City Seeks Grant for Dog Park

The South Gate unanimously approved applications that would result, if successful, in a $150,000 grant for the construction a local dog park, and a $350,000 grant that would be used to improve the .

“Part of the county grant application packet that we need to submit requires a resolution from the City Council,” said , Director of Parks and Recreation, and the person in charge of the application process. “The second requirement is that we provide a plan for utilizing youth in the employment related to the project.”

The smaller grant for the dog park incited the most talk out of the two proposals expected. Residents present expressed their delight for the proposal and added their “two cents” to the discussion.

“The dog park should be near a restroom,” said Virginia Johnson, who supports the creation of a dog park, but warned about the necessity of hygienic tools that would be required to maintain a clean park. “Signs, trash cans and extra doggie bags are also important.”

Tom Hall, another South Gate resident, expressed the he was happy about the possibility of being able to take his three dogs to a local park.

“I for one have three dogs, and I am forced at this time to go to either, Long Beach or Seal Beach, to let my dogs run,” said Hall. “I think it would be a nice project for the community. ”

The City Council also expressed their approval of the project, with Vice-Mayor Gil Hurtado, a vegetarian who is not shy about his love for animals, raising the issue of perhaps using the funds to build two dog parks within South Gate.

“Maybe they could look at [the grant] and make [a dog park] in two separate locations,” said Hurtado. “Hopefully they can consider [having a dog park] on both [ and ].”

Adams is confident about getting both grants for the city.

“The projects still needs to be approved by the entire board of supervisors,” said Adams. “However, we are well down the process and it is fairly certain we will get the grants.”

If the grants are approved Adams expects the improvements at the South Gate Auditorium, which will include everything from remodeling of floors to installation of high end sound equipment, to be finished by the end of 2012. Adams also hopes to have the dog park finished by the end of the year, but believes it could take longer because of planning. 

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