Lights in Progress for the Boneyard

Dogs and dog lovers could enjoy later nights at the Boneyard soon, due to a potential city project to install lights at Culver City's only off-leash dog park. 

"The park is open from sunrise to sundown, but in the winter it gets dark early. The lights will help us keep the park open longer so people who work can take their dogs there after work," said Friends of the Culver City Dog Park Chair Vicki Daly Redholtz.  

Friends of the Culver City Dog Park is the non-profit that initially raised funds to build the Boneyard--and now maintains it for the city's approximately 2,500 dogs. 

Redholtz is currently awaiting an estimate from the parks and recreation department as well as the project approval from the city council so that they can contribute funds for the cost of the lights.  

"We would love to have the project completed by November, but a lot depends on how much time it will take the City Council to approve the plan, and hire the people who would do it," Redholtz said.

However, dog lovers could be waiting for a while. While the public works department should complete the cost estimate in August, according to Charles D. Herbertson, public works director, the specific completion dates for the improvements are still unknown. 

"There are no City funds earmarked for the project at this time; however, I understand that the Friends of the Culver City Dog Park have some money that they may want to put toward the project," he said. "I think they need the estimate so they know how much money they need to raise to fund the project." 

Redholtz and her organization are planning to take care of what she believes will be a $20,000 tab for the cost of these lights.

Over the past nine years, Friends of the Culver City Dog Park has raised approximately $200,000 through various fundraisers to build and maintain the park, and utilizes federal grants as well for its upkeep. Redholtz said money from this "kitty" would be used in installing the lights.

The Boneyard--located appropriately on a road called Leash Lane--is part of the 42-acre Culver City Park located in the Jefferson neighborhood, and is fairly easy to spot from the Jefferson/ Duquesne crossing. Blue paw prints on the sidewalk lead up to the park.  

Established in 2006, the acre-long park has two separate fenced off areas for big and small dogs, drinking water fountains for dogs and their owners, and a few shaded benches where owners can sit while their dogs play "fetch" or just run around.

While the dogs stretch their paws, their owners interact with each other, especially on weekends when it gets really busy. "Everybody is friendly and looks out for other people's dogs," said Chris Molinari, owner of a 7-year-old boxer named Scot. "It's a community atmosphere."

He said most people obey the rules, which include: ensuring their dog is currently licensed, vaccinated, and is over the age of four months, has no communicable diseases, and is not aggressive.

Other rules include picking up and properly disposing of the dogs' feces both in and around the Boneyard, and ensuring the safety of other people and their dogs.

Linda McNeal, who has been bringing her Labrador named Fitz to the park for the past six months, says the lights would be a welcome addition.

"Some days when I get late at work, I need to rush to get here so Fitz can have her exercise," McNeal said. "But with the lights, the park will remain open longer, and I can relax a bit."

The only other park in the city that allows dogs on the premises is the Culver West Park, which has designated pooch paths for people to walk their dogs.

Parks and Recreation Department manager Patrick Reynolds said dogs are prohibited in all other parks, and that rules are prominently displayed. He also stated that the parks are "self-policing" and "owners are liable for any damage their dog causes." 

Until the lights are installed, owners and man's best friend will enjoy the space before sundown.

"I notice the difference in my dog when he's been here, and when he hasn't," said Molinari, who discovered the park a month ago. "My dog is just more relaxed and happy."