Recreation and Parks Board Approves Marvin Braude Beach Trail Gap Closure Project

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners of the city of Los Angeles approved the Marvin Braude Beach Trail Gap Closure Project during a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 2.

The trail is a 22-mile paved path along the Pacific Ocean coastline that stretches from Will Rogers parking lot to Torrance County Beach. The proposed project intends to widen a portion of the existing trail that runs through and is part of Will Rogers State Beach.

According to a previous report by Los Angeles County Public Works, the existing path is used by more than five million individuals in the summertime for walking, jogging and riding bicycles.

“The proposed project would help improve public safety along the bicycle path, as the existing path is heavily used by local residents and beach visitors,” a board report stated.

During the meeting, RAP Superintendent of Planning, Maintenance and Construction Branch Darryl Ford said the existing bike path is currently between 13 and 14 feet wide. The Marvin Braude Beach Trail Gap Closure Project proposes to construct an additional path that would be adjacent and provide a 30-foot-wide multipurpose path for both bikers and pedestrians.

“The main reason why the project is before the board is because … the agreement we have with the county requires that any project being constructed by the county on beaches within the city need to be approved by the board,” Ford said. “Staff is recommending that the board approves the project today.”

The project is being designed by LA County Public Works, and is being constructed and funded by the county, Ford explained. The project would be completed at no additional cost to RAP, as funding is being provided by a $2.2 million Active Transportation Program Grant and $3.8 million in LA County Measure R Local Return Funds.

Work includes construction of a concrete slab bridge, removal and replacement of culverts, modifications to rest areas, benches, trash receptacles and bike racks, according to the board report.

The county has received all necessary permits and approvals for the project, including approval from California Coastal Commission and the County Board of Supervisors. Upon completion, the trail will be maintained by the county.

The project was approved during the meeting by commissioners.

“On this particular item, it was interesting to learn that this was a county initiative,” Commissioner and Palisadian Joe Halper said during the meeting. “However, I would like to state the need to separate the pedestrian walking area and the bike path on this portion of the beach was raised over a decade ago. I’m delighted to see staff help identify this safety issue and address it.”

The Marvin Braude Beach Trail was officially named after late LA City Councilmember Marvin Braude in 2006, dedicated by then-State Senator Sheila Kuehl.