Glendale council directs staff to pursue perimeter fencing at Maple Park to protect children with disabilities

The Glendale City Council on Feb. 10 directed staff to pursue perimeter fencing around the city’s inclusive playgrounds, prioritizing Maple Park, after parents and disability advocates described risks to children who wander or elope from play spaces.

Parks staff told council the city identified three candidate playgrounds (Maple Park, Montrose Park, Pelicani Park) and recommended Maple Park for a first phase because it already has inclusive equipment. Staff estimated 4‑foot fencing of roughly 400 linear feet would cost about $110,000–$121,000 per playground and said the project would be submitted through the Capital Improvement Program and pursued for grants if available.

Speakers representing families of children with autism and coaches said fencing is essential for safety and inclusion. Vanine Shakhmalian said fencing “would be a modest investment with long‑term benefits,” and Catherine Matavustyan, Humanities Manager who coaches individuals with disabilities, called the measure “an important and necessary first step.” Council members also suggested lower‑cost interim options, including exploring joint‑use agreements with school districts to open fenced school yards on weekends.

Council’s direction: staff was asked to add Maple Park fencing into the CIP/budget process, research grants and funding, investigate using school sites and previously designed projects (Cerritos, Wilson) as lower‑cost alternatives, and return with detail. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Next steps: staff will prepare CIP materials, refine cost estimates via bid specifications, explore value‑engineering alternatives (height, materials), pursue grant opportunities and report back as part of the budget process.