Dog owners have been pushing for a new off-leash dog park in West Hollywood for several years, and on Monday, the City Council agreed to open one, most likely in Plummer Park.

The city’s only off-leash dog park is located at Hart Park. Some people believe it is too close to an AIDS memorial. (photo by Anna Bakalis)

Councilmembers asked for city staff to return in a few weeks with more information about the proposed dog park and a possible expansion of it, while also being mindful of the impacts to nearby residents.

About 10 people spoke in favor of the proposed off-leash dog park at the West Hollywood City Council meeting.

“I think it’s a great idea. This area really needs more parks that allow dogs off-leash,” said West Hollywood resident Rich Pedine.

Steve Campbell, manager of the city’s Facilities and Field Services Division, said the council wants to look more carefully at three possible locations within Plummer Park, which will undergo an extensive renovation as part of another improvement project, to begin in early 2012, he said. The dog park could be open before then, depending on what type of construction needs to be done, Campbell said.

Preliminary plans include a sound barrier between the dog area and nearby apartment buildings. The area would be primarily made up of decomposed granite, meant to allow for easy removal of dog waste and would not wear with high levels of dog activity. It would be watered during high winds and daily park maintenance will include removing dog droppings from the area.

Plants are also planned for the edges, with kennel grass that can sustain itself.

This would be the second off-leash dog park in West Hollywood.  Hart Park on De Longpre Avenue includes about 6,100 square feet of fenced-off park to allow dogs to roam around, leash free. City officials noted that since the AIDS memorial — a grove of trees and a walkway — is located at Hart Park, this location might not be ideal for an off-leash dog park. Campbell said while it was not originally designed as a dog park, since 1999, Hart Park has served residents well.

Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood is also an off-leash dog park, but is about a mile away. Laurel Canyon Dog Park is about 3.5 miles from West Hollywood.

There are two other options the city council is considering within Plummer Park. One is about 2,185 square feet, and located east of Vista Street and west of the Tennis Pro Shop restroom building. Another is about 4,800 square feet, located south of the existing paddle court and tennis practice area, which receives moderate use, Campbell said.

Concerns about noise, odor and other environmental effects will be addressed through an environmental impact report.