City of Manhattan Beach : FAQ

Parks and Recreation

About the Parks and Recreation Department

The City of Manhattan Beach provides a wide array of leisure and community services that are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the City. Parks and recreation make life better now and in the future by providing:

· Access to the serenity and inspiration of nature

· Outdoor space to play and exercise

· Facilities for self-directed and organized recreation

· Positive alternatives for youth which help lower crime and mischief

· Activities that facilitate special connections, human development, therapy, the arts and lifelong learning

The City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department makes lives better by providing nine award-winning parks, eighteen sports fields, twenty wonderful tennis courts, two dog runs, five basketball courts, afterschool enrichment recreation, teen center, older adult activities, volunteers and Dial-A-Ride program; nationally award winning special events such as the Pumpkin Race, annual Concerts in the Park series, six art exhibitions at the Creative Arts Center, the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, Earth Day, Health Fair, Family Campout, Fishing Derby, Pier Lighting, Family Halloween Carnival, Family Holiday Crafts Night, Veterans Day celebration, Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tournament and dozens of summer camps, plus a variety of bus tours, sports leagues, fitness, exercise and special interest activities.

We are committed to accomplishing these goals in a professional, courteous and cost-efficient manner, with a dedication to ethical standards and responsiveness to changing community needs and priorities. We encourage you to become familiar with our many offerings. You can also visit the Parks and Recreation webpage. You can contact the Parks and Recreation department at (310) 802-5448.

Adult Sports

In Manhattan Beach, adult sports leagues are available for those who like the challenge of competitive play. Leagues include 7 on 7 Coed Soccer, Coed Kickball, Coed, Slo-pitch, Men's and Coed 16" Slo-Pitch, as well as Men's Senior Slo-pitch. Classes available for adults include: Karate, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Surfing, Golf and Rock Climbing. Several other competitive league-sanctioned tournaments are also held each year for tennis and volleyball players.

The City of Manhattan Beach offers classes for adults who are young at heart! All of our classes and sports leagues provide health and wellness to keep those bodies moving! For information about any of the sports programs, please view information at the Adult Sports page or contact Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5412.

Beach Volleyball Tournaments

All Beach Volleyball Tournaments sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department are held on the beach south of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Entry forms are available at the CBVA website. For more information call (800) 350-CBVA (2282) .

Bus Trips

The Parks and Recreation Department plans many interesting and fun bus trips to various locations throughout the year that allow community members to economically visit some of the region's popular and unique destinations. Trips are designed for specific age and interest groups, including youth ages 6-12 years old, teens ages 12-14 years old, adults and seniors. Most trips are to destinations that can be reached in two hours or less and each trip is led by one or two Parks and Recreation staff members and a trained volunteer who act as tour guides. For more information on specific trips please click on the appropriate link:

Family Friendly (great for the whole family)
General Trips (specific interest, may not be enjoyed by children)
Senior Trips and Luncheons on the Road (only for those age 55+)

Parks and Recreation - Class Instructors

The Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for new and exciting individuals to teach classes. If you have a specific skill or certification and would like to teach a class, please contact the department at (310) 802-5448.

Community and Recreation Facility Initiatives

In June 2006, the City of Manhattan Beach began a community driven process called the Facilities and Open Space Strategic Plan (FSP), with the goal of creating a master plan for community and recreation facilities throughout the City. The City began this effort because several community facilities are nearing, or have reached, the end of their useful lives. These facilities require an ever increasing amount of maintenance to remain open and are outdated for the programming needs of our community. The FSP is an exciting process that holds great potential for up-to-date facilities for our community to enjoy. We hope that you will become involved! Please check out the Capital Improvement Program page for information on construction projects. You may visit the FSP blog for meeting dates, reports, upcoming proposals and other information.

Community Recreation Centers

The Parks and Recreation Department has the following three community centers:

Joslyn Community Center (1601 Valley Drive)
Manhattan Heights Community Center (1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard)
Creative Art Center (1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard)

To seek more information on the programs that are held at each community center, please visit the Youth Programs and Camps section call (310) 802-5448. For information on how to reserve a center or what ammenities each center has to offer please visit the Parks and Facilities section or contact Ada Wallace, facility reservations, at (310) 802-5410.

Parks and Recreation Program/Course - Concerns

To voice your concerns regarding safety, customer service, hours of operation, programs, events, fitness and maintenence, please call the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.

Cultural Arts Programs

The mission of the Cultural Arts Program in Manhattan Beach is to fulfill the cultural needs of the community. Activities directed toward accomplishing this include: Multi-disciplinary programs such as lectures about art, music and architecture, concerts and performances, placement of art in public places, arts-in-education projects, exhibitions, drama camps, various performing and visual art classes, and summer camps. For more information visit the Cultural Arts section or contact the Creative Arts Center at (310) 802-5440.

Parks and Recreation - Employment Opportunities

There are ample opportunities in the Parks and Recreation Department for full-time, part-time and seasonal employment. More information can be found on the Parks and Recreation Employment Opportunities website.

