Task Force Formed to Maintain Boardwalk

A task force hoping to improve maintenance of the Venice boardwalk has been formed, officials said.

The Venice Beach Task Force, assembled last month by 6th District City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, is composed of representatives of the agencies that oversee the beach and surrounding areas, said Niki Tennant, a spokeswoman for the Venice-area councilwoman.

Tennant said officials from the city Department of Recreation and Parks, county Department of Beaches and Harbors, and the city Public Works Department have joined forces to address maintenance issues before, during and after the refurbishment of Ocean Front Walk, also known as the Venice boardwalk.

The task force was formed because of an “increased sense from everyone that there was an air of disrepair” at the world-famous tourist attraction, even as major renovations were getting underway, Tennant said.

Many residents and merchants complained of excessive trash and lack of cleanliness in public areas, she said. In the past month, 100 trash cans have been added between Rose Avenue and the Venice Pier on the boardwalk, and street-sweeping and picnic table cleaning have been increased from once to twice weekly.

New restrooms, handicapped access ramps and a children’s play area are being constructed at Rose Avenue. Other work will include adding benches, public art and a new surface on the walkway. The task force will continue to meet at least monthly until after the boardwalk refurbishment is completed.

“We want to make sure after we have a newly renovated boardwalk that it stays in that condition,” Tennant said.