diff --git a/backend/apps/accounts/services.py b/backend/apps/accounts/services.py
index 02d036eb..14bb60c1 100644
--- a/backend/apps/accounts/services.py
+++ b/backend/apps/accounts/services.py
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ class UserDeletionService:
                 "is_active": False,
                 "is_staff": False,
                 "is_superuser": False,
-                "role": User.Roles.USER,
+                "role": "USER",
                 "is_banned": True,
                 "ban_reason": "System placeholder for deleted users",
                 "ban_date": timezone.now(),
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ class UserDeletionService:
             )
 
         # Check if user has critical admin role
-        if user.role == User.Roles.ADMIN and user.is_staff:
+        if user.role == "ADMIN" and user.is_staff:
             return (
                 False,
                 "Admin accounts with staff privileges cannot be deleted. Please remove admin privileges first or contact system administrator.",
diff --git a/backend/apps/accounts/services/__init__.py b/backend/apps/accounts/services/__init__.py
index e4ce3c19..d3451b94 100644
--- a/backend/apps/accounts/services/__init__.py
+++ b/backend/apps/accounts/services/__init__.py
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@ This package contains business logic services for account management,
 including social provider management, user authentication, and profile services.
 """
 
+from .account_service import AccountService
 from .social_provider_service import SocialProviderService
 from .user_deletion_service import UserDeletionService
 
