At the Oct. 22 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, members discussed plans to improve La Cienega Playground based on community surveys, making it a top priority for the 2024 work plan. The commission also considered noise concerns about pickleball courts shared by neighbors of the La Cienega Tennis Center. Additionally, the commission reviewed the successes of previous community events and anticipated upcoming fall events.
Community Services Manager Joanna Torres provided a staff update on survey results for La Cienega Playground. In previous years, a master plan existed to renovate the entire park, but budget constraints have curtailed the current plan to focus solely on the playground. In August, the community services team drafted a survey distributed via postcard to residents within 500 feet of the park and 17,000 registrants by email. The team received 570 responses. The survey results provided clear feedback on improvements, which the city will use as a blueprint for planning.
The survey concluded that 23% of respondents do not visit the park, citing heat or overcrowding. Fifty percent visit the park once a week, primarily to use the playground. Seventy percent identified issues that prevent them from enjoying the park, such as sand, lack of shade, and poor playground equipment. Community members expressed a preference for a fitness-oriented playground and additional sensory-play elements.
“Lastly, some respondents requested a water feature, whether it’s a fountain or splash pad, because it’s warmer in the summer, and they’d like something to cool off,” Torres said.
Based on these findings, the community services team will collaborate with the project administration to create a conceptual design based on the feedback and present it to the commission.
Commissioner Zale Richard Rubins asked why the focus is on the playground instead of the entire park. While plans to renovate the whole park are in the works, this plan pertains only to the playground. “That was the council’s direction—to start with the restroom and playground as two components of the park to upgrade while we figure out the entire master plan,” Torres explained.
Commissioner Tara Riceberg also inquired about ADA compliance plans for the new playground. “I’m confident that wheelchair accessibility, or any sort of accessibility, will be considered,” Torres responded.
After the landscape architect completes the design, community services will return to the commission and then to the City Council liaisons for consideration and approval, which is expected to take six to eight months based on Torres’ estimation.
The commission also received an update regarding noise concerns and pickleball court maintenance. A noise study evaluated the impact of pickleball courts on the surrounding community. “We conducted the sound study and recently received the results, which we are reviewing. We’re scheduling another ad hoc meeting to discuss those results,” said Michael Muse, recreational services manager.
Once the results are finalized, new court configurations will be created to mitigate noise pollution risks for the neighboring community. Since the last meeting, new permanent pickleball nets have been purchased. Temporary improvements have included repairing a clock and enhancing maintenance on the court. The team is also in the process of implementing a new court reservation system.
Muse noted that one of the next steps for pickleball improvements is updating the program rules. “Currently, our rules are adapted from the tennis center rules, but we don’t have set rules for the pickleball program, so that’s something we’ve begun reviewing,” Muse said.
Riceberg expressed concern over feedback that pickleball players exhibit poor court etiquette. “The feedback I’ve received from tennis players is that pickleball players are noisy and somewhat disrespectful, making it difficult for them to concentrate,” she said. In response, Muse stated that a new court configuration would address this issue.
The commission also discussed the success of recent community programming, such as the Beverly Hills Art Show, which saw an increase in international artists visiting from countries like Thailand, Mexico and Nigeria. The art show also featured the work of 70 first-time artists. The Day of Wellness was also successful, with over 400 people in attendance. The committee previewed plans for the Holiday at Greystone, which will take place on Dec. 7 and 8, featuring the return of Bob Baker Marionette and roaming carolers.
