Newport commissioners push for second dog park

Plans for a second dog park in Newport Beach, probably in West Newport, moved forward Tuesday with a vote of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission.

The commissioners unanimously supported adding a dog park, possibly in Lower Sunset View Park.

A few residents spoke against that location, citing concerns about parking and safety.

The City Council would have to approve funding for the new park. The property could be studied as part of the fiscal 2015-16 capital improvement budget.

Lower Sunset View Park off Superior Avenue was considered the top priority among four sites discussed in December by an ad hoc dog park committee appointed by the parks commission.

The commission also voted Tuesday for a plan to carve out a section of the existing Civic Center dog park for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds.

The small-dog park would have a separate entrance off MacArthur Boulevard and would cost about $25,000, said Laura Detweiler, the city’s recreation and senior services director.

Commissioner Roy Englebrecht cast the lone opposing vote on the proposal, saying city staff should have planned for small dogs before the current dog park opened two years ago.

“This is really, really unbelievable,” he said. “We spent all this money, and did no one ask what should be in a dog park? All this money … wasted. I’m incredulous. I’m without speech. We built this, and no one thought to say we need the separate area.”

Detweiler said the park was built on a long, thin piece of available land and that the shape of the land drove the park.

Staff has spent time in the park talking to users and incorporated their ideas into the new plan, she said.

Commissioner Marie Marston said a small-dog park within the existing park is a good idea, particularly after a small dog was killed in the park by a larger dog last summer.