Palm Desert Dog Park Closed After Vandals Strike

The largest dog park in Palm Desert was closed today due to vandalism.

Vandals tore down light poles at University Dog Park, ripped out electrical and irrigation systems and damaged other parts of the facility, Palm Desert spokesman David Hermann said.

Repair work was expected to take about a week.

“The park will remain closed until workers can repair the damage and ensure that the facility is safe and fully functional,” Hermann said.

At nearly 2.5 acres, the park, 74802 University Park Drive — near Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus, is the city’s biggest dog park. The park is sectioned off to separate large dogs and small dogs and is equipped with restrooms.

City workers discovered the damage to the park this morning. Hermann said the city has asked the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to investigate the vandalism.

The city operates three other dog parks that are open daily from dawn until 10 p.m., Hermann said. They are:

— Civic Center Dog Park, 73510 Fred Waring Drive;

— Freedom Park Dog Park, 77400 Country Club Drive; and

— Joe Mann Dog Park, 77810 California Drive.