Man’s Best Friend Goes Off the Grid in Long Beach

By Willy Blackmore/Special to LAist

Other than some tote bag-carried celebrity dogs whose personal grooming budget may exceed the average Angelino’s paycheck, canines aren’t likely to have large carbon footprints. But when it comes to dog parks—those off-leash heavens for owners and dogs alike—the lighting, the expanses of often half-dead grass, can be a drain on resources.

Today, however, with the grand opening of the K9 Corner in Long Beach, a new style of dog park will be available to the dogs of LA County. Featuring solar-powered lighting, slopped irrigation, drought-tolerant landscaping and faux grass, the K9 Corner has a revolutionary off the grid, sustainable design.

Located at the corner of Pacific Avenue and 9th Street in Downtown Long Beach, the K9 Corner was conceived, developed and designed by a local community activism group, the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, in coordination with the city of Long Beach. Founding NPNA member Andreas Herr said the "K9 Corner represents a huge step in the right direction for our neighborhood. We're excited to show off what we've been working on."

K9 Corner Grand Opening; corner of Pacific Ave. and 9th St.; Sunday, September 27th, 12:00 - 3:00 PM; Guests will enjoy free food, drinks, pet adoptions, children’s activities, as well as a dog fashion show and tricks contest.