Manhattan Beach Says Go Work Out Elsewhere
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When it comes to exercise equipment, Manhattan Beach has had enough.
Cardio-clutter and exercise-extras. That's what Manhattan Beach city officials say they're trying to keep out of city parks.
The city is considering an ordinance to ban exercise equipment in public parks and fields. Parks and Recreation director Richard Gill says personal trainers are crowding the city's favorite outdoor venues of late, especially Sand Dune and Polliwog parks -- and they're leaving stuff behind.
Kids could trip over a mat, bounce off an exercise ball or stub their toe on a dumbbell, says Gill.
"Our rangers have found cones, harnesses and mats left behind," he says, "and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt."
Some park users, though, beg to differ.
"Manhattan Beach residents need to worry about more important things," says Melissa Clarkson, who's lived there five years.
She's concerned that a crackdown on personal trainers will threaten an important part of the Southern California lifestyle.
"It's nice to see people at the park enjoying themselves," says Clarkson. "That's what it's for."
Lisa Vitale, a mother of two who says she visits Polliwog Park once a month during the summer, says the trainers and clients she's seen just exercise and leave.
"I haven't seen them leaving tons of stuff laying around," she says.
But Gill says even if there's no equipment involved, trainers are skirting the law if they're bringing clients to a public park in Manhattan Beach.
There's already a law preventing people from any for-profit activities in the parks, unless they have a permit from the city.
