Park Officials Decide to Grind Wood Chips Along Nature Trail

Parks and Recreation officials have decided to grind up the wood chips on the Manhattan Beach Parkway nature trail instead of replacing them with decomposed granite.

Several residents who jog and walk on the path complained last month that the chips were spread unevenly and could cause injuries. Many also complained that the wood chips were sharp and uncomfortable to walk on.

But when the city began looking to replace the chips, other residents expressed concern about losing the woodsy atmosphere that the chips create.

Parks and Recreation Director Jim Wolfe said the city has decided to purchase a grinder to smooth out the surface of the greenbelt.

“We feel it’s a pretty good compromise,” said Wolfe. “The fact that we’ll be able to even out the path and continue to recycle green waste is important to us.”