To the Esteemed Members of the Santa Monica City Council,

We, the undersigned residents and dog owners of Santa Monica, respectfully petition the City Council to establish a designated off-leash dog park within Reed Park (also known as Christine Emerson Reed Park) at 1133 7th Street.

Our Concerns and Rationale

Santa Monica's growing population of dog owners currently has limited access to safe, enclosed spaces where their pets can exercise and socialize freely. While the city maintains excellent dog parks at Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, many residents in the downtown and mid-city areas lack convenient access to these facilities.

Reed Park features an expansive open area that is presently underutilized. This space, instead of hosting active community engagement, has become a gathering point where individuals camp on the grass without the orderly use typical of a well-maintained park. This activity deters typical use and often results in litter and vandalism. By establishing a dedicated off-leash dog park, we can repurpose this area into a vibrant, functional space that meets community interests while addressing current issues of underuse and unsupervised occupancy.

Benefits of a Designated Off-Leash Dog Park

• Enhanced Community Engagement: A dog park will serve as a much-needed social hub and recreational space for dogs and their owners in the downtown area, encouraging positive interactions, responsible dog ownership, and a greater sense of community among residents
• Optimized Public Space: Transforming the unused portion of Reed Park into a managed off-leash area will not only improve the overall aesthetics and safety of the park but also ensure that the full potential of the area is realized.
• Increased Safety and Order: By providing a designated space for dogs to run and play, we can better manage the park’s usage and create an environment where both pets and non-pet owners feel comfortable and secure. An off-leash dog park would reduce unauthorized activity in other parts of the park and support the health and well-being of local pets.

What We Request

In light of these points, we respectfully urge the Santa Monica City Council to take the following actions:

• Conduct a Feasibility Study: Initiate an assessment to identify the optimal section of Reed Park for conversion into an off-leash dog park, ensuring minimal disruption to existing park activities.
• Engage Stakeholders: Organize community meetings with local residents, urban planners, and park maintenance experts to discuss the design, anticipated benefits, and potential challenges.
• Allocate Resources for the Project: Consider providing the necessary budget for designing, constructing, and maintaining the park. This may include investments in secure fencing, proper signage, durable pathways, water stations, and landscaping.
• Implement a Community Feedback Process: Establish a regular review and feedback mechanism after the park’s launch to ensure the space continues to meet community needs and retains high standards of safety and cleanliness.

We believe that this initiative will infuse new life into Reed Park, promoting responsible dog ownership, addressing the recreational needs of Santa Monica's significant dog-owning population, revitalizing a currently underused space, and fostering stronger bonds within our community. By converting this section of Reed Park into a dedicated off-leash dog park, Santa Monica can lead by example in urban park design—a commitment that benefits all residents and their four-legged companions.

Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. We eagerly anticipate your response and stand ready to assist with further discussions and planning.