The Santa Monica City Council returns to the dais tonight and will consider options for commercial fitness camps and classes on public property.
According to City staff, some community members had complained of “the proliferation of unregulated fitness training and boot camps in City parks and at the beach.”
“Most of the complaints about this activity refer to the intense use of the north end of Palisades Park,” City staff added.
Accordingly, City staff had developed, at the Council’s direction, a “proposed regulatory system for non-City sponsored commercial fitness instruction, classes or camps offered in parks and the beach.”
“The new regulatory structure would include a change to the Municipal Code, new rules, and a permit system with permit and use charges,” City staff stated.
Based upon feedback and suggestions collected by fitness trainers and residents, City staff proposed several changes, including; “the need for a permit system; insurance; indemnification; compliance with existing business license and police permit rules; identification of parks appropriate for commercial fitness activity; and new rules addressing protection of park amenities.”
City staff added a consensus was not reached amongst local officials, fitness trainers, and residents about “the amount of use charges to be paid by trainers and instructors” and “the extent of the restrictions in Palisades Park.”
The council’s meeting begins at 6:30 pm at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica.
