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Friends of the Parks reviews signature events, flags insurance and municipal-code limits on activities
Summary
Friends of the Parks told Hermosa Beach’s Parks Commission its signature events—Pumpkins in the Park, Pets in the Park and Movies at the Beach—were broadly successful but rising indemnity costs and a municipal code banning goats in parks will force changes (including ending goat yoga and reducing street banners).
Friends of the Parks presented its annual recap to the Parks, Recreation & Community Resources Advisory Commission, praising strong turnouts for Pumpkins in the Park and Movies at the Beach while flagging operational challenges including insurance costs, street banners and a municipal code that prohibits goats in city parks.
Laura Leventhal, speaking for the volunteer group, said the three signature events were “overarchingly successful” but noted this year the group ran into two recurring constraints: (1) an increase in indemnity and insurance requirements that made contracting vendors or paying installers for street banners cost-prohibitive, and (2) a municipal code that now prevents goats in parks, ending the group’s popular “goat yoga” offering. ‘‘We were flagged this year that there has been a citywide ordinance, and we will no longer be able to have goat yoga,’’ Leventhal said.
Leventhal described workarounds the group used—relying more heavily on volunteers to move equipment, reducing banner use, and coordinating with public works and other sponsors (Farmers Market, Hermosa Beach Rotary)—and asked staff to help find alternatives to preserve outreach and promotion. She also thanked city staff for operational support and singled out public-works preparations and lifeguard cooperation that helped events run smoothly.
Commissioners asked staff whether public works could help with banner installation to reduce indemnity burdens and sought clarification on insurance thresholds. Staff explained that groups with their own facilities often carry higher baseline coverage; when the city hosts an event staff must add event riders for coverage. That approach can make indemnifying a vendor impractical and expensive for small volunteer organizations, staff said.
Leventhal also noted routine challenges such as parking and restroom access at some parks and said Friends of the Parks is exploring schedule shifts and other operational changes to avoid conflicts with larger attractions like Beach Life. She credited volunteer partners and sponsors for supporting events and said the group plans to continue its signature programs with adjustments where required by city policy.