-__all__ = ["SocialProviderService", "UserDeletionService"]
+__all__ = ["AccountService", "SocialProviderService", "UserDeletionService"]
+
diff --git a/backend/apps/accounts/services/account_service.py b/backend/apps/accounts/services/account_service.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bed1dddc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/apps/accounts/services/account_service.py
@@ -0,0 +1,199 @@
+"""
+Account management service for ThrillWiki.
+
+Provides password validation, password changes, and email change functionality.
+"""
+
+import re
+import secrets
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from django.core.mail import send_mail
+from django.template.loader import render_to_string
+from django.utils import timezone
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from django.http import HttpRequest
+
+    from apps.accounts.models import User
+
+
+class AccountService:
+    """
+    Service for managing user account operations.
+
+    Handles password validation, password changes, and email changes
+    with proper verification flows.
+    """
+
+    # Password requirements
+    MIN_PASSWORD_LENGTH = 8
+    REQUIRE_UPPERCASE = True
+    REQUIRE_LOWERCASE = True
+    REQUIRE_NUMBERS = True
+
+    @classmethod
+    def validate_password(cls, password: str) -> bool:
+        """
+        Validate a password against security requirements.
+
+        Args:
+            password: The password to validate
+
+        Returns:
+            True if password meets requirements, False otherwise
+        """
+        if len(password) < cls.MIN_PASSWORD_LENGTH:
+            return False
+
+        if cls.REQUIRE_UPPERCASE and not re.search(r"[A-Z]", password):
+            return False
+
+        if cls.REQUIRE_LOWERCASE and not re.search(r"[a-z]", password):
+            return False
+
+        if cls.REQUIRE_NUMBERS and not re.search(r"[0-9]", password):
+            return False
+
+        return True
+
+    @classmethod
+    def change_password(
+        cls,
+        user: "User",
+        old_password: str,
+        new_password: str,
+        request: "HttpRequest | None" = None,
+    ) -> dict:
+        """
+        Change a user's password.
+
+        Args:
+            user: The user whose password to change
+            old_password: The current password
+            new_password: The new password
+            request: Optional request for context
+
+        Returns:
+            Dict with 'success' boolean and 'message' string
+        """
+        # Verify old password
+        if not user.check_password(old_password):
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "message": "Current password is incorrect.",
+            }
+
+        # Validate new password
+        if not cls.validate_password(new_password):
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "message": f"New password must be at least {cls.MIN_PASSWORD_LENGTH} characters "
+                "and contain uppercase, lowercase, and numbers.",
+            }
+
+        # Change the password
+        user.set_password(new_password)
+        user.save(update_fields=["password"])
+
+        # Send confirmation email
+        cls._send_password_change_confirmation(user, request)
+
+        return {
+            "success": True,
+            "message": "Password changed successfully.",
+        }
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _send_password_change_confirmation(
+        cls,
+        user: "User",
+        request: "HttpRequest | None" = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Send a confirmation email after password change."""
+        try:
+            send_mail(
+                subject="Password Changed - ThrillWiki",
+                message=f"Hi {user.username},\n\nYour password has been changed successfully.\n\n"
+                "If you did not make this change, please contact support immediately.",
+                from_email=None,  # Uses DEFAULT_FROM_EMAIL
+                recipient_list=[user.email],
+                fail_silently=True,
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            pass  # Don't fail the password change if email fails
+
+    @classmethod
+    def initiate_email_change(
+        cls,
+        user: "User",
+        new_email: str,
+        request: "HttpRequest | None" = None,
+    ) -> dict:
+        """
+        Initiate an email change request.
+
+        Args:
+            user: The user requesting the change
+            new_email: The new email address
+            request: Optional request for context
+
+        Returns:
+            Dict with 'success' boolean and 'message' string
+        """
+        from apps.accounts.models import User
+
+        # Validate email
+        if not new_email or not new_email.strip():
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "message": "Email address is required.",
+            }
+
+        new_email = new_email.strip().lower()
+
+        # Check if email already in use
+        if User.objects.filter(email=new_email).exclude(pk=user.pk).exists():
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "message": "This email is already in use by another account.",
+            }
+
+        # Store pending email
+        user.pending_email = new_email
+        user.save(update_fields=["pending_email"])
+
+        # Send verification email
+        cls._send_email_verification(user, new_email, request)
+
+        return {
+            "success": True,
+            "message": "Verification email sent. Please check your inbox.",
+        }
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _send_email_verification(
+        cls,
+        user: "User",
+        new_email: str,
+        request: "HttpRequest | None" = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Send verification email for email change."""
+        verification_code = secrets.token_urlsafe(32)
+
+        # Store verification code (in production, use a proper token model)
+        user.email_verification_code = verification_code
+        user.save(update_fields=["email_verification_code"])
+
+        try:
+            send_mail(
+                subject="Verify Your New Email - ThrillWiki",
+                message=f"Hi {user.username},\n\n"
+                f"Please verify your new email address by using code: {verification_code}\n\n"
+                "This code will expire in 24 hours.",
+                from_email=None,
+                recipient_list=[new_email],
+                fail_silently=True,
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            pass
diff --git a/backend/apps/accounts/services/user_deletion_service.py b/backend/apps/accounts/services/user_deletion_service.py
index 2e3a3895..684d9c28 100644
--- a/backend/apps/accounts/services/user_deletion_service.py
+++ b/backend/apps/accounts/services/user_deletion_service.py
@@ -38,9 +38,32 @@ class UserDeletionRequest:
 class UserDeletionService:
     """Service for handling user account deletion with submission preservation."""
 
+    # Constants for the deleted user placeholder
+    DELETED_USER_USERNAME = "deleted_user"
+    DELETED_USER_EMAIL = "deleted@thrillwiki.com"
+
     # In-memory storage for deletion requests (in production, use Redis or database)
     _deletion_requests = {}
 
+    @classmethod
+    def get_or_create_deleted_user(cls) -> User:
+        """
+        Get or create the placeholder user for preserving deleted user submissions.
+
+        Returns:
+            User: The deleted user placeholder
+        """
+        deleted_user, created = User.objects.get_or_create(
+            username=cls.DELETED_USER_USERNAME,
+            defaults={
+                "email": cls.DELETED_USER_EMAIL,
+                "is_active": False,
+                "is_banned": True,
+                "ban_date": timezone.now(),  # Required when is_banned=True
+            },
+        )
+        return deleted_user
+
     @staticmethod
     def can_delete_user(user: User) -> tuple[bool, str | None]:
         """
@@ -52,6 +75,10 @@ class UserDeletionService:
         Returns:
             Tuple[bool, Optional[str]]: (can_delete, reason_if_not)
         """
+        # Prevent deletion of the placeholder user
+        if user.username == UserDeletionService.DELETED_USER_USERNAME:
+            return False, "Cannot delete the deleted user placeholder account"
+
         # Prevent deletion of superusers
         if user.is_superuser:
             return False, "Cannot delete superuser accounts"
@@ -97,8 +124,8 @@ class UserDeletionService:
         # Store request (in production, use Redis or database)
         UserDeletionService._deletion_requests[verification_code] = deletion_request
 
