MALIBU—The Malibu Farmers Market, which was previously held each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Legacy Park, has changed locations. Following ongoing public parking and permitting concerns, the farmers market was temporarily held at Malibu City Hall last Sunday.
On Friday, August 21, Malibu city officials announced the shutdown of the Malibu Farmers Market operations at Legacy Park. City officials explained this was due to concerns over public safety, parking, and compliance with the market’s permit.
The city recognizes the farmers market’s significance to residents and has sought to continue operations at Legacy Park, but the park was never designed or approved to accommodate the farmers’ market.
“The City values the Farmers Market and supports its continued operation, but Legacy Park was never designed or approved as a permanent market location. Its operation at Legacy Park creates mounting concerns about public safety, equitable access to the Civic Center area, and compliance with permits,” the city of Malibu stated.
The Farmers Market was originally located at the Los Angeles County Library parking lot on Civic Center Way but later moved to Legacy Park.
The Farmer’s Market temporarily returned to the Civic Center location; vendor vehicles occupy nearly 40 percent of available parking in the Civic Center location. Officials are worried this leaves less parking for visitors and customers of nearby businesses, especially during the summer season.
Malibu City Manager Joe Irvin said in a statement he wants the Farmers Market to relocate to the original county-owned lot, the Civic Center location. “We have worked to make the current arrangement work, but we also have a responsibility to protect public safety and ensure city requirements are applied fairly,” said Irvin.
The city has ceased operations at the Legacy Park location. The city is working to find a permanent location and has offered to host the market at an approved location outside Malibu City Hall.
