LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
ABOUT THE DOG ZONE PILOT PROGRAM

Last updated June 16, 2004

The city has opened a portion of the beach as an off-leash exercise area in Belmont Shore as part of an one-year pilot project. (See a bird's-eye view of the designated area.) The Dog Zone encompasses nearly 3 acres at water's edge between Quincy and Argonne avenues.

Regular hours are currently from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The association's Board of Directors has an Agreement With the City to assist the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine as it develops this Dog Zone.

Because ours is Los Angeles County's only off-leash beach, we are preparing for a number of visitors from outside the area who may not be familiar with the facility. The association and Justin Rudd's Haute Dogs at the Beach organization are seeking volunteers to help educate Dog Zone users. Long Beach city officials have been kind enough to let dog owners use part of the beach on a trial basis -- the continuation of the Dog Zone project is based on the cooperation of the people who use it.

You can help assure our success by following the rules. The Parks Department reports that these have been the primary complaints that they've received from the public:

• Too many dogs: Because the California Coastal Commission will not allow us to erect a fence -- face it, if one of your dogs were to take off down the beach, would you run for it or stay to supervise the others? -- only one dog per adult is permitted. Have a second dog? Bring along a friend to supervise it.

• Dogs off leash outside the area: Portions of the beach outside the marked area are off limits to dogs. Use the parking lot at the foot of Grenada Avenue and bring along quarters to feed the meter. Keep your dog on leash as you walk south, across the Bike Path. Release your dog after you've entered the Dog Zone (see map).

• Dogs on the Bike Path: This area is for skaters and cyclists, not dogs. Do not enter or exit the Dog Zone from the east or west by using the Bike Path -- enter from the north side at the parking lot.

• Poop on the beach: Bring bags -- and use them.

Geoffrey Hall, special projects officer of the Parks Department, says that the program's success or failure "will depend on the people who use it."