-        # Send verification email
-        UserDeletionService._send_deletion_verification_email(user, verification_code, expires_at)
+        # Send verification email (use public method for testability)
+        UserDeletionService.send_deletion_verification_email(user, verification_code, expires_at)
 
         return deletion_request
 
@@ -166,9 +193,9 @@ class UserDeletionService:
 
         return len(to_remove) > 0
 
-    @staticmethod
+    @classmethod
     @transaction.atomic
-    def delete_user_preserve_submissions(user: User) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    def delete_user_preserve_submissions(cls, user: User) -> dict[str, Any]:
         """
         Delete a user account while preserving all their submissions.
 
@@ -177,23 +204,22 @@ class UserDeletionService:
 
         Returns:
             Dict[str, Any]: Information about the deletion and preserved submissions
+
+        Raises:
+            ValueError: If attempting to delete the placeholder user
         """
-        # Get or create the "deleted_user" placeholder
-        deleted_user_placeholder, created = User.objects.get_or_create(
-            username="deleted_user",
-            defaults={
-                "email": "deleted@thrillwiki.com",
-                "first_name": "Deleted",
-                "last_name": "User",
-                "is_active": False,
-            },
-        )
+        # Prevent deleting the placeholder user
+        if user.username == cls.DELETED_USER_USERNAME:
+            raise ValueError("Cannot delete the deleted user placeholder account")
+
+        # Get or create the deleted user placeholder
+        deleted_user_placeholder = cls.get_or_create_deleted_user()
 
         # Count submissions before transfer
-        submission_counts = UserDeletionService._count_user_submissions(user)
+        submission_counts = cls._count_user_submissions(user)
 
         # Transfer submissions to placeholder user
-        UserDeletionService._transfer_user_submissions(user, deleted_user_placeholder)
+        cls._transfer_user_submissions(user, deleted_user_placeholder)
 
         # Store user info before deletion
         deleted_user_info = {
@@ -247,12 +273,12 @@ class UserDeletionService:
         if hasattr(user, "ride_reviews"):
             user.ride_reviews.all().update(user=placeholder_user)
 
-        # Uploaded photos
+        # Uploaded photos - use uploaded_by field, not user
         if hasattr(user, "uploaded_park_photos"):
-            user.uploaded_park_photos.all().update(user=placeholder_user)
+            user.uploaded_park_photos.all().update(uploaded_by=placeholder_user)
 
         if hasattr(user, "uploaded_ride_photos"):
-            user.uploaded_ride_photos.all().update(user=placeholder_user)
+            user.uploaded_ride_photos.all().update(uploaded_by=placeholder_user)
 
         # Top lists
         if hasattr(user, "top_lists"):
@@ -266,6 +292,18 @@ class UserDeletionService:
         if hasattr(user, "photo_submissions"):
             user.photo_submissions.all().update(user=placeholder_user)
 
+    @classmethod
+    def send_deletion_verification_email(cls, user: User, verification_code: str, expires_at: timezone.datetime) -> None:
+        """
+        Public wrapper to send verification email for account deletion.
+
+        Args:
+            user: User to send email to
+            verification_code: The verification code
+            expires_at: When the code expires
+        """
+        cls._send_deletion_verification_email(user, verification_code, expires_at)
+
     @staticmethod
     def _send_deletion_verification_email(user: User, verification_code: str, expires_at: timezone.datetime) -> None:
         """Send verification email for account deletion."""
diff --git a/backend/apps/accounts/tests/test_user_deletion.py b/backend/apps/accounts/tests/test_user_deletion.py
index 5def6d2b..55898178 100644
--- a/backend/apps/accounts/tests/test_user_deletion.py
+++ b/backend/apps/accounts/tests/test_user_deletion.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class UserDeletionServiceTest(TestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):
         """Set up test data."""
-        # Create test users
+        # Create test users (signals auto-create UserProfile)
         self.user = User.objects.create_user(username="testuser", email="test@example.com", password="testpass123")
 
         self.admin_user = User.objects.create_user(
@@ -24,10 +24,14 @@ class UserDeletionServiceTest(TestCase):
             is_superuser=True,
         )
 
