MALIBU—The Malibu City Council voted 4-1 on Monday, September 11 to proceed with an environmental study on the impact of possible future expansions near Malibu Bluffs Park. Councilmember Jefferson Wagner was the sole vote to oppose the motion.

Malibu Bluffs Park is a six-acre community park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park currently is the site of two baseball diamonds, a soccer field, children’s playground and a community center. The study is one of the first steps the city of Malibu will take in determining the feasibility of the land’s development.

The study will examine any expansion’s impact on the vulnerable coastal ecosystem of the area. City Council is looking to uncover any potential risks to threatened seabird and reptile habitats with the environmental study.

While the State of California remains the owner of the potential parkland, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy leases the land under the provision that it is used only for passive recreation. The city of Malibu can circumvent this restriction if they controlled the land. To resolve the issue, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the city of Malibu have struck a trade deal where the City will be receiving Bluffs Park in exchange for the Conservancy’s receipt of wilderness area in Encinal Canyon.

Public sentiment remains divided in Malibu between those who argue for the necessity of more park space and those who oppose continued development within Malibu’s city limits. Malibu Bluffs Park and the Michael Landon Community Center may be rented for private parties, company picnics, sports events and more. For additional information please visit Facility Rental Information or call 310-456-2489 ext. 349.