New Beginnings in Manhattan Beach with Pier Re-Opening, Street Sweeping, and More
Jun 13, 2020 08:58AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Photo of the Manhattan Beach Pier by Scott McFarlane. Photo via Manhattan Beach Parks & Rec
It's time for new beginnings in Manhattan Beach, as a new county public health order will allow a wave of re-openings, including the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.
The pier, which had become a flashpoint for public debate, will re-open on Monday, following a "power wash" and the installation of new signs about social distancing and face coverings, according to Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery.
“The county of Los Angeles continues on the path toward recovery and I
thank the community for their patience during this turbulent time," said Montgomery in a statement. "The city is working closely with the county to advocate for additional
re-openings of business sectors and recreation opportunities."
Earlier this week, the city had requested approval from L.A. County to open the pier.
At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, council members had debated whether to open the pier ahead of getting official word from the county. Montgomery, however, had urged the council to wait for approval by county officials.
A Multitude of Re-Openings in Manhattan Beach
Friday's order by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also allowed for the opening (with restrictions) of gyms, fitness facilities, professional
sports without live audiences, day camps, museums, galleries, zoos,
aquariums, campgrounds, RV parks and music, and film and television
production.
In Manhattan Beach, Friday's order will mean a number of changes:
- Street sweeping will resume on June 15. However, a two-week grace period will be provided before street sweeping parking
restrictions will be enforced. Tickets for street sweeping violations
will be issued beginning June 29.
- Begg Pool will re-open recreation swim, lap swim and Masters swim beginning June 22. Users will be required to reserve in advance and can begin making reservations on June 15.
- REC Summer Camp will begin on June 15 with safety modifications for campers and leaders. Additional summer camps, such as Beach Aqualetics and specialized camps are scheduled to begin July 6.
- A new protocol on public beach use will allow chairs, canopies, and coolers on the beach; however, gatherings of any size and events such as sports, athletic competitions, and beach volleyball remain prohibited.
Nail salons, tattoo shops, bars and wineries, movie theaters, live
performance theaters, entertainment centers, concert halls and venues,
stadiums, arenas, gaming facilities, theme parks, and festivals remain closed by county order.
The county health order continues to emphasize that physical distancing requirements,
face coverings, and other safety protocols must be implemented and
observed as the recovery progresses. Specific re-opening protocols may
be found on the County Department of Public Health website.
For a
detailed list of what is open and closed, visit the City’s “Recover MB” webpage at www.citymb.info/RecoverMB.
