HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-2021 PRC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: November 3, 2021
SUBJECT: SLO SWIM CENTER OPERATIONS AND STAFFING UPDATE
Prepared by: DEVIN HYFIELD – Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report pertaining to the status of staff recruitment for the SLO Swim Center and update
of the modified program schedule.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatics Division employs
lifeguards at the SLO Swim Center for the general purpose of swimmer safety and surveillance
throughout the year. During the summer months, the division employees on average 35-40
lifeguards, working 20-30 hours per week, for a variety of programming, including: surveillance
of recreational swim, swim instruction, water exercise, and swim team. As summer programming
transitions into fall programming, facility hours decrease and the division employees on average
20-25 lifeguards, working 10-15 hours per week.
In mid-July of each summer season, Aquatic management contacts current lifeguards to determine
their status for the fall season. The majority of SLO Swim Center lifeguards consist of high school
aged students whose availability is limited to weekday afternoons, weekday nights and weekends;
and college students, whose availability is based upon school schedules for the upcoming term.
Once fall lifeguard availability is established, typically by early August, management determines
if additional hiring is necessary to cover programmed hours.
The mandated lifeguard coverage staff ratio that is necessary to operate the two pools at the SLO
Swim Center (the 50-meter Olympic pool and therapy pool), requires a minimum of four lifeguard
rotation (3 on deck, 1 break) for proper surveillance coverage.
Summer 2021 Timeline
In July 2021, Aquatic management began recruitment for fall hiring based upon known lifeguard
availability. Management requested fall availability from current staff to be submitted by mid-
August. Staff who had not submitted their fall availability were contacted by management to
identify potential availability based on not being able to commit to a schedule due to educational
classes or athletic and personal schedules. Aquatic management began the recruitment process and
received 10 interested applicants through October 1. Out of the 10 applications, one applicant was
hired while the remaining either declined the job offer, did not meet the lifeguard certification
standards, or did not respond to the interview invitation.
Meeting Date: November 3, 2021
Item Number: Consent #1
SLO Swim Center Staffing Update Page 2
Fall Modified Schedule
Over the last 8 years, the SLO Swim Center has been able to operate with the required number of
staff and with very limited adjustments to the programming schedule. In fall 2021, the Swim
Center was closed for an extended renovation period to address pool infrastructure projects from
mid-August to mid-September. While management continued to work on filling staff shifts, the
traditional fall programming schedule was published based upon prior staff availability and
projected staff hiring. Management contacted all remaining staff that had not submitted their
availability for the fall season to complete scheduling for the week of September 13. At this time,
Aquatic management recognized that based on the current staffing and availability, the SLO Swim
Center would only be able to operate the standard fall schedule for the week of September 13, and
that a modified schedule would need to be implemented the following w eek in concurrence with
the start of the Cal Poly fall quarter (September 20).
Due to both fall lifeguard availability and recruitment challenges, Parks and Recreation
management approved a modified fall programming schedule beginning the week of September
20. Communication was publicized out to the community detailing the current challenges of hiring
and reflecting a nation-wide lifeguard and general workforce shortage. Swim Center operational
hours were modified as follows (Red indicates full closure, Blue indicates modified programming
during time slot):
AM Lap* Noon Lap Afternoon Lap** PM Lap Sunday Regular:
Closed
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
Closed
Regular:
Closed
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
Closed Monday Regular:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Regular:
5:30-7:00 PM
Modified:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (50-Meter)
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
Closed Tuesday Regular:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Regular:
5:30-7:00 PM
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (Therapy)
Modified:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Modified:
5:30-7:00 PM Wednesday Regular:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Regular:
5:30-7:00 PM
Modified:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (50-Meter)
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
Closed Thursday Regular:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Regular:
5:30-7:00 PM
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (Therapy)
Modified:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Modified:
5:30-7:00 PM Friday Regular:
6:00 – 8:00 AM
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
2:00-3:30 PM (Half Pool)
Regular:
5:30-7:00 PM
Modified: Modified: Modified: Modified:
SLO Swim Center Staffing Update Page 3
6:00 – 8:00 AM 11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools) Closed Closed Saturday Regular:
Closed
Regular:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Regular:
Closed
Regular:
Closed
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
11:30-1:30 PM (Both Pools)
Modified:
Closed
Modified:
Closed
*Saturday AM Lap Swim was a planned closure for Fall 2021 due to low attendance
**Afternoon lap was a new program offering for Fall 2021
Ongoing Lifeguard Shortages
The teen and college age workforce, who are the target market for lifeguard positions, are also in
high demand for various other local businesses who continue to experience a worker shortage.
