TITLE
Recommendation to refer to the Parks and Recreation Commission the review of and request City Manager to direct the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to prepare a report, within 90 days, on current and long-term deferred park maintenance issues, specifically related to graffiti removal, trash pickup, restroom cleaning and playground upkeep, and proposals for partnerships for park support, revenue-raising, joint-use agreements and/or any other options to ensure optimal park conditions for all users.
DISCUSSION
Long Beach continually ranks among the top twenty-five of the largest U.S. city park systems for our walkable park access, the percentage of residents who have a park within a half-mile of their home, and the percentage of total city area dedicated to parks. Yet, like many other cities throughout the state and nation, most often the parks and recreation programs are among the first areas to experience budget cuts, resulting in years of deferred park maintenance, deteriorating park conditions and lack of staffing to keep certain facilities fully operational.
Most recently, community members and various user groups have provided concerns with the upkeep, safety and general condition of basic amenities at our 162 parks. For instance, of the City's 51 freestanding public park restrooms, only 10 are locked at night, leaving the majority susceptible to illegal activity and degradation.
In light of an increased imbalance between park use and revenue to support the necessary maintenance of a public asset, we need to start contemplating potential options and solutions for ensuring our park facilities remain safe, clean and usable for our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal impact related to this requested report and analysis.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
DARYL SUPERNAW
COUNCILMEMBER, FOURTH DISTR...
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