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Hermosa Beach launches youth advisory squad to give teens a voice in parks and rec

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission · April 17, 2026

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Summary

Thirteen local students have formed a Hermosa Beach youth advisory squad to advise the Parks & Recreation department on teen programming, facilities and outreach; staff will run mock commission sessions and a community survey, and next meetings are set for 2026-05-07 and 2026-09-03.

Thirteen Hermosa Beach students representing Mira Costa High School, Hermosa Valley School and Valor Christian Academy formally introduced themselves to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission on April 16 and said they intend to help shape teen-focused programs and facility improvements.

Nick (staff), who led the introduction, said the youth advisory squad was formed to ensure teen voices are heard in parks and recreation planning. "The goal of this squad is to ensure teen voices are heard and reflected in city programs, parks, and recreation," he said. He told commissioners the group met 03/05/2026 to learn about the department and had completed small-group discussions to identify gaps and opportunities.

Students described the reasons they joined. Ellie Schultz, a MiraCosta sophomore, said: "I joined the youth advisory squad so I can provide input to see changes in my community." Another student, Kyla Toomey, said she joined to "positively impact the services that affect the community." Several students later said the squad would run a community survey and hold a mock commission meeting on May 7 to train members on how a commission agenda is run.

Commissioners thanked the students and urged them to stay engaged through the fall. Staff said the squad will continue outreach and surveys, and that future commission meetings will include opportunities to hear the group's recommendations.

The commission did not take any formal action on the squad itself; the presentation was informational. The next squad meeting is scheduled for 2026-05-07 with a follow-up session on 2026-09-03.