Typical recruitment is completed by visiting high schools and college job fairs in spring, but
Aquatic management was unable to attend in-person job fairs due to students attending school
remotely during the pandemic.
Due to strict physical distancing restrictions, the Aquatic management was unable to host its
normal American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses during the pandemic. The SLO Swim Center
was the first facility to offer lifeguarding courses in SLO County during the pandemic by following
best practices and limited participant numbers (12 vs. 25) as required by the County Health
Department. Just as with other job positions, the pandemic has led many workers, including those
who were formerly lifeguards, to re-evaluate their careers and change job types as they reentered
the workforce. With health guidelines limiting the participant numbers for lifeguarding classes and
with former lifeguards finding new work opportunities, a decrease in the interest in becoming a
lifeguard was the result of:
• Backlogged or cancelled certification courses both locally and nationwide.
• High Certification Courses Fees – can cost up to $250 total to get certified.
• The time commitment in becoming certified (up to 48 hours).
• Lifeguard pay rates and the compaction of minimum wage on lifeguard compensation.
Emergency Lifeguard Training and Extension of Modified Schedule
Aquatic management held an emergency Lifeguard Training class October 22-24 with 14
participants registered, resulting in eight successfully completing the course. Out of the eight
certified lifeguards, four are in the process of being hired for the SLO Swim Center.
As the SLO Swim Center continues to manage the challenges of lifeguard availability, the current
modified fall programming schedule will be extended through Sunday, November 28 with the
possibility of increased operational hours occurring sooner if availability and hiring continues to
be successful.
Recruitment Initiatives
Management has begun a reevaluation of recruitment methods for its position not only within the
Aquatic Division, but Department wide. Staff will continue to promote any job openings through
the City’s Job Opportunities website and posting Lifeguard Training and “Now Hiring” flyers at
the facility. The Parks and Recreation Department will be spending additional funds for alternate
promotion including:
SLO Swim Center Staffing Update Page 4
• Utility Bills: “Now Hiring” flyers were recently mailed as a part of the October utility
billing;
• Increased social media paid promotions;
• Possibility of establishing an in-person Lifeguard Training class at SLO High School;
• Supplemented Lifeguard Training fees for successful students who apply for and are hired
by the SLO Swim Center;
• Recruitment flyers and communication strategies to reach adult retirees;
• Professional recruitment video of past lifeguard’s experience and impact to current
profession;
• Development of a Lifeguard Ready Training program for individuals not familiar with
aquatic surroundings;
• Department Farmer’s Market Recruitment Booth;
• Hosting SLO Swim Center Open House in Winter 2022.
NEXT STEPS
Continue to provide updates to the community as additional programming hours become available
and provide updates to the PRC at the monthly Commission meetings until such time that
programming returns to its regular schedule.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Local Agencies Staffing Status
Attachment 2 - SLO Swim Center Now Hiring 2021
Attachment 3 - SLO Swim Center Now Hiring Alternate DRAFT 2021
Attachment 4 - SLO Swim Center Now Hiring LG Training 2021
Attachment 5 - Utility Billing Flyer 2021
Attachment 1 – Local Aquatic Agency Staffing Status as of October 11
Agency Challenges Fall Programming
City of Morro
Bay
• Not received any applicants for Fall
LG positions
• Co-Operated Lifeguard Training
class with City of San Luis Obispo
• As of October 11, two out fifteen
lifeguards able to work Fall
• 35-Meter pool
• Public lap swim and
Aqua Aerobics
• Monday – Friday 11am
– 2:00 pm
City of Paso
Robles
• Normally operate with six staff, but
currently (as of 10/11) only have
one
• In addition to Aquatics, not able to
fill other department positions
• Not currently offering
lap swim due to staff
shortages
• As of October 11,
offering one aqua fit
class daily.
• Fall programming will
conclude October 31
City of Santa
Maria
• Similar recruitment challenges as
City of SLO
• Difficulty providing adequate
coverage for AM programming
• Researching alternate recruitment
initiatives
• Operating Paul Nelson
Aquatic Center
• Lap swim open by
reservation only
• Not able to provide
lifeguard coverage for
high school pools as
contracted
Cal Poly ASI • Was unable to provide standard
summer programming
• With returning students, are
beginning to see additional
applicants
• Resumed Fall
programming with
modified schedule
• Decreased open hours
from 5:30 am – 10:00
pm to 7:00 am – 7:00
pm
Cuesta College • Experiencing staffing shortages and
low applicant submittal
• Struggles with employees
educational and personal schedules
• Offering limited public
swim hours
• No Noon lap Fall
programming
• Adjust programming on
daily/weekly basis
based upon availability
and COVID precautions
County of San
Luis Obispo
• Did not offer summer programming • Closed all pools for
Fall/Winter/Spring
NEEDS YOU!YOU!The SLO Swim Center
Apply by visiting
www.governmentjobs.com/careers/slobispo
and select the Lifeguard position.
