LAGUNA BEACH : Use of ‘Bark’ Park Extended by a Year

An agreement extending the life of the city’s popular “Bark Park” for another year has been approved by the City Council.

The grassy strip at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road has been enormously popular with dog lovers since it opened last year.

The park, the only one in Orange County for dogs, has attracted dog owners from across the county and prompted other cities to consider opening such a play area for pets.

“At one time on Sunday, I counted 40 dogs, and that was during a 10-minute visit,” Laguna Beach animal control officer Joy Lingenfelter said. “I think they should have a place the size of Disneyland myself.”

However, the park has created some problems for the city, officials said. Pet owners have not always picked up after themselves or their pets, and some visitors continue to park in nearby no-parking areas.

Earlier this year, the city granted animal control officers the power to issue parking citations to help alleviate the problem.

Lingenfelter said the officers are now giving citations rather than warnings. They are also beginning to do spot checks to make sure the dogs are licensed.

“At this time, if they’re not licensed, we ask them to leave the park,” she said. “In the future, we will start issuing citations.”

The new agreement between the city and General Telephone Co., the landowner, allows the city to use the property at no charge through Aug. 31, 1994. The agreement can be terminated with a 30-day notice.

The agreement was approved by a 4-0 vote. Councilwoman Ann Christoph was absent.