News Summary
The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission met to improve safety messaging in local parks, focusing on La Cienega Park and Roxbury Memorial Park. The discussion emphasized clearer park rules and accessibility of information, including the use of QR codes and visual icons for non-English speakers. The aim is to balance safety communication while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for families. Additionally, updates on the Pickleball Pilot Program were provided, ensuring parks are safe and engaging for all.
Beverly Hills, CA – The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC) convened on July 22 to enhance safety messaging in local parks, an initiative aligned with the City Council’s work plan prioritizing park improvements for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The focus of the meeting was to discuss strategies for improving safety communication, particularly at La Cienega Park and Roxbury Memorial Park.
This meeting is a part of an ongoing effort that began in March 2024 when a Large Park Signage Ad Hoc Committee was established to review existing park signage and regulations. The committee’s objectives included identifying challenges in enforcement and determining the best locations for new signage to effectively convey safety messages to park-goers.
During the meeting, the commissioners addressed the need for clearer park rules and the importance of easy accessibility to information for all visitors. Commissioner Amie Sherry suggested adding relevant contact numbers to park signs, such as the Text BH service, for direct assistance. Sherry also recommended the use of visual icons and QR codes on signage to improve clarity, allowing visitors to scan the codes for more information about park rules and events.
RPC Chair Deborah Termeie noted that QR codes could be beneficial for linking to details about upcoming park events, enhancing visitors’ ability to engage with community activities. Alongside this, several members brought up the potential benefits of posting park maps that would guide visitors to various amenities, including community centers, pickleball courts, sports fields, and restrooms.
To assist non-English speaking visitors, Commissioner Tara Riceberg supported the implementation of visual icons that would make it easier for everyone to understand park regulations. Safety-related information, including rules regarding bicycles and pets, along with the locations of automated external defibrillators in the parks, was also emphasized as a priority on the signage.
However, Vice Chair JR Dzubak raised concerns about the possibility of overwhelming park users with excessive rules, which could potentially deter them from utilizing the parks. In light of this concern, Sherry acknowledged the need to strike a balance between maintaining safety and preserving a welcoming atmosphere for young residents and families.
The RPC also delved into the status of digital signage updates at park community centers. Recommendations included ensuring that the signage is easily visible from the street and incorporates photos from past events to create a welcoming environment for visitors. This strategy aims to enhance communication and visibility in public areas.
In addition to discussing park safety messaging, the meeting included an update from Recreation Services Manager Michael Muse on the Pickleball Pilot Program, which has received budget approval for the upcoming fiscal year. The location for the striping of pickleball courts is set to be discussed at the City Council’s upcoming meeting on August 5.
The suggestions made during the RPC meeting will be incorporated into the ongoing work plan, ensuring that future enhancements to park safety messaging will prioritize community safety while also promoting recreation. The city’s efforts to improve its green spaces and public facilities are seen as crucial components in fostering an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all residents and visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Recreation and Parks Commission Discusses Safety Messaging
- Wikipedia: Park
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Council Approves $662 Million Budget
- Google Search: Beverly Hills Parks Commission
- Beverly Hills Courier: Recreation and Parks Commission Discusses E-Bike Safety
- Google Scholar: Park Safety
- Beverly Press: City BHDP Launch Beverly Hills Connect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety Signage
- Beverly Hills Courier: Recreation and Parks Commission Moves Forward with Pickleball Annual Priorities
- Google News: Pickleball
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
