Those who haven’t visited Manhattan Beach Park during the pandemic are in for a lovely surprise this summer, as it has undergone a complete transformation in recent years.
Located on Oriental Boulevard, spanning from Ocean Avenue to Mackenzie Street, the park’s main attraction is, and always will be, the beach itself, which now features a newly-repaved concrete promenade, which is open to bikes and skates from 5 to 10 a.m. during beach season. What was once a very decrepit walkway, uneven and riddled with cracks, is now a smooth path, perfect for rollerblading or pushing a stroller. In addition to the existing ramp, developers have installed new railings all along the promenade at 100-foot intervals to make the beach much more accessible to those with disabilities. The barbecue/picnic area has been renovated, with new benches and tables, and additional shade provided by a variety of newly-planted wind and salt-resistant trees.
Besides the beach, the rest of the park grounds also have plenty to offer visitors, including a playground for children, handball, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, and baseball fields. The piece de resistance however, must be the newly-reconstructed dog run, which has been divided into two distinct areas – one for small dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkies and the other for large dogs like Great Danes and Cane Corsos – to ensure the safety of all breeds as they play unleashed. Unlike the standard gravel/soil/mulch layout used in many dog runs, which can be very hard on paws, this one boasts an upgrade to Foreverlawn K9 Grass, a soft, synthetic, antimicrobial grass, designed particularly for the safety of dogs. Amenities also include human and canine water fountains, equipped with water-bottle filler and dog bowl stations, new benches, landscaping and waste stations.
All in all, Manhattan Beach Park is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Photos courtesy of Ina C.
All in all Manhattan Beach Park is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
