HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC_PR Update_04.07.2021 Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 03/03/2021
Item Number:
DATE: April 7, 2021
FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development
SUBJECT: Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041
Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update
RECOMMENDATION
1. Review and provide comments and recommendations on the Public Draft Parks +
Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (Parks and Recreation Plan and General
Plan Element Update)
BACKGROUND
For additional background regarding the Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 Parks
and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update (Plan Update), including the summarized
introduction to the Public Draft Plan Update please refer to the March 3, 2021 Parks and Recreation
Commission agenda report, available here.
The public is encouraged to attend the public hearings on this item and provide comments as the Public
Draft Plan Update proceeds through the hearing process.
The document and links to opportunities for public comment are available here:
https://www.slocity.org/parksandrecreationelementupdate
DISCUSSION
The Public Workshop on the Plan Update was held via Zoom on March 25, 2021. Approximately 30
participants were in attendance throughout the Workshop (attendance varied at times). Staff presented
the Public Draft Plan Update, conducted virtual polls on specific parks and facilities, received public
comments and questions via Zoom Chat and public testimony, and responded to questions from the
public. The public was also encouraged to provide comments on Open City Hall, which continues to be
a resource for the public to provide comments. Comments received prior to the preparation of this agenda
report are summarized; however, please note staff will continue to receive comments as the Plan Update
progresses through the public review process. In addition, staff presented the Public Draft Plan Update
to the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) on March 18, 2021. The ATC unanimously moved to
recommend adoption of the Plan Update, with recommendations identified on the following page.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 2
Active Transportation Committee, March 18, 2021
Staff presented the Public Draft Plan Update to the Active Transportation Committee, and received a
unanimous recommendation to the Planning Commission that the City Council adopt the Plan Update,
with the following recommendations:
• Address Sinsheimer Park area connectivity, including non-vehicular access both to the
Sinsheimer Park area and through the park. Identify need for a paved trail connecting the Railroad
Safety Trail to Sinsheimer Park.
• Provide stronger language in Policy 1.15 Sustainable Transportation Access and Policy 1.16
Shaded Play Areas, beyond “evaluate potential…”and “strive to”.
• Policy 3.1 Access by Foot and Bike: Amend title to be more inclusive of those accessing parks
and facilities by alternative non-vehicular means beyond “foot and bike”.
• Overall, provide more specific ties to the Active Transportation Plan.
• Suggestion to locate pump tracks on routes to schools and locate pump tracks where it can be
accessed via bicycle.
• Specifically address Sinsheimer Park, Laguna Lake Park, and Meadow Park in Policy 1.15
Sustainable Transportation Access, Policy 3.1 Access by Foot and Bike, and Policy 5.2 Safe
Access to Parks by Sustainable Transportation.
• Include bicycle parking in parks, with facilities for standard, electric, and cargo bicycles.
Staff invites feedback from the PRC regarding these recommendations, which will also be presented to
the Planning Commission upon their consideration of the Plan Update.
Public Workshop, March 25, 2021
Based on the comments received during the public meeting, staff recommends the PRC consider and
discuss the following topics, summarized below.
• Overall, in order to provide more clarity in the Plan Update, staff recommends incorporation of
clarifying language regarding identified future park and facility improvements, including the
intention to provide equitable distribution of amenities throughout the identified sub-areas, and
the flexible nature of the Plan Update. The document should note that identified amenities for
each park are possibilities for future consideration and will depend on implementation of other
plans and projects within the City in addition to extensive community engagement.
• One of the guiding themes of the Plan Update is “Inclusion and Access”, including “equitable
access to recreation”.1 Staff looks forward to conducting further outreach and hearing more
from the community about how parks and recreation, and associated programming, can be more
inclusive and equitable by providing diverse opportunities, access, and activities for everyone.
Staff encourages the community to provide public comment regarding any social, activity,
ability, income, or other barriers to accessing parks and recreation in the city, and how we can
best address these important issues.
1 Inclusion and Access: The City’s parks, public spaces, recreation amenities and programs will be accessible to residents and
visitors, including the full diversity of our community. The City will continue to work to create equitable access to recreat ion
and green spaces, and to address both physical and non -physical barriers that may prevent people from having full access to
the benefits of parks and recreation.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 3
Comments received during the Workshop regarding specific parks and facilities warranting further
discussion by the PRC are summarized below.
Laguna Lake Park
• Commenters noted a need for paths and facilities for roller sport activities, such as roller skating.
Staff recommends that the Plan Update expand potential amenities to include improvements to
existing paths, and/or construction of new/modified universal multi-use paths for pedestrians,
bicyclists, and roller sports to provide more opportunities for diverse activities and use of urban
paths. The PRC should discuss if this is appropriate for Laguna Lake Park.
• Attendees noted a need for an additional roller area facility in the City, to support activities such
as roller derby, and persons learning roller sports. While this was not specifically identified as a
priority amenity, the PRC should discuss if a multi-use roller court should be identified as one of
the potential future amenities to be considered in the comprehensive update to the Laguna Lake
Plan.
