Diamond Bar One Step Closer to Having Dog Park of Its Own

Diamond Bar is one step closer to having its first dog park.

During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the Council voted in favor 5-0 of adopting a negative declaration for construction of a dog park on a 1.35 acre parcel of undeveloped land at . A negative declaration is a document that states that once an initial study is completed, there is no substantial evidence to show that the project may have a significant impact on the environment. 

“I am very pleased to see this on the agenda,” Mayor Ling-Ling Chang said before the vote. “I’ve received nothing but praise for the City Council for pursuing a dog park. I typically get some e-mails, maybe from some folks who wouldn’t appreciate one, but I’ve received nothing but praise. Hopefully this will go through and everyone will support this.”

The park's plan calls for two enclosures for dogs to roam unleashed: a 39,400 square foot area for dogs over 25 pounds, and a 19,400 square foot area for smaller dogs under 25 pounds. A six-foot chain link fence will surround each area, and the ground will be covered with six inches of wood fiber. There will be waste bags, benches, and water fountains.

According to the city, the park will open 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, which is consistent with other parks in Diamond Bar. It is expected to cost about $131,000.

Diamond Bar residents who weighed in on the Diamond Bar Patch Facebook page are all in favor of the planned park.

“I am all for it,” said Kathleen Daly-McCown. “It is fantastic for socialization of your pets. Our pets are part of our family and to see them run and have a great time is just wonderful.”

“I love the idea!” said Tiffany Myer-Weesner. “My dog Ginger loves to play fetch and Frisbee in our yard. We would love to let her play in an actual park and play with other dogs her size.”

Dan Snelson is looking forward to not having to leave Diamond Bar to enjoy a dog park.

“I have a 40 m.p.h. couch potato (retired racing Greyhound) and it will be fun to let her romp without having to drive a long distance,” he said. “She does sprints in the back yard; [I] look forward to seeing her in high gear.” 

For Lisa Grayson, the park is just not close enough to her house for her to utilize it.

“I think it’s a great idea, but I’m hoping that they put more than one in,” she said. “I don’t live close to Pantera Park so I will not be using it.”

Gina Rivera is excited about the park, but hopes that everyone makes sure to keep it clean; she is tired of people letting their dogs leave messes in her yard.

“I love dogs and it’s not the dog’s fault the owners are so irresponsible,” she said. “I really hope the people at the park love their dogs enough to pick up after them.”