Council votes to deny Youth Beachfront Park and Outdoor Learning Center project, 7-0

City finance staff presented a proposed Venice Youth Beachfront Park and Outdoor Learning Center, a project described as supported by a $5,000,000 federal grant intended to expand youth recreation and environmental education at the South Jetty Park site. The presentation included a proposed budget breakdown (playground and equipment $2,250,000; waterfront pavilion $1,500,000; walking trail $600,000; parking/lighting/accessibility $250,000; landscaping $250,000; kayak launch $100,000) and projected annual operating costs of about $650,000.

Council and staff discussion raised multiple questions about coastal-protection laws, environmental impact assessments and the physical condition of the South Jetty after recent storms. The presenters said the site would require land reclamation and seawall/shoreline work and that environmental laws would be considered during detailed design; an environmental impact assessment was not available at the presentation because the project remained at a concept stage. The council asked about resiliency to hurricanes, timing and whether the grant funding covered the full cost; presenters said grants would cover a substantial portion but that additional funding and detailed engineering would be required.

After discussion, Councilmember Achat moved to deny the project; the motion carried on a recorded vote of 7-0 and the council did not adopt the plan at the meeting.