Install 12 New Ocean Park Beach Volleyball Courts

Hi. My name is Sean Besser and I am petitioning the City of Santa Monica to install a 50% increase in courts at Ocean Park Beach (12 additional courts).

 

BACKGROUND:

 

Increased popularity of beach volleyball combined with current city policies regarding reserving volleyball courts for tournaments and classes/coaching has resulted in not enough courts being open and available for community members on weekends.

 

Demand for courts is expected to continue to increase in Santa Monica because of a growing Ocean Park / Santa Monica population, more classes introducing beach volleyball to people, its Covid safe nature, more schools including it as an official sport, and the 2028 Olympics where Santa Monica will host beach volleyball.

 

Even if no permits were being issued at Ocean Park beach, the current number of courts is insufficient to support demand. Community members often complain about how difficult it is to get a court, particularly on weekends.

 

Making matters worse is that tournaments are being scheduled with such regularity that they combine with individual and small group coaches and classes to take up 75% or more of available courts on multiple weekends per month. This seems entirely out of line with the spirit and goals of these courts and needs to be addressed. While monetizing the courts helps pay for their maintenance, we need to strike a better balance to keep the courts that are mostly paid for by taxpayer dollars available for residents/community members to use on the weekends when we are off work and available to use them.

 

FUNDING:

 

Adding 12 new courts is estimated to cost $4000 plus there is additional maintenance and coordination costs so I am looking to raise $5000 to fund this. If we are able to raise more money, we can discuss installing permanent lines or adjustable-height nets too. Santa Monica Beach Volleyball has already pledged $2000 towards these new courts. Other companies, people, and organizations monetizing courts are similarly being encouraged to contribute to this cost.

 

Here is a link to the Change.org petition established for community members to voice their support as well: CLICK HERE FOR THE PETITION.

 

THANK YOU!

~~Sean Besser