Clark Field improvements teased at Parks & Rec Commission meeting

Little League and Clark Field Improvements Take Center Stage

In a three-hour meeting on 2nd September, discussion focused on potential upgrades to Clark Field facilities, championed by Hermosa's Little League. The meeting also heard reviews of several other local community events.

Little League Reports Banner Year

Hermosa Beach Little League delivered an impressive post-season presentation highlighting remarkable growth and community impact. The organization registered 511 players for the 2025 season—a significant increase of 61 players from the previous year. With 284 players in the youngest divisions (T-ball through Single A), representing 55% of total participation, the league demonstrated strong grassroots development ensuring future sustainability.

President Dave Shotts emphasized the league's unique community role, noting that Clark Field serves as a gathering place for families whether they have players in the league or not. "We really are the envy of South Bay District 36," Shotts said, referencing neighboring leagues in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and surrounding communities.

The league fielded 48 teams across eight divisions with over 120 coaching volunteers and 40-plus junior umpires, playing more than 500 regular season games. Sponsorship support reached unprecedented levels, with 82 different local businesses participating—so many that the league maintained a waiting list for team sponsors.

In a poignant moment, Shotts recognized the community's response following the tragic December death of Hector, the beloved Clark Field taco stand operator. The community raised over $50,000 for his family, and his wife, daughters, and son successfully operated the stand throughout the season.

Clark Field Improvements Proposed

The Commission unanimously recommended City Council advance a Memorandum of Understanding with Little League for significant Clark Field renovations. The self-funded project, estimated at approximately $1 million, would include pulling home plate back to create more field space, installing synthetic turf infields, replacing deteriorating asphalt with permeable pavers, upgrading bleachers and dugouts, and improving accessibility features.

Jim Fasola and Mark Mamber presented detailed plans showing how improvements would benefit not only Little League but also AYSO soccer, adult softball leagues, and general park users. The project would add approximately 2,200 square feet of grass, reduce water usage significantly, and create better sightlines for spectators by removing obstructive poles and reconfiguring seating areas.

International Events Showcase Hermosa Beach

The International Surf Festival reported another successful year with 511 lifeguards competing, including 53 from Australia. Maria Bird highlighted the peer-to-pier swim which attracted 1,145 swimmers, 76 of them Hermosa Beach residents. The event received extensive media coverage from NBC News, Spectrum News, Daily Breeze, and AP News.

Shakespeare by the Sea completed its 26th season in Hermosa Beach with free performances of "As You Like It" and "Julius Caesar," drawing over 1,100 attendees.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Commission approved returning Impact Level 3 events for 2026, including the SmackFest co-ed volleyball tournament and the You Are Enough 5K mental health awareness event. They also approved one "Do Nothing Weekend" (August 22-23) with plans to confirm a second weekend pending resolution of scheduling questions with another event producer.

Additionally, commissioners approved a $1,681 fee waiver grant for Hope Chapel's October community picnic and created a new Community Dog Park subcommittee to research best practices and evaluate potential sites for a future dog park facility.

With 52 special events creating 144 total event days annually, Hermosa Beach continues demonstrating its commitment to vibrant community programming while balancing residents' need for event-free weekends during peak season.