• In order to address comments expressing a desire for a more passive environment at the park, the
need for more focus on the lake itself and associated aquatics activities, staff recommends that
the Plan Update is clear regarding the future community engagement that will be associated with
the comprehensive update to the Laguna Lake Plan in order to find the balance between passive
and active recreational uses and facilities.
Meadow Park, Meadow Park Center, Exposition Park
• The Public Draft Plan Update identifies improvement of walking paths, use, and long-term
maintenance of these shared paths, but does not specifically identify smooth surfaces for roller
activities. The PRC should discuss if the Plan Update should include incorporation of a potential
amenity to serve those learning a roller sport within Meadow or Exposition Park.
• The Public Draft Plan Update does not currently specifically call out multi-use or skate tracks;
however, based on feedback during the Workshop, staff recommends this description be
expanded to include potential skating and other roller activities suitable for a track.
Sinsheimer Park, Sinsheimer Stadium, and SLO Swim Center
• The Plan Update does not currently specifically call out multi-use or skate tracks; however, based
on feedback during the Workshop, staff recommends this description be expanded in the
document (applicable to both Sinsheimer area and the Railroad Safety Trail) to include skating
and other roller activities suitable for a track. The design of the pump track would be dependent
on community engagement and is anticipated to be designed for all ages and abilities as these
facilities provide good opportunities to learn, and gain confidence, in bicycle and roller sports.
• Comments presented by both the public and the ATC noted the need for improved non-vehicular
connections the Sinsheimer area, in addition to improved access both to and through the park.
The Plan Update identifies “accessibility” as an item that should be addressed in the
comprehensive plan for this park area. Based on comments from the public and the ATC, staff
recommends that connectivity should be highlighted more clearly.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 4
• Attendees noted a need for an additional roller area or facility in the City, to support activities
such as roller derby, and persons learning roller sports. While this was not specifically identified
as a priority amenity, the PRC should discuss if a multi -use roller court should be identified as
one of the potential future amenities to be considered in the comprehensive plan for the
Sinsheimer area.
Laguna Lake Golf Course
• Comments provided by the public regarding alternative programming included an obstacle
course event (similar to previous City event), multi-use trails, inclusive and equitable golf clubs
and classes, mini-golf, covered multi-use area (barbeque, or roller sports). These present potential
options for consideration in the present and future.
SLO Senior Center
• There was overall support for a multi-generational facility, either at the current location or a new
location as identified in the Plan Update. Further outreach with the members of the Senior Center
and the community will occur to determine the appropriate use and programming of the existing
facility and any future facility.
In addition to the Workshop, the community was encouraged to provide comments on the Open SLO
website. Comments received to date are summarized below, and the PRC is encouraged to review all
public comments received prior to the public meeting, as staff anticipates and encourages further public
comment.
• Support for additional dog parks in the city. Suggestions for additional clarifications related to
dog parks and associated essential elements; incorporation of a dog park in the Emerson Park
Revitalization Plan; inclusion of a policy to establish a dog park within each sub-area in the near
term (0-5 years); and incorporation of an appendix to the Plan Update that includes dog park
design guidelines. The PRC should discuss if this information should be incorporated into the
Plan Update.
• Support for the expansion of Cheng Park and the creation of a new Asian cultural park in the
city, including new structures, paths, and gardens.
• Concern regarding the lack of a park in the Margarita Area Specific Plan (the Specific Plan calls
for a park, but the subject parcel has not yet been proposed for development by the landowner).
• Need for a fenced dog park and additional areas for roller skating.
• Recommendation for more soccer fields, and acquisition of land on South Higuera for parkland.
• Support for the re-visioning of the SLO Senior Center and the Ludwick Center.
• Concern regarding current conditions at Laguna Lake Park, including roadways, walkways,
drainage, lakeside erosion, and restroom lighting.
• Concern regarding erosion within the Sinsheimer area near the disc golf course.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 5
QUESTIONS FOR PRC
In addition to providing feedback on the recommendations from the ATC, and recommendations for
staff based on public comments received during and following the Public Workshop, staff suggests
consideration of the following questions:
1. Are modifications to Chapter 5 needed, including Draft Plan Update Table 5-1 Phasing of Tier 3
Park Improvements?
2. Does the Draft Plan represent the community as a whole and ‘tell the story’ regarding the
community engagement opportunities to this point?
3. Is there more the Draft Plan can provide to further incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
4. Is there anything missing from the Draft Plan Update that would be important to include?
The PRC’s feedback and recommendations will be reviewed by staff and the project consultant and
incorporated into the Public Draft Plan Update for further presentation to the PRC and the public. Key
next dates and opportunities for review are identified in the table below.
Date Action
May 4, 2021 City Council Study Session
May 12, 2021 Special Meeting Parks and Recreation Commission:
Recommendation to Planning Commission
May 26, 2021 Planning Commission:
Recommendation to City Council
July 6, 2021 City Council – Adoption of final plan