Pamela Rouse [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Arts District's first dog park opens this Saturday at noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony. City Councilwoman Jan Perry will be on hand along with other community members involved in creating the park.

LAPD Officer Jack Richter, who was a key figure in turning the long-neglected 6,000-square-foot lot into a usable space, earlier this week sent out an email blast with an invitation for the public to "join our community in welcoming this long awaited, highly anticipated, community pocket park primarily for pooches."

"The opening of downtown's first dog park underscores that this is a true residential community that tens of thousands call home," Perry commented. "I look forward to seeing the space activated and watching downtown dogs and their companions socialize here on a daily basis."

Conspicuously missing from the grand opening will be John Saslow, a community leader also instrumental in project, who moved out of state last month. While there was hope of getting the opening done before his departure, the timing did not end up working. Ensuring Saslow's contribution won't go unnoticed is a hand stenciled sign hung from the park's fence that gives the park the name "Saslow Dog Park."

The park is located at 1004 E. 4th St, at the corner of Molino.