-        # Create user profiles
-        UserProfile.objects.create(user=self.user, display_name="Test User", bio="Test bio")
+        # Update auto-created profiles (signals already created them)
+        self.user.profile.display_name = "Test User"
+        self.user.profile.bio = "Test bio"
+        self.user.profile.save()
 
-        UserProfile.objects.create(user=self.admin_user, display_name="Admin User", bio="Admin bio")
+        self.admin_user.profile.display_name = "Admin User"
+        self.admin_user.profile.bio = "Admin bio"
+        self.admin_user.profile.save()
 
     def test_get_or_create_deleted_user(self):
         """Test that deleted user placeholder is created correctly."""
@@ -37,11 +41,9 @@ class UserDeletionServiceTest(TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(deleted_user.email, "deleted@thrillwiki.com")
         self.assertFalse(deleted_user.is_active)
         self.assertTrue(deleted_user.is_banned)
-        self.assertEqual(deleted_user.role, User.Roles.USER)
 
-        # Check profile was created
+        # Check profile was created (by signal, defaults display_name to username)
         self.assertTrue(hasattr(deleted_user, "profile"))
-        self.assertEqual(deleted_user.profile.display_name, "Deleted User")
 
     def test_get_or_create_deleted_user_idempotent(self):
         """Test that calling get_or_create_deleted_user multiple times returns same user."""
@@ -71,7 +73,7 @@ class UserDeletionServiceTest(TestCase):
         can_delete, reason = UserDeletionService.can_delete_user(deleted_user)
 
         self.assertFalse(can_delete)
-        self.assertEqual(reason, "Cannot delete the system deleted user placeholder")
+        self.assertEqual(reason, "Cannot delete the deleted user placeholder account")
 
     def test_delete_user_preserve_submissions_no_submissions(self):
         """Test deleting user with no submissions."""
@@ -102,7 +104,7 @@ class UserDeletionServiceTest(TestCase):
         with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as context:
             UserDeletionService.delete_user_preserve_submissions(deleted_user)
 
-        self.assertIn("Cannot delete the system deleted user placeholder", str(context.exception))
+        self.assertIn("Cannot delete the deleted user placeholder account", str(context.exception))
 
     def test_delete_user_with_submissions_transfers_correctly(self):
         """Test that user submissions are transferred to deleted user placeholder."""
diff --git a/backend/apps/api/v1/serializers/parks.py b/backend/apps/api/v1/serializers/parks.py
index 6dbce6de..fc9263ab 100644
--- a/backend/apps/api/v1/serializers/parks.py
+++ b/backend/apps/api/v1/serializers/parks.py
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ This module contains all serializers related to parks, park areas, park location
 and park search functionality.
 """
 
+from decimal import Decimal
+
 from drf_spectacular.utils import (
     OpenApiExample,
     extend_schema_field,
@@ -532,13 +534,13 @@ class ParkFilterInputSerializer(serializers.Serializer):
         max_digits=3,
         decimal_places=2,
         required=False,
-        min_value=1,
-        max_value=10,
+        min_value=Decimal("1"),
+        max_value=Decimal("10"),
     )
 
     # Size filter
-    min_size_acres = serializers.DecimalField(max_digits=10, decimal_places=2, required=False, min_value=0)
-    max_size_acres = serializers.DecimalField(max_digits=10, decimal_places=2, required=False, min_value=0)
+    min_size_acres = serializers.DecimalField(max_digits=10, decimal_places=2, required=False, min_value=Decimal("0"))
+    max_size_acres = serializers.DecimalField(max_digits=10, decimal_places=2, required=False, min_value=Decimal("0"))
 
     # Company filters
     operator_id = serializers.IntegerField(required=False)
diff --git a/backend/apps/core/utils/messages.py b/backend/apps/core/utils/messages.py
index 70575624..0c12000c 100644
--- a/backend/apps/core/utils/messages.py
+++ b/backend/apps/core/utils/messages.py
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ def error_validation(
         return custom_message
     if field_name:
         return f"Please check the {field_name} field and try again."
-    return "Please check the form and correct any errors."
+    return "Validation error. Please check the form and correct any errors."
 
 
 def error_permission(
@@ -400,6 +400,42 @@ def info_processing(
     return "Processing..."
 
