By: Clare Beezhold
The Redondo Beach City Council moved on Feb. 18 to allow dogs on leashes in seven parks and 12 parkettes out of 32 where a 1979 city ordinance formerly banned them.
Redondo Beach’s Recreation and Parks Commission proposed the change over a series of meetings. The surrounding cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Torrance all allow dogs on leashes in city parks. The motion passed to craft an ordinance will not be brought back to the council until April or May.
“Those that want to walk their dogs on leash, can do so in some of our parks, and for those that want to avoid this, there are plenty of parks to avoid them,” Councilmember Todd Loewenstein said. “There is something here for everybody.”
Loewenstein took two informal polls of approximately 400 and 300 people, roughly 70% supported allowing dogs in city parks. According to Community Services Director John LaRock, there would be a one-time cost of $5,940 and ongoing yearly costs of $11,700 to maintain doggy bag stations. LaRock also reported needing to hire a full-time public works employee for $70,000 a year to refill the various bag stations and handle all dog-related park issues Several of Redondo’s primary parks, particularly Veterans, Anderson, and Wilderness, will not allow dogs.
“Since I was elected, and even before, people have asked me why dogs are not allowed in Redondo parks, and many people just assumed they were,” Loewenstein said. “Everyone: we love your dogs, please bring them to our parks, but be respectful, keep them on a leash and pick up after your dog.”
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