Krista Roberts
Staff Writer
Sand Dune Park was reopened on Aug. 1 after a year of closure. A new set of regulations has been set due to an ongoing conflict between Sand Dune supporters and the residents in the surrounding areas.
Now, there is a new reservation system and limited times of availability. The park is open seven days a week, but only from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations to use the dune are $1 and can be made online for one-hour periods up to two weeks in advance.
“I used to work out on Sand Dune every weekend for as long as I wanted. I’m happy that the Dune is open again, but now I’ll have to fight to get a Saturday reservation instead of just going whenever is most convenient,” said 39-year-old athlete Kathleen Barris.
Children 12 and under can attend the park whenever they want, while anyone older than 12 has to follow the reservation procedure. New rules restrict children under six years from walking more than half way up the dune without parental assistance.
“I grew up playing on Sand Dune. It’s like home to me, and I’m disappointed that there has to be so many regulations put on it now,” said senior Alyssa Campbell.
In 2009, a group of neighbors complained that the park’s constant use was harming the area, citing the traffic of 9,000 people coming to the park in one month. The city council quickly closed it to examine the concern and come up with a resolution, and the community is currently questioning its decision.
However, neighbors surrounding the Sand Dune area are pleased with how the reservation system has eased traffic and noise levels in the area. Many have commented that parking is less of an issue on surrounding streets. Though residents are praising the changes, they are not necessary permanent.
“The changes have been instituted on a trial basis and city staff will report back to council to let it know how the reservation system is working. At that point, council could make changes based on the findings,” said Parks and Recreation Commission leader Thomas Cajka.
The dune usage has been reduced by more than 80%. Overall, the city has spent more than $60,000 making changes to Sand Dune in hopes that it would reduce maintenance costs for the future. The Manhattan Beach City Council hopes that the compromise will be lucrative after users are adjusted.
“Although I feel like some of the rules for reservations are strict, I understand where the neighbors’ frustration comes from. Sometimes compromise is the best solution,” said senior Rachel Gilroy.
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