Sand Dune Park Design Proposal Approved
Sep 18, 2024 10:14PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
The Manhattan Beach City Council has approved redesign plans for Sand Dune Park - minus a concrete bike path that drew opposition from residents.
The council approved the conceptual plans on a quick vote of 5-0, after agreeing to remove the concrete path from the proposal.
"It's a great day - Manhattan Beach is getting a spectacular updated park," Parks and Recreation Commission member Larry Zimbalist told MB News after the meeting. "It’s been amazing to work together and play a part in something that will provide so much joy for many years to come."
The plans were developed in consultation with community members over two Sand Dune Park community outreach meetings.
The proposal, by landscape architects and park planners David Volz Design, includes site clearing and demolition of obsolete structures; new paving, decking, and play surfaces; new Spanish-style restroom and office buildings; a small performance stage; fencing with a custom lace design; new playground equipment; new picnic tables and benches; new trees, landscaping, and irrigation (and the protection of existing trees); and new lighting.
The project comes with a construction budget estimate of $2.5 million.
Bike Path Drew Opposition
Residents had reached out en masse to City Council members in opposition to one part of the plans that called for a proposed concrete path to run through the large grassy area on the southernmost end of the park (the "South Lawn").
Most commenters argued that the grassy area was primarily used for open-space play, and that creating a bike path through the green space would interrupt play and be hazardous for children.
Councilmembers readily agreed to remove the concrete path from the design proposal.
More details of the plan can be found on the City Council's September 17 meeting agenda (Item #12).
