Everyone is invited to the grand opening of the new dog park at Bixby Park taking place this Saturday, November 4.

Starting at 11:00AM attendees will not only get to check out the new park and hear city officials speak but will also have the option of vaccinating and microchipping their pets thanks to Long Beach Animal Care Services which will offer its low-cost clinic, along with spay/neuter vouchers and licensing information on site.

A pet project of Second District Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce, the groundbreaking for the dog park took place in July after a community meeting in March brought over 140 participants who gave input.

Because the dog park borders the Third District, Councilwoman Suzie Price agreed to share the cost of the park, which totaled about $100,000. In addition, Friends of Bixby Park also donated $6,000 and pledged a total of $12,000 for the historic dog park fence.

“Bixby Park has undergone a real transformation,” said Pearce in a statement. “This dog park is the latest element of the Bixby Park Master plan to be completed and enhance the park’s amenities for residents.”

Bixby Dog Park will be the 11th off-leash dog recreation area to open in the city, Mayor Robert Garcia stated, with the park making it a total of 11 acres in the city for owners and their dogs to be active.

“This new dog park is a great asset that dog owners in both the 2nd and 3rd Council Districts will benefit from,” said Price in a statement. “The area further activates the park, adding to the sense of community that brings people together.”

Bixby Dog Park is located at 130 Cherry Avenue.

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Editor’s note: this story was updated at 4:30PM with information on FOBP’s contribution to the dog park.