Council OKs Next Step for Dog and Skate Parks

members moved one step closer to bringing a skate park and dog park to the Peninsula Tuesday night after a vote to begin public outreach and site analysis for both.

Council approved an agreement with Mia Lehrer & Associates, a landscape architecture firm, in the amount of $24,400 for the outreach and analysis.

Experience in the community and familiarity with skate parks led city staff to choose the firm, City Manager Carolyn Lehr said.

After considering park locations that were later scrapped, some opposed by residents, Lehr said the city would work to find the best fit.

At a June 7 meeting, city council members to build the skate park at lower Hesse Park.

Some residents living near lower Hesse Park expressed concern about noise levels and other disruptions in their neighborhoods during the June meeting.

“I think we all agree … this is a needed venue,” said Councilman Brian Campbell at the meeting. “But where’s the right place for it?”

Finding the best locations for both parks might not be easy.

"The two projects can generate controversy," Lehr said at Tuesday night's meeting. "Everyone wants them somewhere else."

Groups in favor of a skate park in Palos Verdes have to rally support for a park. And while council members have discussed turning a beach below into an off-leash dog beach, some residents are .