Free Park WiFi Proposal Before City Council
Apr 18, 2016 11:02AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Free WiFi in the parks? Manhattan Beach could be on its way to improving citywide connectedness across its public park areas and recreation centers, with a proposal before the City Council on Tuesday.
The proposal by City Councilmember Wayne Powell would leverage the existing fiber infrastructure to support free WiFi coverage in the parks. Currently, the city has free WiFi at the Civic Center (City Hall & Police/Fire Community Room), Joslyn Community Center, and Manhattan Heights. The proposed WiFi coverage would extend to Sand Dune Park, Live Oak Park and the tennis office, Marine Avenue Park, the Marine Sports Complex, Begg Pool, Polliwog Park, and the Mira Costa High School pool and tennis office.
"While attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in San Francisco last year, I learned of that city's very successful free WiFi program in 33 parks. I immediately realized the value of free WiFi for our Parks & Recreation and after-school programs," said Powell.
"WiFi will serve our youth who want to do homework at a scenic park, as well as interactive use for families and older adults," Powell added. "It's another way to enjoy our parks, especially where internet access may be limited. The next step could be free WiFi citywide."
The city will also look at a Municipal Broadband Network, a city-wide fiber infrastructure that would support such Smart City initiatives as LED street light projects and traffic signal measurements.
The City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
The proposal by City Councilmember Wayne Powell would leverage the existing fiber infrastructure to support free WiFi coverage in the parks. Currently, the city has free WiFi at the Civic Center (City Hall & Police/Fire Community Room), Joslyn Community Center, and Manhattan Heights. The proposed WiFi coverage would extend to Sand Dune Park, Live Oak Park and the tennis office, Marine Avenue Park, the Marine Sports Complex, Begg Pool, Polliwog Park, and the Mira Costa High School pool and tennis office.
"While attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in San Francisco last year, I learned of that city's very successful free WiFi program in 33 parks. I immediately realized the value of free WiFi for our Parks & Recreation and after-school programs," said Powell.
"WiFi will serve our youth who want to do homework at a scenic park, as well as interactive use for families and older adults," Powell added. "It's another way to enjoy our parks, especially where internet access may be limited. The next step could be free WiFi citywide."
The city will also look at a Municipal Broadband Network, a city-wide fiber infrastructure that would support such Smart City initiatives as LED street light projects and traffic signal measurements.
The City Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
