Named for the radio tower at the top that provides emergency communications for police and fire departments, Radio Hill isn't much to look at anymore. For the past few years, it's been closed to the public, but now Philip Murphy is one of several area residents who want to transform it into a dog park.

"This is just an area of the park that was sort of the not right in front of everybody's face, and it was just let go," Murphy said.

He has lived in the Elysian Park neighborhood for more than two decades.

What You Need To Know

  • Elysian Park residents are urging the city to turn Radio Hill into an off-leash dog park

  • Radio Hill is full of graffiti, trash and homeless encampments since closing a few years ago

  • The "Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park" has posted an online petition to gauge community support

  • The group hopes to raise money for the park through public grants and grassroots fundraising

"Fifteen to 20 years ago, I remember hiking up here on a semi-regular basis," Murphy said. "There was a native plant garden and a herb and spice area garden, and you know, it was part of the park."

But now, he said, he wouldn't dream of coming up to Radio Hill. The park has become an eyesore since closing. Practically every fixture is covered in graffiti, even the trees.

"That's very hard on the tree. It's not good for our trees!" Murphy said.

There is also clothing, trash and multiple signs of homeless encampments, which residents say have caused several fires that have scorched the hillsides.

"It's kind of depressing because it's really just run down," Murphy said.

As one of the leaders of the Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park, Murphy is urging the Department of Recreation and Parks and Los Angeles Councilmember Gil Cedillo to give it to the dogs.

"We're really talking about activating three little parking areas for the public to park and then building trails up from there winding around up the hill," Murphy said.

To date, more than 255 people have signed the online petition to create a dog park.

"Their radio tower will be even safer if we have the public here in numbers, actively using this part of the park," Murphy said.

Visitors can take in panoramic views of downtown LA, Dodger Stadium, and the Arroyo Seco Parkway from the top.

"You gotta think big and long-range," Murphy said.

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He estimates the project could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars but said park space is invaluable.

 "It's worth it if we think public parks are worth it in Los Angeles," Murphy said.

And he said he's determined to take steps to help Radio Hill meet the neighborhood's needs.