Should Altadena Have a Dog Park?

La Crescenta just got a new off-leash dog park. Sierra Madre already has one, so does Arcadia and Highland Park; Pasadena has at least two.

And how many dog parks are there in Altadena? Oh that’s right, none.

Which is strange because there probably isn’t a town or city in LA County that has more dogs per capita than Altadena.

Dog parks make for better canine citizens -- the dogs brush up on socialization skills with their own kind and other humans, plus a good romp off the leash does wonders for their peace of mind.

Altadena dog owners are so desperate for a local facility, they hold an underground dog park at Farnsworth Park. Those in the know get together weekly --  kind of a flash dog mob or barkeasy. But it gets raided from time to time and the Sheriff’s Department has been known to hand out tickets.

For now, the only legal alternative is to drive to an out-of-town facility. But that could change. Since the Crescenta Valley Dog Park is the first in a county pilot program, who knows? Maybe Altadena could make the list. But if our town wants a dog park, we shouldn't just sit, stay, and wait. The time to speak is now. Let's shake on it.

Here’s a list of some of the closest off-leash dog parks:

Alice Frost Kennedy Dog Park, 3026 E. Orange Grove, Pasadena

Crescenta Valley Dog Park, 3901 Dunsmore, La Crescenta

Arcadia Dog Park, 2nd Av/Colorado Boulevard, Arcadia

Hermon Dog Park, 5568 Via Marisol, Highland Park

Sierra Vista Park, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre ($5 day fee)