City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission January 26, 2026
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday January 26, 2026
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Council Chambers, City Hall
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 Allen, Aggarwal, Doran, Schreiner, Zimbalist, Vice Chair Komatinsky, Chair Windes
Absent: (0) None
Others present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) to approve, no changes; motion passed 7-0 by voice vote.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2025 It was m oved and seconded ( Aggarwal/Komatinsky) to approve as submitted. M otion passed 7-0 by roll call vote.
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) – None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Community Service Project Proposal – Iron Rails to Green Trails on the Veteran s Parkway
Scott Anderson , Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB) class of 2026 introduced classmates Lisa Locke, Kelly Oelschlager and Stephanie Bond and gave an overview of the LMB proposal. Mr. Anderson noted the class will fund the installation of a sign within the greenbelt to display an historical narrative about the Veterans Parkway: “Iron Rails to Green Trails”. The sign is proposed to be located across from the main entrance of the Joslyn Center. Their goal is to complete by April 27, 2026, before the May graduation.
Director Leyman noted that staff recommends that the Commission review in its conceptual stage and make a recommendation of support which will be forwarded to the City Council along with any input the Commission wishes to provide; the date of the City Council review has not yet been scheduled.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission January 26, 2026
The Commission discussed . Director Leyman clarified that it is LMB’s responsibility to gather any important information and address all issues as necessary in order to obtain City Council approval (e.g. name of vendor, construction and design details etc.).
It was suggested by Chair Windes, with concurrence by Mr. Anderson, that LMB could explore ways to c apture residents’ memories and stories about the greenbelt and its history and include in a way that the community can access.
Mr. Anderson provided responses to questions: LMB will use quality materials as used for the Catalina Classic that will weather well in the marine environment. The final wording and graphics including font size, will be per ADA standards; the sign will be at an angle and face southbound pedestrians and there is no room for a second bench without removing foliage.
Commissioner Komatinsky, while supporting, expressed concerns regarding the tight deadline, considering the new city approval process and many outstanding issues.
Director Leyman noted that the decision as to whether Public Works will install the sign will be made after costs are known
Chair Windes invited other LMB class members to provide input.
Lisa Locke, LMB, suggested if a permanent sign is not able to be installed prior to LMB’s deadline, a “Coming Soon” temporary sign might be placed for the LMB graduation ceremony and LMB is happy to assist with the new permitting process.
Stephanie Bond, LMB , feels strongly t hat LMB is committed to working towards a smooth and timely process and noted that fundraising so far has strong support, and LMB is aware that the content on the sign may need to be reduced.
The Commission came to a consensus to support the proposal . Commissioner Aggarwal noted he feels the location of the sign is ideal, being near a water fountain and feels that having this sign can be a great educational experience for students . Chair Windes suggested that young people, students, scouts etc. be involved in the project.
It was moved and seconded (Doran/Aggarwal) that the Parks and Recreation Commission support the LMB proposal for installation of a Veteran’s Parkway historical sign as conceptually proposed.
Motion passed 7-0 by roll call vote (Ayes: Komatinsky, Zimbalist, Schreiner, Doran, Allen, Aggarwal, Chair Windes).
2. Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan for 20 25-2026 Update and review of 2026/2027 Work Plan Items.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission January 26, 2026
Director Leyman provided updates for the current plan and noted 2025/2026 plan items, some to be carried over, with a few new items.
2025/2026 Work Plan Update
• Pay ‘N Play : Demolition R FP to close soon; expects a contractor to start within 60 days; will provide updates.
• Related to Pay ‘N Play: Fencing options after demolition: (Ad Hoc committee to be formed); relocation of dog park and designs for a new futsal court.
2026/2027 Work Plan
• Carryover of Pay ‘N Play (above)
• Parks Master Plan items: 1) overhaul of specific areas in Marine Avenue Park: as flowing from Pay ‘N Play and 2) reuse of sunken concrete area (the latter is new, identified in Parks Master Plan) and, in Live Oak Park: r elocation of EOC 40 -cubic yard storage container , to open up the area for new amenities ( identified in Parks Master Plan, new subcommittee to be formed).
• Potential projects to be determined by City Council, upon completion of Library Needs Assessment. Needs Assessment not expected to hold up other projects. • FIFA and Olympic events: City Council will provide direction; high level task force or committee is expected to be formed (not a Parks and Rec Ad Hoc at this point). • American 250: United Stated Semiquincentennial: City Council will provide direction; committee is expected to be formed to look into possible city events. • Veterans’ Day: enhancement of city events to honor veterans. Director Leyman called for volunteers to work with Bob Holmes on a committee; Commissioners Zimbalist and Doran were appointed. Director Leyman updated that the RFP for the Memorial for the Fallen project, being handled by the Cultural Arts Commission will close the end of February.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates . Director Leyman announced:
• January 16 ,- opening reception held for the new city art exhibit at MBAC “Are You Seeing What I'm Seeing ?” - explores the relationship between language and visual expression.
• Lightgate sunset: January 27, 5:15 pm.
• January 31 st, 4:00 pm Cultural Arts Commission will be conducting a public art tour downtown
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Student Update: Commissioner Aggarwal reported on several items including: girls’ and boys’ soccer teams beat rival Redondo Beach, boys’ basketball team ranked tenth in state; winter formal and teacher dodgeball match. He also updated on his club serving veterans at the West Los Angeles Veterans campus garden, growing and distributing fresh produce to veterans. There are now 62 club members, new trees are planted, he has created a website and is developing analytics.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission January 26, 2026
School District Update: Commissioner Komatinsky – no report Older Adults Update: – Commissioner Schreiner reported on the February 10 th Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, including updates from Mayor Lesser regarding the revised C hamber of Commerce agreement , the Scout House Community Center plan check (construction costs to be determined and project worked into the 2026/2027 city budget). Other items highlighted: Community Opinion Survey report, showing decrease in satisfaction regarding senior services (SAC members will look at). Other items reported:
successful older adults holiday party , “Elder ly Melodies ” concert featuring student musicians, “ Rotary Cares” community improvement projects, bingo charity fund raising ($1,500) and eagle scout mile marker project (now installed).
Polliwog Park Dog Park update: Commissioners Allen and Komatinsky reported requests by dog park users for mor e seating, shade (structures) and more trash receptacles although generally the public response is very positive. Commissioner Komatinsky noted Love MB is working with the City to get 2 more benches (with back support) and water bowls. In observing chairs being brought in, she has advised dog owners to carry out chairs (not leave in park).
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:20 pm it was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Schreiner) to adjourn to Monday February 23, 2026; motion passed 7-0 by voice vote.