Santa Monica Commission Backed Existing Parks in Airport Plan
Officials recommended preserving current recreational infrastructure as the airport prepares for a 2028 closure.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in National Parks
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Should city planners prioritize preserving existing local parks over building new facilities during redevelopment?
The Santa Monica Planning Commission voted to keep existing park facilities intact during the conversion of the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site. The decision follows a public survey that gathered 4,200 responses regarding the future use of the land.
Why it matters
Commissioners prioritized the preservation of established recreational space to avoid the potential wastefulness of relocating infrastructure. Officials emphasized that moving existing amenities would negatively impact current service levels for local residents.
The airport property covers 192 acres, while existing assets like Airport Park occupy 8 acres of the site. Non-aviation businesses within the airport zone currently generate between $20 million and $22 million in annual revenue.
The players
Santa Monica Planning Commission
This local government body is responsible for overseeing development projects, zoning regulations, and long-term land-use policies within the city.
Recreation and Parks Commission
This municipal agency manages public recreational facilities, community programs, and the maintenance of parks throughout the city.
The details
The commission approved a recommendation to endorse a letter from the Recreation and Parks Commission, which proposed using airport lease revenue to fund the park project. Development will be guided by a master plan blueprint, with an environmental review process expected to span 12 to 18 months.
Timeline
Public survey responses were collected between Feb. 18 and April 28.
The Recreation and Parks Commission letter was dated Sept. 21.
The Planning Commission held a study session on Oct. 7.
A draft master plan workshop is scheduled for Oct. 17.
The Santa Monica Airport is set for permanent closure on Dec. 31, 2028.
Travel Outlook
This planning decision marks a shift toward repurposing active municipal aviation space into permanent public recreation zones. It aligns with broader trends in urban development that prioritize reclaiming large-scale footprints for community use as transport infrastructure retires.
Residents can prepare for changes to local recreational access by participating in upcoming public workshops to review the master plan. These meetings will clarify how existing facilities, such as the baseball fields at Clover Park, will be integrated into the final site design.
The takeaway
Local officials are aiming to protect existing community assets while transitioning land use from aviation to public park space. Residents should monitor the upcoming master plan workshop to understand how long-standing recreational areas will be maintained after the airport closes.
What happens next
The city is scheduled to unveil a draft master plan for the airport site during a public workshop on Oct. 17.
Further reading
Learn more about local development and land use by visiting the National Parks section.
Live Poll
Should city planners prioritize preserving existing local parks over building new facilities during redevelopment?
