By Daily Press staff
As springtime ends and the warm days of summer approach, the city’s parks will be maxed out with picnics, parties and play. But it won’t be much fun without City Hall reminding park visitors of a few rules. ■ No smoking. To protect children and others from the harms of second-hand smoke and to prevent litter, smokers need to move to the sidewalk at the perimeter of the parks. Fines are $250. ■ No vending. It’s allowed at parks only at city events or by contracted instructors participating in city-organized classes. This includes the offering of merchandise, food, beverages, services, etc., for profit. ■ No food lines without a permit. A county health permit is required for those giving food to the public. Only private events like birthday parties and family picnics where food is served to invited guests do not require a heath permit. Groups giving food to the public must obtain and carry an LA County health permit. Call (310) 665-8450 for information. ■ No events more than 150 people without a city permit. If you’re expecting a huge crowd at say, your high school reunion picnic at Clover Park, call the community events office at (310) 458-8573 for permit information. You also can visit www.santa-monica.org/ccs/events for details. ■ Barbecuing or cooking at parks is allowed only on city-installed grills. BBQ grills can be found at Clover, Marine and, when it reopens, Virginia Park. Leave the mini-Weber at home. ■ Group picnic and BBQ areas at Clover and Marine Parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These areas may be reserved in advance if your group is more than 150 people and you have obtained a city event permit. ■ No fireworks. They are not allowed in the city except at special events with prior City Council approval. ■ Go fly a kite! But not at Clover Park or Marine Park, due to their proximity to the Santa Monica Airport.
The complete list of park rules is posted on the city’s Web site at http://santa-monica.org/ccs/openspacemgt/parkrules.htm. Call City Hall’s open space management division at (310) 458-8974 for all other park-use questions.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 27, 2004. Read the original PDF.