June 24, 2024, Dog Park Listening Session with Councilmember Kim

IRVINE, CA –– Due to recent concerns regarding the plans for the Central Bark Dog Park, Councilmember Tammy Kim held a dynamic listening session with many concerned members of the community, commissioners, and local community leaders. Together with Director of Community Services Christopher Slama, the session was aimed at answering urgent questions from the Irvine community and explaining the nuances of the transition from the old Central Bark to the new one.

Throughout this listening session, Councilmember Tammy Kim touched on the history of the Central Bark Dog Park, the importance of having a dog park in Irvine, and the plans for a proposed facility at Oak Creek Community Park. The Councilmember emphasized, “The Central Bark Dog Park will not close until the new park is operational. Irvine residents will have a dog park available while the new park is undergoing development”

After a brief presentation regarding plans for the transition to the proposed park, the community brought up their specific concerns regarding the future of the city-run dog parks and operations of the current Central Bark Dog Park. Community members urged the city to increase community involvement regarding the development of the New Park and requested increased operational hours. Members of the community also proposed several dog-friendly updates to the park, such as painting park fixtures in colors visible to dogs and constructing benches without holes to prevent claws from getting stuck.

Following this impactful listening session, Councilmember Tammy Kim stated “A quality dog park in Irvine isn't just a space for our pets to play. It's a vital part of our community where neighbors connect, friendships form, and a sense of belonging grows stronger. Dogs and their owners are an integral part of our community, and we are committed to ensuring they always feel included and welcomed in the City of Irvine.” 

The session concluded on a positive note, with Councilmember Tammy Kim and Director of Community Services Christopher Slama reaffirming their commitment to keeping the community informed and involved throughout the transition process. The collaborative efforts between the city officials and Irvine residents highlighted the shared goal of creating a dog park that meets the needs of all community members. As plans for the new facility at Oak Creek Community Park move forward, the city promises to prioritize transparency, community input, and the well-being of both pets and their owners.