For more information, please
contact the Recreation Coordinator at
805-781-7291
SLO Swim Center | 902 Southwood Dr. | (805) 781-7288 | @sloparksandrec
Learn lifesaving techniqueslifesaving techniques
Swim for FREEFREE & work outdoors!
Part-Time | Flexible
Morning, Noon & Evening ShiftsMorning, Noon & Evening Shifts
Get involved in your
CommunityCommunity
NOW HIRING!NOW HIRING!
Gain Work Experience Work Experience and Be a LeaderLeader
Paid TrainingPaid Training
Continued education
opportunities
Build positive relationships
RETIRED?D I S C O V E R Y O U R
N E X T C A L L I N G !JOIN THE SLO SWIM CENTER TEAM!T r a i n i n g a n d C e r t i f i c a t i o n
F l e x i b l e s c h e d u l e s
F u n a n d i n v i t i n g s t a f f a n d
u s e r s
F r e e a c c e s s t o t h e s w i m
c e n t e r p o o l s , c l a s s e s a n d
t r a i n i n g a r e a
W e o f f e r :
e x a m p l e
R e q u i r e m e n t s :
A p p l y b y v i s i t i n g w w w .g o v e r n m e n t j o b s .c o m /c a r e e r s /s l o b i s p o a n d s e l e c t t h e L i f e g u a r d
p o s i t i o n . Q u e s t i o n s ? P l e a s e c o n t a c t t h e R e c r e a t i o n C o o r d i n a t o r a t 8 0 5 -7 8 1 -7 2 9 1
N EE DS YOU!The S LO S wim Ce nt er
FALL COURSE
October 22, 23, 24
1. October 22 – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
2. October 23 – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
3. October 24 – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
CERTIFICATION COURSE:
Apply by visiting www.governmentjobs.com/
careers/slobispo and select the
Lifeguard position.
Questions? Please contact the Recreation
Coordinator at 805-781-7291
SLO Swim Center | 902 Southwood Dr. | (805) 781-7288 | @sloparksandrec
Learn lifesaving techniques
Swim for FREE & work outdoors!
Part-Time | Flexible
Morning , Noon & Evening Shifts
Get involved in your
Community
Gain Work Experience and Be a Leader
NOW HIRING!
Participants must be at least 15 years of age
and able to attend ALL course sessions.
Individuals who are interested in being hired
by the City of San Luis Obispo and attend this
lifeguard course, the course fees will be covered
of $40.00.
The City of SLO Parks &
Recreation Department is hiring
for many roles! Become a
lifeguard, work with kids,
umpire youth and adult sports,
teach, run events and more!
Join Our
Team!
805-781-7300 | slocity.org | @sloparksandrec
Scan the QR code with
your smart phone to
browse job openings!
Lifeguard at the SLO Swim Center
Umpire for Youth and Adult Sports
Work with Kids at Local Schools
Apply online today!
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: November 3, 2021
SUBJECT: Laguna Lake Dog Park Enhancement Update
Prepared by: Greg Avakian – Director
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report pertaining to the status of staff identifying the potential revitalization project of
the Laguna Lake Dog area to support the recommendations of the Parks & Recreation Blueprint.
DISCUSSION
Background
The recently adopted Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future (master plan) identified the need
for additional dog park locations within the City to support the San Luis Obispo community.
Along with the Blueprint recommendations, Staff conducted over 20 public workshops,
accompanied by the comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, dog parks and updates to the
current Laguna Lake Dog Park were highly listed as a need by the community.
At the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on October 6, 2021, the City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and Recreation Department staff presented on a concept of revitalizing and expanding the
amenities at the Laguna Lake Dog park. (See Attachment 1)
The current dog park location has the potential to be enhanced with the following amenities:
• Assess current restrooms
• Assess water and irrigation
• Perimeter fencing boundary
• Ability to add shade structure(s)
• Seating pavilion
• Trees (shade canopy)
• Hydration stations
• Dog rinsing station(s)
• Puppy area
• Small and large dog areas
• Play amenities and structures
• Expand parking
Based on PRC recommendations and community input, the Laguna Lake Dog Park was reviewed,
and the Staff received direction to assess the current footprint for any environmental concerns
related to the original Laguna Lake Conservation Plan and identify if the discussed amenities could
be supported.
