Junipero Beach is being proposed as the area for Long Beach’s second dog beach, city officials recently announced. Residents can share their input on the project during an upcoming community meeting next month.
The virtual community meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Hosted by the Department of Public Works – in collaboration with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, and the Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division – the meeting will share information and gather feedback on the proposed new off-leash dog area at Junipero Beach.
The Junipero Dog Beach project, officials said, will provide a safe, accessible and managed recreational environment modeled after the city’s popular existing off-leash dog beach further down the coastline in Belmont Shore, Rosie’s Dog Beach.
The proposed off-leash dog zone will be located south of Ocean Boulevard between Molino Avenue and Orizaba Avenue, and encompass approximately four-acres, according to a Tuesday, Jan. 27, press release. The project will incorporate best practices for water quality, sand maintenance and environmental protection.
As part of the project, the city will finalize the boundaries, conduct public outreach to gather community input, and install educational signage to promote responsible pet ownership and protect coastal resources. Project funding is supported through tidelands funds, according to the city’s website.
This area along the downtown shoreline, just east of the newly constructed Junipero Beach Sports Courts, was identified based on its proximity to parking, pedestrian access and compatibility with surrounding recreational uses, officials said.
The Junipero Dog Beach project was initiated in response to a City Council directive in 2023 to identify and evaluate potential locations for a second off-leash dog beach in Long Beach. The effort reflects strong community interest and ongoing feedback from residents seeking more space to enjoy outdoor recreation with pets west of Rosie’s Dog Beach.
The project is anticipated to move forward following approval of a coastal development permit from the California Coastal Commission, a process that could take a year or longer to complete, according to the press release.
During the virtual meeting, city staff will provide an overview of the project background, proposed location and anticipated timeline. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback at the conclusion of the presentation. Feedback garnered will be used to help inform the final design of the dog beach.
Pre-registration for the meeting is encouraged, officials said. Interpretation services are available upon request by Tuesday, Feb. 4.
For more information about the Junipero Dog Beach project, and to register or request interpretation services, visit lbcity.info/juniperodogbeach.