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Politics & Government

Council Nixes Roxbury as Dog Park Spot

Community opposition sends proposed plans for a Beverly Hills dog park back to the drawing board.

Despite a Recreation and Parks Commission and staff recommendation to explore Roxbury Park as a viable option to house a dog park in Beverly Hills, the City Council on Tuesday decided instead to develop other options.

Community sentiment has been mixed, including a recent show of opposition to Roxbury Park adding a canine section.

"If there were more support for this, I believe there would have to be more meetings anyway to deal with some of the questions that were raised," Mayor William Brien said. "Right now there is not. I understand all of the concerns that have been raised, this is not ready for prime time."

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There is will for a dog park in the city, as indicated by numerous residents who have attended more than half a dozen community meetings on the issue.

"Beverly Hills residents have, on numerous occasions, requested that the Recreation and Parks Commission give consideration to providing an off-leash dog area for the City's dog-owning population," according to a report by Steve Zoet, director of community services.

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However, at a Jan. 28 public meeting and at the council study session Tuesday, residents urged against using Roxbury Park to house an off-leash area.

"It's located in a residential area, and there are only so many activities that you can fit into this park," said Ken Goldman, president of the Southwest Beverly Hills Homeowners Association.

Brien designated Councilwoman Lili Bosse and Vice Mayor John Mirisch to form an ad hoc committee that will come up with alternative dog park locations.

Some that have already been proposed include the "Orange Grove" area adjacent to Coldwater Canyon Park, La Cienega Park and Coldwater Park.

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