Hills Estates dog park
research including size,features,design,and cost,and a petition with the signatures of
800 Peninsula and South Bay residents in favor of a dog park on the Peninsula;and
requested that Rolling Hills Estates Council send a letter to the Los Angeles County
Supervisor's Office supporting using a portion of the site for a dog park to serve the
Peninsula and the South Bay.
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Support for Dog Park at Former Palos Verdes Landfill Site
August 3,2010
Page 2
On June 22,2010,the City of Rolling Hills Estates sent the attached letter to the County
Supervisor's Office supporting a dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill site,and
on July 14,2010,the City of Palos Verdes Estates sent the attached letter to the
County Supervisor's Office in support of a dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill
site.
Following their receipt of the two letters,the County Supervisor's Office contacted Mr.
Megowan and the City of Rolling Hills Estates with an update that the Los Angeles
County Recreation and Parks Department is in the design phase of their first dog park
at Cresenta Valley Park in La Crescenta,and that because this is a pilot project
scheduled to open in June 2011,the department will wait to evaluate the successes
and issues associated with the facility before considering additional dog parks.The
earliest a dog park would be considered at the Palos Verdes Landfill would be in 2012,
and at that time,the County would also need to determine any safety concerns
associated with the hazardous material underneath the Landfill topsoil.
DISCUSSION
Given that the Cities of Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes Estates are now
advocating for a small portion of the site to serve the Peninsula as a dog park,it is
appropriate for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to express its position on this subject
to the County of Los Angeles.Attached is a draft letter expressing Council support for
a dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill site.
ALTERNATIVES
In addition to staff's recommendation,Council may also wish to consider the following
alternative actions:
1.Send letter with alternative position.
2.Do not send a letter.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
Attachments:Draft letter from RPV supporting dog park use at former Palos
Verdes Landfill site
Rolling Hills Estates letter dated June 22,2010
Palos Verdes Estates letter dated July 14,2010
Dog park research provided by Mr.Megowan
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STEFAN WOLOWICZ,MAYOR
THOMAS D.LONG,MAYOR PRO TEM
BRIAN CAMPBELL,COUNCILMAN
ANTHONY MISETICH,COUNCILMAN
DOUGLAS W.STERN,COUNCILMAN
August 6,2010
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Honorable Don Knabe
Los Angeles County,4th District
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street,Room 822
Los Angeles,CA 90012
Dear Supervisor Knabe:
The purpose of this letter is to express the City of Rancho Palos Verdes'support for
dedicating a portion of the former Palos Verdes Landfill site for the use of a dog park to
serve the Peninsula and South Bay communities.In recent months,Peninsula residents
have demonstrated impressive support and desire for a dog park within the community,
and have expressed desire to place a dog park at the former landfill site.
Your office has also received letters of support for dedicating a portion of the Landfill
site from two other Peninsula cities,Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes Estates.The
letter from Rolling Hills Estates was dated June 22,2010,and the letter from Palos
Verdes Estates was dated July 14,2010.The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is voicing our
support for this use on the site as well.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter,and thank you for the continued
assistance and services provided by the Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor's
Office.Please feel free to contact the Recreation and Parks Director,Tom Odom,at
(310)-544-5335 or tomo@rpv.com if you would like additional information on this
matter.
