LA Beaches Could Become a National Park — Have Your Say by April 6

<p>Could Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and the Ballona Wetlands become part of the National Park System? The National Park Service has officially launched a Special Resource Study evaluating the LA coastline for potential park designation.</p><p>The study area spans from Will Rogers State Beach in the north down to Torrance Beach and parts of the San Pedro coastline, including the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. The NPS is evaluating these sites based on four criteria: significance, suitability, feasibility, and need for NPS management.</p><p>A national park designation could bring federal protections, conservation funding, and new economic activity to the coast. However, it would also mean changes in how these beaches are managed.</p><p>The public comment period runs through <strong>April 6, 2026</strong>. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for <strong>March 11 at 6 PM</strong>. The study is expected to be finalized in early 2027, after which findings go to the Secretary of the Interior and then Congress.</p><p>To submit comments or learn more, visit the NPS planning portal at <a href='https://parkplanning.nps.gov' target='_blank'>parkplanning.nps.gov</a>.</p>