Spectrum News: Citizens Committee Makes the Case for Radio Hill Dog Trails
Radio Hill is an underutilized section of Elysian Park, and the Citizens Committee would like to see it activated with off-leash dog trails for both people and pups. With a petition promoting the dog trails attracting hundreds of signatures, Spectrum News contacted the Committee Co-President Philip Murphy for more insight on this what this project would entail, potential funding opportunities and numerous benefits for the surrounding communities.
During the news segment, Philip explained that Radio Hill was at one time a place to enjoy panoramic views of downtown L.A., Dodger Stadium and the Arroyo Seco Parkway, with native plants and a thriving herb garden. Having lived in the neighborhood for more than two decades, Philip remembers hiking Radio Hill on a regular basis. In recent years, however, the area has closed to the public and fallen into disrepair, with graffiti covering nearly every surface in sight, from tree trunks and water fountains to benches. Visitors dodge piles of trash and other debris. Several fires in the area have resulted in scorched hillsides — and are a serious concern for nearby residents. Philip describes the sight as “depressing” and “run down.”
The Citizen Committee hopes to bring renewed interest to this forgotten corner of Elysian Park. Plans would include three parking lots for visitors to easily access Radio Hill and dirt trails winding through groves of oak and walnut trees. Constructing the off-leash dog trails could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (funding sources include grants and donations), but Philip and the Citizens Committee believe that public parks are worth the work and cost.
The Radio Hill off-leash dog trails are another project in the Citizen Committee’s impressive track record for promoting safe public spaces and rallying public support for initiatives. Grace E. Simons founded the organization in 1965 to fight the construction of a Convention Center in Elysian Park. Today, the organization carries on this mission, ensuring future generations can experience Elysian Park’s natural beauty.
Watch the full news clip here.
Sign the petition to show your support for this project.