Exhibiting Artwork at the Creative Arts Center

If you are interested in having an exhibition at the Creative Arts Center Art Gallery, please contact Megumi Sando, Cultural Arts Curator, at (310) 802-5440, or via e-mail You may also send your biographical information, (curriculum vitae), images, (preferably CD-ROM), statement of your proposed exhibition to:

City of Manhattan Beach
Parks and Recreation Department
Attention: Megumi Sando
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266
Exhibitions are arranged a year in advance.

Field Closures - Cancelled Athletic Events

The numerous playing fields in the City host a number of sporting events. These events are City sponsored or through other organizations such as AYSO, Manhattan Little League, etc. Inclement weather or emergency park maintenance may result in the cancellation of a sporting event. For up to date information on sporting event cancellations and field closures call the Field Condition Hotline at (310) 802-5454.

Fishing

Fishing - catch and release takes place at Polliwog Park at the Annual Family Fish Derby event in May. The derby is free. It is designed for families with boys and girls ages 3-12; children under six must be accompanied by an adult. This popular event is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a fishing experience in a peaceful and safe environment, well-suited for the youngest family members as they learn the basic techniques of fishing. Participants should bring their own rod and reel. The derby is free.

Fishing is allowed on the pier, however, a fishing license is required. Fishing licenses can be obtained from most local sporting good stores or boat landings.

Golf Courses

The nine-hole par three course is run under contract by the Marriott Corporation. It is open to the public. The course has a putting practice green, a teaching pro, but no driving range. For information or starting times call (310) 939-1465.

Parks and Recreation Brochure

The Parks and Recreation Department publishes a quarterly recreation brochure contaning all the classes, activities, bus trips and events the department has to offer. This quarterly brochure is mailed to every resident. In addition, they are available at City Hall, the Library, City community centers, the Chamber of Commerce and online. For more information call (310) 802-5448 Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Park Facilities

The Parks and Recreation Department provides an array of facilities that include athletic fields, tennis, paddle tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, par courses, jogging and bike paths, a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and dozens of sports programs and fitness classes. Throughout the City, there are 11 parks providing 80 acres of parkland within the community including 18 ball fields, 5 batting cages, 18 tennis courts (including 2 paddle tennis courts), 4 Pay and Play racquetball courts, 3 basketball courts, 2 par courses, a 1.7-mile jogging path, a 9-hole golf course and a large recreational pool. At Mira Costa High School, in addition to athletic fields and tennis courts, facilities available for public use include a gymnasium and track. Also located within the City is a 2-mile walking and jogging path that runs parallel to a bike path along the beach. Stretching along the beach spanning north and south of the Manhattan Beach Pier are over 150 volleyball courts which are also available for private or public use. To view a map of all the parks, please click here. For more information contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448.

Parks Maintenance

The City has contracted with TruGreen Landscaping Company to maintain the City's parks, ball fields, and the Valley Ardmore greenbelt. The City requires that TruGreen recycle or mulch all of the green waste generated from maintaining the parks. In fact, the chips you see along the greenbelt is green material that has been chipped and grounded up from a Manhattan Beach park.

Park Fields

There are several playing fields located at various park locations throughout the City. The following is a list of fields:

Premier Little League Field at Polliwog Park.
Dorsey Field at Live Oak Park.
Manhattan Heights Field at Manhattan Heights Park.
Marine Avenue Field at Marine Avenue Park.
Manhattan Village Field at Manhattan Village.

The City, under agreement with the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, also maintains and schedules the playing fields of all the schools located within the city.
These fields include:

Meadows School Field.
Pennekamp School Field.
Pacific School Field.
Center School Field.
Manhattan Beach Middle School.
Begg Field at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Robinson School Field.
Grand View School Field.
Mira Costa High School.

Some fields listed above may be reserved for parties and games. Reservations are made in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1400 Highland Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. All fees must be paid at time of reservation and reservations must be made at least 5 business days in advance. Contact Ada Wallace for facility reservations at (310) 802-5410.

Concert in the Park Series - Performing

If you are a musician and are interested in becoming a performer for the Concerts in the Park Series, please send a press kit with a sample of your music on a CD to:

City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Juanita Purner
1400 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Or if you have a website that contains samples of your music and information about you, you may send the link via e-mail. Please make sure to include your contact information and that you are interested in performing for the Concerts in the Park Series.

Playground Program

The Playground Program no longer exists. Please visit Afterschool REC website, Camp Programs website, or contact the Afterschool REC Supervisor David Ibarra at (310) 802-5419

Registering for a Class or Activity

There are four easy ways to register: Online, Mail-in, Walk-in or Fax-in.

Online you will need your Account Login & Password. If you do not already have a login and password for online registration, you can "Request An Account" online to obtain a login and password. Call (310) 802-5448 for account information. Online class payments can only be made using a credit card. Please click on the class registration button on our home page.

