City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 24, 2025
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, March 24, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Council Chambers, City Hall
1400 Highland Avenue
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Zimbalist, Schreiner, Doran, Vice Chair Windes, Jacobson, Chair Allen
Absent: Komatinsky
Others present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 24, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Doran) to approve as submitted; motion passed 6- 0-1 by voice vote. (Komatinsky absent)
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 25/0324.01 Pay N Play Repurposing Discussion
Director Leyman briefly noted he had no further updates other than today it is requested that the Commission discuss and provide thoughts on options. He noted that an accessway between Pay ‘N Play and storage facilities must be maintained.
Commissioner Windes led discussion.
Commissioner Zimbalist, upon visiting a futsal court in Hawthorne reported that , for various reasons, doesn’t think it translates to the Manhattan Beach situation.
Dimensions of futsal courts and type of surface were discussed and compared to the graphic provided of the Manhattan Beach site (105‘by 52’).
It was noted that Councilmember Franklin has suggested that the dog park be re-
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 24, 2025
located. Director Leyman informed that, per council direction, the Commission can hold off on discussing the issue of a possible library use until after a needs assessment has been completed (ordered by City Council).
Discussion continued as to what uses can be put inside a futsal court during the day when kids are not around to use (for older adults). It was pointed out that there is enough room adjacent to the futsal court for other activities.
Options identified for the futsal court area or area adjacent were discussed with it noted that it depends on the associated costs:
• Open air dedicated futsal court
• Futsal court with posts supporting roof (for various uses) • Futsal and roller hockey
• Classes/activities: (yoga, tai chi, etc.)
Director Leyman pointed out that the repurposed area can be open to the entire community as well as open to user groups with reservations. It was also discussed that certain park facilities (e.g. L ive Oak Park) have fields/courts that are locked down during the day during seasonal times and for security (very dependent on field and use).
Director Leyman directed that the commission subcommittee meet prior to the next meeting in April so that the Commission can come up with specific options for City Cou ncil consideration in June. After the A pril meeting , at which the Commission will consider various options such as : desired court dimensions; surface materials; perimeter treatments; and input regarding older adult activities after meeting with Kari Bell – then staff will come up with cost estimates to provide to City Council.
Demolition of the existing building (not yet formally authorized) will be addressed after the library needs assessment study is completed. A community meeting on the needs assessment is expected to be scheduled soon. Summarizing, Director Leyman is looking for , from the commission, a vision of a specific design and possible programming.
It was moved (Zimbalist) and seconded (Doran) that Commissioner Zimbalist join the Pay ‘N Play subcommittee; motion unanimously approved. It was clarified that the subcommittee includes Windes, Doran and now Zimbalist. A meeting with Older Adults Supervisor Bell will be arranged with the subcommittee.
2. 25/0324.02 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Parks Master Plan – Commissioner Schreiner reported noting that the subcommittee spent a lot of time on Page 5 of the plan. Upon noticing that the
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission March 24, 2025
City website has a wonderful updated map of public art – they will meet with SRM McCollum to discuss changing their direction. Commissioner Schreiner will contact SRM McCollum.
b. Polliwog Park Dog Run – Director Leyman updated: the parks and recreation aquatics team storage materials are being moved to a new Tuff Shed; and a new sign with a project timeline has been installed. Working with the school district, messaging will posted for the public notifying that the dog run will close 3/31 through early May when the project will be completed. A grand re -opening will be scheduled.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates Director Leyman reported
• Spring class es and s pring/summer camp registration opened; total revenue $520,000 so far.
• Live Oak Park: 6 tennis courts have been resurfaced and net posts repainted; Manhattan Heights: pickleball lines have been painted for dual use; and other courts repaired as needed. For all fields, courts: lighting has been checked and bulbs replaced. (Manhattan Village, Begg field, Marine sports complex, and Marine Avenue Park soccer fields).
• LoveMB non -profit: the MOU is being finalized; expected to come before City Council in a month or two.
• May meeting date will need to be discussed (Memorial Day accommodation). May 21st was decided on.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update – Commissioner Schreiner reported on the last SAC meeting. Among topics discussed: new walking group; audio problem in Joslyn Center now fixed; new older adults Lyft service augmenting Dial-A-Ride for medical appointment – starting in July and Rotary Club philanthropic project.
Student Update – Commissioner Jacobson reported on Mira Costa happenings including Scholar Quiz, Model UN competition, and “Random Acts of Kindness Week."
School District Update: On behalf of Commissioner Komatinsky, Commissioner Windes reported regarding Scholar Quiz and that former Commissioner Greenberg has been accepted and will join his brother (a senior) at Dartmouth.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:04 pm, it was moved and seconded (Windes/Schreiner) to adjourn to the meeting of April 28 at 4:00 pm; motion passed unanimously by voice vote.