Santa Monica Postpones Crackdown on Outdoor Group Exercise Classes

Proposed ordinance was up for discussion at Tuesday's meeting

The Santa Monica City Council has delayed a move that could push forward a plan to crack down on outdoor fitness classes in city parks.

A proposed ordinance limiting the size and number of groups using its parks was discussed at Tuesday night's city council meeting.

Councilmembers chose to send back the proposal to its writers for further clarification, according to Phil Brock, commission chair of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks.

The council is expected to review the plan again in "a couple months," Brock said.

The proposal would charge fitness instructors a $100 permit fee, plus 15 percent of revenue. Trainers would also be required to carry insurance to cover any injuries. Classes would be limited to fewer than 150 people.

Also, group classes would be prohibited at seven parks: Euclid, Joslyn, Muscle Beach, Ozone, Pacific Street, Park Drive and Schader.

The proposal follows years of complaints from residents about the crowding of parks due to unregulated fitness training and boot camps, according to the plan.

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