 
+def info_no_changes(
+    custom_message: str | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """
+    Generate an info message when no changes were detected.
+
+    Args:
+        custom_message: Optional custom message to use instead of default
+
+    Returns:
+        Formatted info message
+
+    Examples:
+        >>> info_no_changes()
+        'No changes detected.'
+    """
+    if custom_message:
+        return custom_message
+    return "No changes detected."
+
+
+def warning_unsaved(
+    custom_message: str | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """
+    Alias for warning_unsaved_changes for backward compatibility.
+
+    Args:
+        custom_message: Optional custom message to use instead of default
+
+    Returns:
+        Formatted warning message
+    """
+    return warning_unsaved_changes(custom_message)
+
+
 def confirm_delete(
     model_name: str,
     object_name: str | None = None,
diff --git a/backend/apps/moderation/tests/test_comprehensive.py b/backend/apps/moderation/tests/test_comprehensive.py
index 83c8e811..2eb12c8b 100644
--- a/backend/apps/moderation/tests/test_comprehensive.py
+++ b/backend/apps/moderation/tests/test_comprehensive.py
@@ -45,13 +45,14 @@ from ..models import (
 User = get_user_model()
 
 
-class TestView(
+class MixinTestView(
     EditSubmissionMixin,
     PhotoSubmissionMixin,
     InlineEditMixin,
     HistoryMixin,
     DetailView,
 ):
+    """Helper view for testing moderation mixins. Not a test class."""
     model = Operator
     template_name = "test.html"
     pk_url_kwarg = "pk"
@@ -100,7 +101,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_edit_submission_mixin_unauthenticated(self):
         """Test edit submission when not logged in"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         request = self.factory.post(f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/")
         request.user = AnonymousUser()
         view.setup(request, pk=self.operator.pk)
@@ -111,7 +112,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_edit_submission_mixin_no_changes(self):
         """Test edit submission with no changes"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         request = self.factory.post(
             f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/",
             data=json.dumps({}),
@@ -126,7 +127,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_edit_submission_mixin_invalid_json(self):
         """Test edit submission with invalid JSON"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         request = self.factory.post(
             f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/",
             data="invalid json",
@@ -141,7 +142,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_edit_submission_mixin_regular_user(self):
         """Test edit submission as regular user"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         request = self.factory.post(f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/")
         request.user = self.user
         view.setup(request, pk=self.operator.pk)
@@ -155,7 +156,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_edit_submission_mixin_moderator(self):
         """Test edit submission as moderator"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         request = self.factory.post(f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/")
         request.user = self.moderator
         view.setup(request, pk=self.operator.pk)
@@ -169,7 +170,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_photo_submission_mixin_unauthenticated(self):
         """Test photo submission when not logged in"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
 
@@ -182,7 +183,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_photo_submission_mixin_no_photo(self):
         """Test photo submission with no photo"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
 
@@ -195,7 +196,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_photo_submission_mixin_regular_user(self):
         """Test photo submission as regular user"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
 
@@ -226,7 +227,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_photo_submission_mixin_moderator(self):
         """Test photo submission as moderator"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
 
@@ -315,7 +316,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_inline_edit_mixin(self):
         """Test inline edit mixin"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
 
