LB is widely known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in California. Anyone who lives here can see that a large percentage of our city's residents are dog owners. I would like to foster and grow this perception of our great city by transforming the Harvey Milk Promenade "Park" into the Harvey Milk Promenade Dog Park. 

In Downtown Long Beach, dog owners are finding it a huge challenge to not only find an area for our dogs to run and play, but it is difficult to even find a patch of grass for our dogs to go potty. Currently, there are only two patches of public grass (Promenade Square & Victory Park) in all of Downtown Long Beach and one small dog area (Seaside Dog Zone), which are all located near the water. When our dogs need to go potty, Downtown LB residents who live more inland must walk far early in the morning before leaving to work, on their work breaks, and late at night. There are patches of wood chips here and there but given the amount of dogs in the area, these small areas become quickly over-used. With the growing residential development in Downtown LB, there will only be more and more dog owners in the area. We need a place in Downtown LB where our dogs can play and we can grow a better sense of community.

I believe the Harvey Milk Promenade Park is the perfect spot for a Downtown LB dog park. Currently, this park is a concrete slab on the side of a parking structure that is being occupied by the homeless population throughout all hours of the day. I live across the street from the park and I consistently witness hard drug use, fist fights, public disturbances, and littering. This park has grown to be something we all avoid walking by and many of the illegal activities pour into the surrounding businesses and areas. The size, location, and foundation of this park would make for a fast and easy transition to a furry-friend hangout spot. 

I am sad to see such a sorry excuse of a park to be named after a great man who fought for Human Rights and Equality. Coincidentally, Harvey Milk solved Castro's dog waste issue to thrust himself into the neighborhood's political spotlight and continued to tackle Equality issues after. 

Let's get the signatures and urge our city leaders to make this initiative come true!