Sincerely,
Stephan Wolowicz
Mayor
Cc:City of RPV Mayor and Council members
City of RPV City Manager and Deputy City Manager
City of RPV Recreation and Parks Director
Mr.and Mrs.Bruce Megowan
30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD.j RANCHO PALOS VERDES,CA 90275-5391 j (310)544-5205/FAX (310)544-5291 j WWW.PALOSVERDES.COMjRPV
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 5-3
JOHN C.ADDLEMAN
Mayor
STEVEN ZUCKERMAN
Moyor Pro Tem
JUDY MITCHELL
CO/lncil Member
SUSAN SEAMANS
CouncilMember
FRANK V.ZERUNYAN
CO/malMember
DOUGLAS R.PRICHARD
City Ma/lUger
June 22,2010
THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
4045 PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH •ROLLING HILLS ESTATES,CA 90274
TELEPHONE.310.377.1577 FAX 310.377.4468
www.ci.Rolling-Hills-Estates.ca.us
Honorable Don Knabe
Los Angeles County,4th District
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street,Room 822
Los Angeles,CA 90012
Dear sup~e:9...-:-
The Rolling Hills Estates City Council has been very impressed by the continued efforts of
Palos Verdes Dog Park Supporters to generate Peninsula resident support,donations,and
information about the future development of a Dog Park in our region.The organization
has provided a significant amount of information regarding the design,project cost
estimates,maintenance,regulations,and supervision of a proposed Dog Park at several
City Council and Park &Activities Commission meetings.
As the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department considers developing the
former Palos Verdes Landfill,a small area of this large site would certainly be able to
support the needs of dog owners from around the South Bay.Therefore,the Rolling Hills
Estates City Council strongly supports the development of a Dog Park on the former Palos
Verdes Landfill.
If you or your staff would like to meet on-site to review the City'S and Peninsula Dog Parks,
Inc.'s interest in this proposed project,we are available to meet at your convenience.As
always,the City of Rolling Hills Estates appreciates all the assistance and services
provided by the Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor's office.Should you need any
additional information about this project,please contact Andy Clark,Community Services
Director at (310)377-1577 ext.109.
Sincerely,
cc:Bruce Magowen,Palos Verdes Dog Park Supporters
Mike Gin,Field Deputy
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The Honorable Don Knabe
4th District Supervisor
County of Los Angeles
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street,Room 822
Los Angeles,CA 90012·
July 14,2010
R~·~..,
Dear Supervisor Knabe:
As you are aware,th.e site of the former Palos Verdes Landfill has been the subject of great
interest to dog park enthusiasts.The City of Palos Verdes Estates understands that the County of
Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department will be considering alternatives for development
of this County-owned property located in the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
Following the City of Rolling Hills Estates'recent expression of support for use of a small
portion of the former landfill property to site a dog park,the Palos Verdes Estates City Council,
at its July 13,2010 regularly scheduled meeting,authorized forwarding to your office this letter
of support for siting a dog park on a portion of the former Palos Verdes Landfill property.
In closing,we very much value the relationship that we have both with the County of Los
Angeles and with Rolling Hills Estates -the host city of the former landfill site.Our goal is not
to interfere in the land use decisions in this matter,but rather to express support for use of a
small portion of the site for a dog park consistent with the desires of Rolling Hills Estates.
Thank you in advance of your consideration in this matter,and for the continued support and
assistance provided by your office.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Humphrey
Mayor
cc:Palos Verdes Estates City Councilmembers and City Manager
Mayor,City Council and City Manager of Rolling Hills Estates
Mike Gin,4th District Field Representative
Mr.and Mrs.Bruce and Maureen Megowan
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Dog Park Proposal -Rolling Hills Estates
The following is a proposal which my husband Bruce and I have presented to the City of Rolling Hills
Estates for the construction of a dog park on the former Palos verdes landfill Site:
DOG PARK PROPOSAL-PALOS VERDES LANDFILL SITE -ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
Community Benefits
-1)Allows dogs to exercise and socialize safely.Puppies and adult dogs need room to run,and
enclosed play areas permit them to do so while preventing them from endangering themselves and
others (for example,by running into the path of an oncoming vehicle).In addition,dogs who are
accustomed to playing with animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-
socialized and react well.toward strangers.
-2)Promotes responsible dog ownership.Dog parks prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the
rights of other community residents·and park users such as joggers,small children,and those who
may be fearful of dogs.Parks also make it easier for a city to enforce its leash laws,as resident dog
owners with park access have no reason to allow their canine companions off-leash when outside of
the park.