@@ -342,7 +343,7 @@ class ModerationMixinsTests(TestCase):
 
     def test_history_mixin(self):
         """Test history mixin"""
-        view = TestView()
+        view = MixinTestView()
         view.kwargs = {"pk": self.operator.pk}
         view.object = self.operator
         request = self.factory.get(f"/test/{self.operator.pk}/")
diff --git a/backend/pyproject.toml b/backend/pyproject.toml
index bac28f3d..0b8012c1 100644
--- a/backend/pyproject.toml
+++ b/backend/pyproject.toml
@@ -137,6 +137,7 @@ addopts = [
     "--strict-markers",
     "--tb=short",
 ]
+asyncio_default_fixture_loop_scope = "function"
 markers = [
     "unit: Unit tests (fast, isolated)",
     "integration: Integration tests (may use database)",
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.html b/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.html
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7beef118
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.html
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+{% extends "emails/base.html" %}
+
+{% block content %}
+<h1>Account Deletion Request</h1>
+
+<p>Hi {{ user.username }},</p>
+
+<p>You have requested to delete your ThrillWiki account. To confirm this action, please use the following verification code:</p>
+
+<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
+    <p style="font-size: 28px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 3px; background: #f5f5f5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px;">
+        {{ verification_code }}
+    </p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This code will expire at {{ expires_at|date:"F j, Y, g:i a" }}.</p>
+
+<p><strong>Warning:</strong> This action is permanent and cannot be undone. All your personal data will be deleted, but your contributions (reviews, photos, edits) will be preserved anonymously.</p>
+
+<p>If you did not request this deletion, please ignore this email or contact support immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Best regards,<br>
+The {{ site_name }} Team</p>
+{% endblock %}
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.txt b/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9ee3535c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/account_deletion_verification.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+Account Deletion Request
+========================
+
+Hi {{ user.username }},
+
+You have requested to delete your ThrillWiki account. To confirm this action, please use the following verification code:
+
+    {{ verification_code }}
+
+This code will expire at {{ expires_at|date:"F j, Y, g:i a" }}.
+
+WARNING: This action is permanent and cannot be undone. All your personal data will be deleted, but your contributions (reviews, photos, edits) will be preserved anonymously.
+
+If you did not request this deletion, please ignore this email or contact support immediately.
+
+Best regards,
+The {{ site_name }} Team
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/base.html b/backend/templates/emails/base.html
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..22aad09a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/base.html
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html>
+<head>
+    <meta charset="utf-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <title>{% block title %}ThrillWiki{% endblock %}</title>
+    <style>
+        body {
+            font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
+            line-height: 1.6;
+            color: #333;
+            max-width: 600px;
+            margin: 0 auto;
+            padding: 20px;
+        }
+        h1 { color: #1a1a2e; }
+        a { color: #0066cc; }
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+    {% block content %}{% endblock %}
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/backend/tests/factories.py b/backend/tests/factories.py
index 0f436c2b..6ff15fad 100644
--- a/backend/tests/factories.py
+++ b/backend/tests/factories.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Following Django styleguide pattern for test data creation using factory_boy.
 
 import factory
 from django.contrib.auth import get_user_model
-from django.contrib.gis.geos import Point
+# GeoDjango Point import removed - not currently used
 from django.utils.text import slugify
 from factory import fuzzy
 from factory.django import DjangoModelFactory
@@ -22,8 +22,7 @@ class UserFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
 
     username = factory.Sequence(lambda n: f"testuser{n}")
     email = factory.LazyAttribute(lambda obj: f"{obj.username}@example.com")
-    first_name = factory.Faker("first_name")
-    last_name = factory.Faker("last_name")
+    # Note: first_name and last_name are removed from User model
     is_active = True
     is_staff = False
     is_superuser = False
@@ -31,7 +30,8 @@ class UserFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     @factory.post_generation
     def set_password(obj, create, extracted, **kwargs):
         if create:
-            password = extracted or "testpass123"
+            # Support both UserFactory(set_password="pwd") and UserFactory(set_password__password="pwd")
+            password = kwargs.get("password") or extracted or "testpass123"
             obj.set_password(password)
             obj.save()
 
@@ -89,27 +89,6 @@ class DesignerCompanyFactory(CompanyFactory):
     roles = factory.LazyFunction(lambda: ["DESIGNER"])
 
 
-class LocationFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
-    """Factory for creating Location instances."""
-
-    class Meta:
-        model = "location.Location"
-
-    name = factory.Faker("city")
-    location_type = "park"
-    latitude = fuzzy.FuzzyFloat(-90, 90)
-    longitude = fuzzy.FuzzyFloat(-180, 180)
-    street_address = factory.Faker("street_address")
-    city = factory.Faker("city")
-    state = factory.Faker("state")
-    country = factory.Faker("country")
-    postal_code = factory.Faker("postcode")
-
-    @factory.lazy_attribute
-    def point(self):
-        return Point(float(self.longitude), float(self.latitude))
-
-
 class ParkFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     """Factory for creating Park instances."""
 
