By Bari Cohn
Staff Writer
Leadership Manhattan Beach is planning to install ping pong tables in Marine Avenue and Live Oak Parks in the beginning of May as a part of their annual project to motivate MB residents to spend more time outdoors.
Leadership Manhattan Beach members voted in Nov. to implement Project Co-Chair Bruce Franklin’s idea of the ping pong tables. Franklin said that he thought of the idea after traveling to New York and seeing ping pong tables in Madison Square Park.
“Since we decided the idea for the project, we have done a lot of work to finalize it,” Franklin said. “Everyone has worked hard at their individual part in order to create the best possible outcome for the project as a whole.”
Members of Leadership Manhattan Beach broke up into different committees so that each committee could have individual tasks to complete. These jobs included fundraising for the project and determining the location for the ping pong tables.
“The main goal of each community service project that we’ve come up with is to affect Manhattan Beach in a positive way and to bring the community together,” Engin said. “The ping pong tables are meant to give people a place to go and create an activity that’s not only recreational but also enjoyable for people of all ages.”
According to Project Co-Chair Emma Jacobson, the Ping-Pong Design Committee has interviewed several manufacturers in order to choose a design for the tables. One of the committees also designed the nets for the ping-pong tables as well which be stainless steel nets that on concrete tables of the Manhattan Beach pier and the possible Costa tables will have the Costa logo as well.
“The tables will be both interesting to look at as well as functional so I think that they will attract a lot of attention and people will enjoy playing with them,” Franklin said. “Ping pong is a very popular sport in the city but you don’t get a chance to play outside very often because usually the tables are inside.”
Leadership MB may also add ping pong tables to Costa, although no plans have been finalized. They are waiting to count the total number of donations received before making any more future plans. According to Jacobson, if enough funds are raised they will look further into the idea.
“The tables will further enhance our incredible parks and school,” Jacobson said. “They provide yet another opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with family and friends.”
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