More than 420 acres of public open space and approximately 173,000 square feet of community facilities in the City of Santa Monica serve thousands of residents and visitors each year. The Open Space Management Division maintains these areas and encourages the enjoyment of our parks and beaches. The division oversees the city's community forest as well as contract services (e.g., beach concessions and lifeguard services) and manages community events in city parks and on the beach. Division staff assist event planners in using city resources, securing permits and following city guidelines.


Santa Monica's open space system includes 245 acres of state beach, 24 regional, community and neighborhood parks, five Playground Partnership playfields, over 50 other public landscaped areas, 27 community facility sites and the community forest. In addition to landscaping and maintaining numerous playfields, tennis and basketball courts and 10 community centers, the Open Space Management Division is responsible for maintaining the 47,440 square foot Santa Monica Swim Center, the Miles Memorial Playhouse at Reed Park and The Cove, Santa Monica's new skatepark located at Memorial Park. Park Rangers patrol and monitor park activities on a daily basis. They help promote safety in the parks and are available to answer questions.