Dorothy J. & Benjamin B. Smith Park (Hollywood–Franklin Park): Proposed Fence & Dog Park Update
The Dorothy and Benjamin Smith Park is the Outpost Estates neighborhood park operated by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Located at the corner of Outpost Drive and Franklin Avenue, the Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith Park (also known as the Hollywood - Franklin Park) has served as a small neighborhood green space since it was established in 1979.
Picture of the Hollywood - Franklin park outdoor exercise equipment in use.
The park currently includes:
💪 Outdoor exercise equipment
🚰 Drinking fountains
💡 Lighting and irrigation
🌲 Trees and landscaping
🪑 Benches and trash receptacles
In recent years, neighbors have observed increased concerns including trash, graffiti, property damage, unhoused camping, and illicit activity.
🏨 Context: Highland Gardens Hotel Interim Housing Site
Directly across Franklin Avenue from the park is the Highland Gardens Hotel, which has been operating as an interim housing site.
🏥 July 2021 – October 2022: Served as a “Project Roomkey” site during COVID.
🏙️ Since October 2022: Leased by the City of Los Angeles at the request of Los Angeles City Council District 4 Councilmember Nithya Raman.
🤝 Operated by PATH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
🛏️ 143 beds (double occupancy rooms) available.
📅 Agreement runs through October 2025, with two one-year extension options through October 2027.
💰 Approximate cost: $2 million per year (approximately $4 million lease + $2 million operations over three years).
Picture of the Highland Gardens Hotel which is serving as an interim housing site.
The hotel is located in Council District 4, while the park is located in Council District 13 (Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez).
With the ongoing operation of the interim housing site, community conversations have increased regarding the future of the park.
Proposal: Fence Installation & Potential Dog Park Conversion
Council Districts 4 and 13 have been working together to gather feedback from residents regarding converting the park into a fenced/gated dog park.
📍 Current Status
🏆 The fence was the #1 requested improvement from community outreach.
🔒 Even if dog park plans change, the fence will remain.
🛠️ The fence is currently being produced and is expected to be installed within approximately three months.
🗓️ Earliest construction start for full improvements: approximately six months from now (no precise start date yet).
🚧 Fence Details
🌅 The park will be locked from sunset to sunrise.
🔐 Specific access details (codes, distribution, etc.) have not yet been finalized.
🎨 Design renderings have been shared by Council District 13 and Department of Recreation & Parks (shown on the image to the right).
🏷️ The park name will remain the same (no rebranding planned).
Neighbors have expressed strong interest in aesthetics including fence color, height, and materials. Design visuals have been provided by the City.
Rendering of the fence/gate that will be installed on the border of the park.
🌿 Landscaping & Surface Plan
🪨 Surface material: Decomposed granite (not artificial turf).
🌳 All existing trees will remain.
❌ The current gym equipment will be removed.
🛠️ Other elements will be updated as part of the improvement plan.
📐 Landscaping plans have been shared via design renderings (shown in the image below)
🌱 Questions about plantings along the exterior sidewalk edge (such as low-water or deterrent landscaping) should be directed to LA City Department of Recreation & Parks or Los Angles City Council District 13.
🔜 What Happens Next?
🧱 Fence installation expected within the next few months.
🚧 Broader construction could begin as early as six months from now.
🗣️ Community feedback continues to shape the final design and operations.
ONA will continue to share updates as more details become available from Council District 13, Council District 4, and Recreation & Parks.
