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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/4/2021 Item 19, Cooper Wilbanks, Megan From:Allan Cooper < To:E-mail Council Website; Avakian, Greg; Scott, Shawna; Stanwyck, Shelly Cc:Alice C. Loh; Larry Loh Subject:Study Session #19 - “Study Session On The Public Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint For The Future: 2021-2041” Attachments:105_02_21...chengpark.pdf This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. Dear Greg and Shawna - Would you kindly forward the letter attached below to the City Council? This letter pertains to the Council's May 4, 2021 review of the "Public Draft Parks & Recreation Blueprint For The Future". Thank you, keep well and keep safe. - Allan Cooper, Alice Loh & Larry Loh 1 Save Our Downtown ______________________________________________________________________________ Seeking to protect and promote the historical character, design, livability and economic success of downtown San Luis Obispo. To: San Luis Obispo City Council, Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Shelly Stanwyck, Asst. City Manager Community Services Re: May 4, 2021 Study Session #19 - “Study Session On The Public Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint For The Future: 2021-2041” From: Allan Cooper, Secretary Save Our Downtown & Secretary Chinese Garden SLO & Alice Loh, President Chinese Garden SLO Date: May 2, 2021 Honorable Mayor Harmon and Council Members - This has been our first opportunity to study in detail the “Public Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041” document. On behalf of the Chinese Garden SLO Board of Directors, we would like to direct your attention to Cheng Park and the park’s proposed improvements (see below). We have no objection to most of the issues addressed with one major exception and that is “poor visibility due to large vegetation”. We do not concur with this assessment. In our opinion, there is no “large” on-site vegetation present in the Park with the exception of the bamboo grove located at the westernmost corner. The on-site trees planted along the perimeter hardly compare in scale with the “large” vegetation found in other parks such as Mitchell Park. Moreover, all of these youngish trees have had their lowermost limbs pruned in order to maintain visibility from both Santa Rosa and Marsh Streets. One of the over-riding principals unique to Chinese gardens is that they should not be laid out in a way where one can see the entire garden all at once. The essence of this garden will be lost should there be a significant reduction in vegetation including the flowering trees planted along the perimeter of this Park. In the interest of maintaining safety and security, the City altered the original design by eliminating the inclusion of walls. Nevertheless, walls are one of the defining characteristics of Chinese gardens. These walls were intended to section off areas, thereby maintaining an element of both discovery and intimacy. However we agreed to do this. But removal of the so- called “large” vegetation surrounding this garden will further compromise the garden’s Chinese character. There are other ways to enhance the Park’s visibility such as the use of night lighting. Please do not remove any vegetation in this Park. Though we are not recommending that maintenance issues be included in this report, we would like to use this opportunity to remind the City that 1) The flowering trees on the perimeter of the Park are dying from lack of water and fertilizer. This problem should be remedied as soon as possible; 2) The pond is dirty and is cracking due to the lack of water. The bottom of the pond needs to be redone as soon as possible. The basin should be lined with the latest, state-of-the- art sealant; 3) We would wish that the City would reintroduce recirculating water into this pond. In Chinese culture, water symbolizes the feminine principle of the universe and is meant to be one of the dominant, unifying elements of this garden, and finally; 4) We know that the City is making a concerted effort to remove homeless settlements from the City parks along with the debris that the homeless leave behind, But this does not appear to be happening in Cheng Park. More patrolling of the Park would be most appreciated. Chinese Garden SLO would like to assure the City that if money is a problem, specifically pertaining to ongoing maintenance and repairs, we would be pleased to make a donation to cover the City’s expenses. We would also like to remain involved in the City’s decision-making process, particularly with regard tog the redesign of the Park. Thank you. ______________________________________________ Phasing of Tier 3 Park Improvements - Cheng Park Issues No bike racks, trash cans, water fountains Poor visibility due to large vegetation Near-Term (0-5 Years) Improvements Provide a spatial redesign that enhances safety, visibility and activation Integrate the park into downtown activities and programming.