City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 28, 2025
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday July 28, 2025
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Manager’s Conference Room, City Hall 1400 Highland Avenue
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Windes called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present (7): Commissioners Aggarwal, Allen, Doran, Schreiner, Zimbalist, Vice Chair Komatinsky, Chair Windes
Absent: None
Others present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. This item contains the Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of June 23, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) to approve as submitted; motion passed 7-0 by voice vote.
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit)
Jill Lamkin , Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, updated regarding the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District (NMBBID) 2025 Holiday Stroll (Sunday, December 7, 5 -9 pm) answering Commissioner inquiries. She noted, as approved by City Council, Highland Avenue in the vicinity of the event will be closed to vehicles. Advance notices will be sent to nearby residents and other citywide marketing and advertising is planned. Ms. Lamkin responded to commission inquiries in terms of the expected number of vendor tents (32) and located only on one side of Highland; attendance expected to exceed that in 2024 (> 1,000). A permit application has been filed with LA County Supervisor Mitchell’s office to hold a 5K on the beach prior to the stroll to generate foot traffic; interest has been expressed by Rachel Thompson (Hometown Fair 5K) to run the beach 5K.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 28, 2025
2. 25/0324.02 Work Plan discussion
a. Park Master Plan. No report – no new information available. b. Pay ’N Play
Director Leyman updated: staff, with Public Works , is finalizing cost estimates ; scope options will include a futsal court and relocated dog run. The City Council meeting on September 2nd is targeted to present final cost estimates; council will be asked at that time to authorize demolishing the existing structure and ins talling temporary turf––until the library needs ass essment is completed and the council can make a decision on a permanent use of the site.
As part of the needs assessment process a community survey will be launched next month; the demolition and turf installation should not have any impact on that assessment and the initial survey feedback in August should align with and inform ultimate decision making for the site. Staff will obtain and provide a timeline for the demo/turf work.
The Commission further discussed; it is hoped that 3 carrotwood trees near the dog park can be preserved during the demo and existing concrete walks should remain as they maintain access to athletic fields . It is hoped that a small area f or dogs made with temporary fencing can be maintained.
Commissioner Zimbalist updated regarding Sand Dune Park: an RFP for competitive bidding is being prepared for the final construction design (work specs) and construction documents; these are final cost estimates and included in the pricing will be additional playground swings, but as stated prior, sufficient fall zone areas will be needed for safety, for additional swings.
Commissioner Komatinsky asked and discussion briefly followed as to whether there may be an interest in initiating a visioning process to explore upgrading other parts of Marine Avenue Park. Director Leyman opined that, while there could be discussion for improving certain parts of the park (e.g. repurposing the sunken area) as this has already been discussed through the updating of the Parks Master Plan, Marine Avenue Park is currently functioning very well and, given other higher City Council priorities, such a program as suggested, would have to come from City Council. Commissioner Windes endorsed the concept of c onverting Rocket ship Hall to an eastside library facility . Commissioner Komatinsky emphasized that Marine Avenue Park feels underutilized in some areas and feels that there needs to be very wide community input when having a conversation for long-term use of the park. Director Leyman noted that this should be addressed through the library needs assessment.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Director Leyman reported:
• Annual Community Art Exhibition: opened last July 25, all-time high attendance of over 650; many wonderful artworks.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 28, 2025
• International Surf Festival: kickoff this July 30; competitions: 6-man on Friday , Saturday, Junior 6-man on Sunday plus other events: visit surffestival.org.
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates - none I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update – Commissioner Schreiner reported on information provided at the July 8 th Senior Advisory Board meeting , including downtown parking updates, e-bike traffic enforcement challenges, Rotary Club news, a visit from former Library Commissioner Janet Jones regarding her kindness for kids non-profit initiative, and reporting that long time Cty library branch manager Josh Murray will be leaving the City for the County’s West Covina library.
School District Update: Commissioner Komatinsky updated that a new principal and assistant has been hired at the middle school.
Student Update – Commissioner Aggarwal updated regarding Mira Costa happenings including a r ecent student parking lottery for seniors; coed swim team record-breaking achievements in a recent C IF championship meet, and finally, his 3-week internship in Washington, D.C. for Representative Josh Gottheimer, a tremendous experience.
The Chair confirmed that the Commission will be “dark” in August.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:00 pm it was moved and seconded (Zimbalist/Komatinsky) to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.