The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC) continued discussion on improvements to park safety messaging at its meeting on July 22, marking another step in bettering communication and safety measures across the city’s recreational facilities.
The discussion is part of an update to the RPC work plan, Large Park Signage & Rules, that was affirmed by City Council as a priority for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The work plan aligns with one of the city’s budget goals to enhance its green space and public facilities, including its parks.
Currently, the RPC has concentrated its efforts on safety improvements to La Cienega Park and Roxbury Memorial Park by reviewing current signage styles, current and suggested new park rules, and relevant municipal code sections.
The initial work done to improve park safety messaging started in March 2024, when the Large Park Signage Ad Hoc Committee met to review existing park signs and rules, identify rule enforcement challenges and map potential signage locations.
During discussion, Commissioner Amie Sherry presented several suggestions to enhance park signage effectiveness. These include adding relevant phone numbers on the park signs, such as Text BH, so that visitors can directly seek assistance if needed. She also emphasized the importance of incorporating visual icons and QR codes highlighting key points on park signs for greater legibility and understanding of rules and regulations. RPC Chair Deborah Termeie suggested that QR codes can also link to events at the park.
Beyond traditional park sign improvements, Sherry proposed posting park maps where visitors can efficiently locate areas such as the community center, pickleball courts, sports fields, and bathrooms.
Commissioner Tara Riceberg agreed with Sherry’s suggestions, emphasizing the value of icons for visitors who may not speak English. Additionally, Riceberg advocated for prioritizing safety-related information by positioning those bullet points at the top of all signage. These safety measures, for example, include regulations on operating bicycles and keeping pets on a leash. Termeie added that safety measures on signs should specifically include where automated external defibrillators are in the park.
However, RPC Vice Chair JR Dzubak raised an important counterpoint, cautioning that excessive rules and regulations may inadvertently discourage people from visiting and enjoying the parks. Sherry acknowledged the concern, noting that Beverly Hills has many young residents eager to use the park for activities like soccer during summer break.
“As we look at these rules, we also want to look at how can we make our city and our parks safe but recreationally open to having fun,” said Sherry, who suggested that some lawn bowling courts could be repurposed for soccer. “We need to do a little bit better to get kids off their screens, people out of their houses, and to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful weather. In a lot of ways, we’re dissuading that.”
The next RPC work plan item discussed was the update of digital signage at park community centers, identified as a key initiative to enhance communication, engagement and visibility among visitors across city recreation facilities. Commissioners agreed that the digital signs should be more visible to those passing by the community centers and should include photographs from past park events to showcase engagement.
Finally, Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse gave an update on the Pickleball Pilot Program, which was similarly approved in the budget by City Council for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The update, regarding where the courts will be striped for pickleball, will also be considered by City Council at its Aug. 5 meeting.
The Recreation Services Managers will integrate the commissioners’ suggestions brought forth during discussion into the work plan.