-3)Provides an outlet for dog owners to socialize.Dog parks are a great place for owners to meet
other people with common interests.The love people share for their dogs reaches beyond economic
and social barriers and helps to foster a sense of community.Park users also benefit from the
opportunity to ask questions of other owners and find solutions to problems they might be having with
their pet.
-4)Dog owners are a substantial group of park users.The U.S.Humane Society states that thirty-
nine percent of U.S.households own at least one dog.On average,owners have almost two dogs
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(1.7).The overwhelming numbers of dogs and dog owners would seem to warrant specific
consideration for them as well.The demand for a dog park was demonstrated by our group collecting
over 800 signatures on a petition to build a dog park on the former Palos Verdes Landfill site,which
has been submitted to Andy Clark of the Parks Department.
-5)Make for a better community by promoting public health and safety.Well-exercised dogs are
better neighbors who are less likely to create a nuisance,bark excessively and destroy property.Their
presence in the park,along with their owners,also helps to deter crime.
-6)Provide a legal area to off-leash dogs.A balanced approach to accommodating dog owners in
public open space may achieve higher levels of compliance by dog owners with relevant leash laws.
Currently there is no place on the Palos Verdes Peninsula where dog owners may legally run and
exercise their dogs off-leash.If dog owners perceive laws to be unfair it may elicit a defiant rather
than a compliant response from dog owners -they may ignore the laws in protest.If,on the other
hand,laws are perceived to be fair people will be more likely to voluntarily comply.
-7)Provides elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions.
Dogs provide companionship to many single or widowed elderly people,and a dog park provides an
excellent place for them to take their dogs and enjoy the outdoors.
-8)Many other communities have established dog parks.Dog parks are not a brand new
phenomenon.Many other communities have developed dog parks recognizing the strong demand.
Some of the many places that have off-leash areas for dogs in California are:San Diego,Laguna
Beach,Costa Mesa,Los Angeles,Venice,Napa,Sonoma,Berkeley,Santa Monica,St.Helena,
Huntington Beach,Davis,Laguna Niguel,Claremont,Redondo Beach,Redwood City,Danville,San
Jose,Santa Clara,Foster City,and San Francisco.
See http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/ca/south.html#lafor a list of other dog parks in Los Angeles
County.
Dog Park Design Elements
The Ideal Dog Park is designed to Include:
1)Two acres or more surrounded by a 5'to 6'fence.The dog areas should not be squared off or
have 90 degree corners but should be rounded off so that dogs cannot be trapped by other dogs.
2)Separate areas for large dogs and small dogs (i.e.1 to 1.5 acres for large dogs and .5 to .75 acres
for small dogs)
3 Shade and water.Shade is needed for both the dogs after they exercise to cool off but also for
people,particularly the elderly.Hopefully,the dog park design will incorporate existing on-site trees
for shade and benches would be positioned in these areas.If not,shade structures can provide shade
over benches (see below)Specialized water fountains with permanent bowls to water the dogs as well
as water fountain for people.
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4)Adequate drainage.This is particularly important around the dog watering station.Below is an
example of permeable pavers that are used to prevent muddy areas from forming around the dog
watering station.The pavers should be surrounded by a border of 1-2 inch pebbles.
For more information on LID design concepts featuring Permapave NW pavers,please
see www.permapavenw.com or emailpavers@permapavenw.com.
5)Parking close to site.
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6)Surface materials:Higher use areas should have a material like decomposed granite or eucalyptus
wood chips.The San Pedro dog park gets eucalyptus wood chips donated by local tree trimming and
removal firms.This surface also provides a cushiony feel to it and can also help prevent injuries for
elderly people who might fall.Fleas also hate the scent of eucalyptus,and will be quickly driven away
from any area that smells of eucalyptus ...Grass can be used in areas not right around the entry area,
but is not generally used in the high traffic zones as it tends to get very thin very qUickly due to dog
urine and also has higher maintenance costs.
7)Covered garbage cans with regular trash removal.