Mail-in registrations can be mailed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Class payments can be made using a credit card or check. Make sure to fill out the credit card information and sign the Release of Liability and Cardholder Signature.

Walk-in registrations are done at Manhattan Beach City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Class payments can be made using a credit card, check or exact cash. Make sure to sign the Release of Liability and Cardholder Signature.

Fax-in registration can be sent to the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5401. Class payments can be made using a credit card. Make sure you fill out the credit card information and sign the Release of Liability and Cardholder Signature. For more information call (310) 802-5448.

Reserving Facilities or Renting Fields

Within the City of Manhattan Beach there are a variety of public facilities available for public, private and commercial events. Except for City sponsored events, a fee is required to reserve and/or use City facilities. Reservations are made in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1400 Highland Avenue, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. All fees must be paid at time of reservation. All reservations must be made at least five business days prior to the event date. Please visit our Parks and Facilities page to see the public facilities available for reservation. Contact Ada Wallace for Facility Reservations at (310) 802-5410 for more information.

Swimming Pools and Aquatic Programs

As a beach community, an important element of the City's aquatics program is ensuring safe use of the ocean and community pools. A comprehensive swimming program is offered at Begg Pool during the summer months. This includes youth and adult instruction, recreational swimming, water fitness, lap swimming, a competitive swim team and special events. Ocean safety instruction is provided through a variety of classes, including boogie boarding, surfing, aqualetics, ocean swimming and other related activities.

Foster A. Begg Pool is located on the campus of Manhattan Beach Transition School which is adjacent to Polliwog Park. It can be reached by turning north onto Peck Avenue off of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and driving to the end of the street. Parking is available on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and on the near-by streets. Dressing rooms and showers are also available. Please visit the Aquatics page for more information on activities and classes offered at the pool or call (310) 802-5448.

Teen Facilities

The Teen Center is located in the Manhattan Heights Community Center which is across Manhattan Beach Boulevard from Polliwog Park and within easy walking distance from Manhattan Beach Middle School. Programs are designed especially for 6th, 7th and 8th grade teens who reside in the City of Manhattan Beach. Although it is a drop-in, non-custodial program, participants are required to sign in and out upon arrival and departure.

The Teen Center consists of two adjoining rooms in the community center, which are set aside exclusively for teen activities. The rooms contain all types of equipment and furniture that help teens wind down after school in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. There are couches to lounge on, a sound system, TVs and video games, pool table, table tennis, foosball, soccer and air hockey for fun and excitement. Other equipment includes dozens of games and loads of arts and crafts supplies. Outdoor play equipment is also available, as well as access to the adjacent rock climbing wall. The environment is conducive to self-expression and individuality.
For more information, visit the Teen Center page or contact Recreation Supervisor Michael Brooke at (310) 802-5435; or Recreation Services Manager Idris Al-Oboudi at (310) 802-5404. To schedule a party at the Teen Center please contact Ada Wallace, Facility Reservations, at (310) 802-5410.

Tennis Courts

Within the City there are three tennis locations:

Live Oak Park at 1901 Valley Drive
Manhattan Heights Park at 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Mira Costa High School at the Corner of Artesia Boulevard and Meadows Avenue

Together, there is a total of 18 tennis courts. All the courts are lighted. They are tournament quality tennis courts with wind screens and high-tech composition surfaces surrounded by green rubber-coated fencing. The facilities are considered some of the best public courts in the area.

For more information visit the Tennis Courts page or call (310) 545-0888.

Volunteer Opportunities with Parks and Recreation

Volunteerism is a vital resource in Manhattan Beach. Volunteers allow the City to augment its workforce by enhancing the provision of services to the community, while minimizing expenditures. Residents who volunteer with the City not only help provide a richer quality of life for their community but they learn the intricacies of how a municipal government operates. Each volunteer contributes unique skills to his or her assignment. This experience may also contribute to individual development and personal fulfillment as they enhance or learn job skills. High school and college students who participate in the City's volunteer internship programs receive valuable on-the-job work experience which expands their course of study and increases the chances of procuring employment after graduation. It is the intention of the City's Volunteer Program that everyone will benefit from the experience. For information on how to volunteer or for upcoming volunteer opportunities, go to the Volunteer page or call (310) 802-5406 .

Youth Sports

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of sports classes and tournaments for youth including: the Junior Manhattan Open, Cal Cup Youth Beach Volleyball Tournament, Basketball Camps and Leagues, Baseball Camps, Surfing Camps, Beach Volleyball Classes, Ice Skating, Gymnastics and Tumbling, Karate, Tennis, Tennis Camps, Volleyball, Snowboard and Ski Trips and Aquatics. Youth sports programs, sanctioned by the City, that practice and play on City fields and courts include the Manhattan Beach Little League, AYSO Soccer, Mira Costa Pony Baseball and the Manhattan Beach Youth Basketball League. For more information visit the Youth Sports page or call (310) 802-5448.