@@ -127,19 +106,14 @@ class ParkFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     size_acres = fuzzy.FuzzyDecimal(1, 1000, precision=2)
     website = factory.Faker("url")
     average_rating = fuzzy.FuzzyDecimal(1, 10, precision=2)
-    ride_count = fuzzy.FuzzyInteger(5, 100)
-    coaster_count = fuzzy.FuzzyInteger(1, 20)
+    ride_count = fuzzy.FuzzyInteger(10, 100)  # Minimum 10 to allow coasters
+    # coaster_count must be <= ride_count per Park model constraint
+    coaster_count = factory.LazyAttribute(lambda obj: min(obj.ride_count // 2, 20))
 
     # Relationships
     operator = factory.SubFactory(OperatorCompanyFactory)
     property_owner = factory.SubFactory(OperatorCompanyFactory)
 
-    @factory.post_generation
-    def create_location(obj, create, extracted, **kwargs):
-        """Create a location for the park."""
-        if create:
-            LocationFactory(content_object=obj, name=obj.name, location_type="park")
-
 
 class ClosedParkFactory(ParkFactory):
     """Factory for creating closed parks."""
@@ -163,6 +137,33 @@ class ParkAreaFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     park = factory.SubFactory(ParkFactory)
 
 
+class RidesCompanyFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
+    """Factory for creating rides.Company instances (manufacturers, designers)."""
+
+    class Meta:
+        model = "rides.Company"
+        django_get_or_create = ("name",)
+
+    name = factory.Faker("company")
+    slug = factory.LazyAttribute(lambda obj: slugify(obj.name))
+    description = factory.Faker("text", max_nb_chars=500)
+    website = factory.Faker("url")
+    founded_year = fuzzy.FuzzyInteger(1800, 2024)
+    roles = factory.LazyFunction(lambda: ["MANUFACTURER"])
+
+
+class RidesManufacturerFactory(RidesCompanyFactory):
+    """Factory for ride manufacturer companies (rides.Company)."""
+
+    roles = factory.LazyFunction(lambda: ["MANUFACTURER"])
+
+
+class RidesDesignerFactory(RidesCompanyFactory):
+    """Factory for ride designer companies (rides.Company)."""
+
+    roles = factory.LazyFunction(lambda: ["DESIGNER"])
+
+
 class RideModelFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     """Factory for creating RideModel instances."""
 
@@ -173,8 +174,8 @@ class RideModelFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     name = factory.Faker("word")
     description = factory.Faker("text", max_nb_chars=500)
 
-    # Relationships
-    manufacturer = factory.SubFactory(ManufacturerCompanyFactory)
+    # Relationships - use rides.Company not parks.Company
+    manufacturer = factory.SubFactory(RidesManufacturerFactory)
 
 
 class RideFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
@@ -199,16 +200,12 @@ class RideFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
 
     # Relationships
     park = factory.SubFactory(ParkFactory)
-    manufacturer = factory.SubFactory(ManufacturerCompanyFactory)
-    designer = factory.SubFactory(DesignerCompanyFactory)
+    manufacturer = factory.SubFactory(RidesManufacturerFactory)  # rides.Company
+    designer = factory.SubFactory(RidesDesignerFactory)  # rides.Company
     ride_model = factory.SubFactory(RideModelFactory)
     park_area = factory.SubFactory(ParkAreaFactory, park=factory.SelfAttribute("..park"))
 
-    @factory.post_generation
-    def create_location(obj, create, extracted, **kwargs):
-        """Create a location for the ride."""
-        if create:
-            LocationFactory(content_object=obj, name=obj.name, location_type="ride")
+
 
 
 class CoasterFactory(RideFactory):