8)Pooper scooper stations.Pooper Scooper for clean up:and a roll of plastic bags for fecal removal
with waste bins closely spaced.
9)Benches .These are needed for the elderly and disabled,but should be relatively limited as dog
owners should be encouraged to stand and interact with their dogs to keep them under control.
Benches should be located away from the dog park entrance.Concrete benches are preferred.The
surface should be incapable of allowing a dog's limb to get stuck in a narrow slot typical in the design
of park benches.Benches should not have armrests or slats but should be solid.All -in -one picnic
tables and shade structures are also available
10)Wheel chair access.Parking lots should be paved,and the entrance and areas leading to benches
or tables and shade structures should be paved to provide handicap access.
11)Regular maintenance.Volunteer groups can be useful in helping to keep the park clean and
maintained.
12)Bulletin board that allows users to post notices
13)Entry -double gated.Two entry gates to prevent dogs from congregating around the entrance to
possibly intimidate new dog arrivals.If there is only one entrance and exit gate,or one entrance and
one exit gate,the dogs in the park quickly learn where newcomers will enter.They then congregate at
the entrance which can result in fights or dogs escaping from the park.If there are a couple of ways
for dogs to tome in and out,they will not target a particular gate.To prevent fights between entering
dogs and dogs already in the park,the dog park entrance should be far from the main center of dog
activities.
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·Gnmite Regional Park
Dog.ParI;.~
~~.'~"""'4
Liability Issues:
At least one reason for the lack of claims is legal:the "dangerous condition"immunity from public
liability probably relieves the public agency of liability,especially for the acts of third parties using the
public property (Gov't.Code section 830 et.seq.;Jones v.Czapkay (1960)182 Cal.App.2d
192).Nevertheless,the City should take precautions to protect itself (and the taxpayers)from
potential liability.There are several ways to limit liability,including:
A.Express assumption of liability and indemnification by users of the off-leash areas This
can be accomplished by conditioning the issuance of dog licenses on an express indemnification
agreement,or by a "permissive use"ordinance change.The city of Claremont chose the latter
approach.Its off-leash ordinance states in part:
"The use of an off-leash area by a dog owner or other person having care,custody,or control of
that shall constitute agreement by the dog owner and the person having care,custody,or control of
that dog to ...a waiver of liability of the city,and his or her agreement to protect,indemnify,defend
and hold harmless the city from any claim,injury,or damage arising from or in connection with such
use."(City of Claremont Ordinance 11.02.125(E).)
B.Signage:Full and complete signage,both advising visitors that the park is an off leash
area and that they use the area at their own risk,and advising dog owners of their assumption of
liability and hold harmless agreement.
C.Insurance:I have seen several sources that state that due to the California law providing
strict liability to a dog owner for any biting or damage caused by their dogs that the City is not liable
for any problems created by the dog.Therefore there should be no additional insurance coverage
needed and the City's current liability policy should provide coverage with no additional premium.
Dog Park Rules:
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1.Puppies and dogs must be properly inoculated,be healthy (have no contagious conditions or
diseases),and be parasite-free (both internally and externally).
2.To help prevent dog fights,owners are encouraged to inquire about any dogs already in the
run which are unfamiliar to them,prior to entering the run.Observing dogs'body language is
also recommended
3.No dogs known to be aggressive towards other dogs or people (or exhibiting any threatening
behavior)may enter the run.
4.No bitches in heat may enter the run at any time.
5.Owners must clean up after their dogs.
6.Owners are asked to closely supervise their dogs,and at no time should an owner leave the
run without their dog(s).
7.If the dog run is located near local residences,hospitals,schools or libraries,owners should
discourage their dogs from barking excessively.This is especially important prior to lOAM and
after 9PM.
8.Parents must refrain from bringing toddlers and small children into the run.Parents are
strongly discouraged from bringing children less than 12 years of age.Children should at no
time be allowed to run with or chase after dogs in the dog run.
9.Do not bring rawhide or food into the dog run as dogfights may result.Also be wary of using
your dogs favorite toy which he/she may be very protective of with other dogs.
10.For safety reasons,please remove pinch (prong)and spike collars from your dog prior to
entering the dog run.Many dogs and puppies have been injured by playing with another dog
who was wearing a pinch collar.A basic flat buckle collar (with city license,Rabies and
identification tags)is recommended.
http://www.dogparksusa.org/manuaLhtm Dog Park Manual
Costs
Start-up Costs
Gross Estimated Budget:
Fencing:( 5 foot chain link fencing 2,000 liner ft.@ $lO/lf,per A-1 Steel Fencing -323-228-8598):
$20,000
3 triple gated entrance/exits(Two for large dog park at separate sides of the park and one for small
dog park):$2,500
Water Fountains (ADA compliant people and dog combo approx.$3,000 each -see picture above):
$6,000
Concrete work:800 square feet of concrete patio area would cost approx.$7,500 (per Lindahl
Concrete (310)326-6626).
Demolition and Grading (24 hours @170/hour per R.E.R Inc.310-901-6834):$4,000
Grass seeding,Decomposed granite or mulch and ground prep:$6,000
Water meter and waterline and irrigation:$12,000
Bulletin Board:$1,200
Signage:$1,300
Dog Poop bag dispenser 5@ 600 each:$3,000
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Benches-Concrete ((3@ $750 each):$2,250 (optional combination picnic bench and canopy
(pictured above)is $3,000 each)
Trash containers:2@ $270 each:$550
Total of above costs:$66,300
General Conditions/Overhead @6%:$4,300
Profit @ 7%:$5,000
Design fees/continency @ 5%:$3,400
Total Costs:$79,000
Note:These cost estimates do not include costs for paving the entrance road or parking area.
Maintenance Costs
The maintenance of dog parks varies tremendously,depending on the size of the park and the surface
materials used.
Trash containers should be emptied daily and waste scoops restocked when needed.While owners are
typically required to clean up after their dogs,it is inevitable that some areas will be missed,
especially if dogs are running free.We believe staff will be needed to clean up the area regularly.
Clean-up rounds should be made weekly to make sure that the park is free from excessive waste.It is
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also recommended that the fencing and other equipment be hosed down frequently to prevent urine
stains and odors.
Park professionals in other areas of the country estimate approximately $8,000 in annual maintenance
costs.This includes about 3 hours per week in cleaning labor,grass cutting,refilling scooper
dispensers,printing costs for dog park literature,etc.
Proposed Location:
The proposed location for the dog park is the southwest corner of the former Palos Verdes Landfill site
adjacent to Hawthorne Boulevard and across the street from Ernie Howlett Park.This location already
has a curb cut and paved entrance and parking area immediately off of Hawthorne Boulevard. There
is alsQ a system of sprinklers on the site therefore a water source is available for drinking fountains
and sprinklers for any grass border areas planned for the dog park.This location would provide good
off street parking and would not create any problems with crowds,parking,or noise for residential
neighbors.This location would also'be a great location for a skate park and could share parking with
such a use
Close up view of the proposed dog park area.Notice driveway and existing paved road and graded
parking area.This area would be perfect for a dog park as there are several mature existing trees to
provide shade areas.
Requirements for Use of the Dog Park:
All Dogs using the dog park should have a dog tag issued by the City of Rolling Hills Estates.To obtain
a dog tag,the dog owner would have to show evidence of vaccinations and a valid dog license from
their city of residence.To raise funds for maintenance of the dog park,the city could charge an
annual fee for obtaining the dog tag.
If you would like to support the construction of a dog park in Rolling Hills Estates,email me
at mmegowan@cox.net
My husband and I will be making this proposal to the Rolling Hills Estates Parks and Activities
Commission on Tuesday evening May 18th at 7:30 pm at Rolling Hills Estates City Hall just west on
Palos Verdes Drive North from Crenshaw Blvd.Your attendance at this meeting to show your support
would be greatly appreciated.
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