Recommendation Update
City staff visited and assessed the current Laguna Lake Dog Park and reviewed the Laguna Lake
Conservation Plan for enhancement opportunities.
Meeting Date: November 3, 2021
Item Number: Business Item #2
Laguna Lake Dog Park Update Page 2
Staff identified the parcel to be closer to 2 - 2.15 acres. The current bolder border boundary has
the potential to expand by 2-3 feet depending on the proximity to the marsh land area to the west
and the water run-off area to the north. The parking area has the potential to expand and may be
able to be designed as a drive-thru format. Additional parking could be added to the east along
the current Dalidio road, as well as added parking spots along the roadway leading to the west and
the current playground and seating/BBQ area. With the current infrastructure support of
restrooms, irrigation, and partial fencing, the discussed proposed amenities could be designed and
approved as Tier 2 and meet the short-term status build related to the Park & Recreation Blueprint.
Discussion Items:
a. Review staff presentation and discuss project amenities and advise Staff for next
steps.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Laguna Lake Dog Park Map
Dog Park Location - Attachment 1
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: November 3, 2021
Item Number: Business Item #2
DATE: November 3, 2021
SUBJECT: Bike Park and Pump Track Update
Prepared by: Greg Avakian - Director
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report pertaining to the status of staff identifying available and appropriate location(s)
for immediate and long-term development of Bike Track and Pump Tracks to support the
recommendations within the Parks & Recreation Blueprint.
DISCUSSION
Background
The recently adopted Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future (master plan) identified the need
for bike track and pump track amenities to support the San Luis Obispo community and proposed
opportunities at multiple park locations. Refenced by the consultant within the Blueprint, the
national standard for amenities related to bike pump tracks states one bike track per 50,000
residents. Along with the Blueprint recommendations, Staff conducted over 20 public workshops,
accompanied by the comprehensive Community Needs Assessment, bike tracks were highly listed
as a need by the community.
An unauthorized ‘bike track’ was constructed within the Irish Hills Natural Preserve which
violated multiple municipal codes (MC 12.22.050A and 12.22.050P) associated to the
conservation plans for Open Space and Natural Reserve areas managed by the City of San Luis
Obispo. City staff removed the unauthorized tracks, jumps, and berms to return the location to its
natural state and attempt to restore the vegetation to ensure appropriate conservation plans
remained.
At the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on October 6, 2021, the City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and Recreation Department staff presented on proposed sites for potential bike park and
pump track opportunities. Three locations were discussed during the meeting:
• Laguna Lake Park
• Sinsheimer Park and Railroad Safety Trail (bike path)
• Bob Jones Bike Trail
Each location was reviewed based on a selection of criteria:
• Community access
• Current supporting infrastructure (restrooms, hydration station)
• Safety response
• Appropriate terrain and environmental impacts
Bike Park/Pump Track Staffing Update Page 2
Based on the PRC recommendations and community input, the Bob Jones Bike Trail was removed
from consideration due to the limited access related to safety response in case of injury, lack of
infrastructure, limited access for community, and lack of supporting parking. Staff received
direction to explore the Laguna Lake Park and Sinsheimer Park areas for the potential of both a
pump track and/or bike park. The PRC advised staff to review the locations for the potential of
both short-term build project(s) and a more comprehensive long-term project.
Amenity Descriptions:
Pump Track Description
A bike and roller pump track traditionally are looped tracks that include a sequence of rollers and
berms (swoops, banked turns) for non-motorized bikes and roller-based devices such as scooters
and trikes. Pump tracks are designed to maximize the rider’s momentum and reduce the need for
pedaling or foot propelling. Pump tracks can be designed for all age and ability levels and does
not require a large space.
Bike Park Description:
A bike park is a piece of land specifically designed for off-road or mountain biking. Bike parks
may include skills courses, pump tracks, jumps, trails and technical features (such as ramps, berms,
flumes, and flows). Bike parks traditionally utilize a larger footprint to incorporate a variety of
amenities and offer opportunities to support different skill levels.
Recommendation Update
City staff visited and assessed the Sinsheimer Park and Railroad Safety Trail area, as well as the
Laguna Lake Park for both the pump track and bike park opportunities.
Sinsheimer Park/Railroad Safety Trail:
Staff identified the parcel located behind the center field fence line of Sinsheimer Stadium,
adjacent to the batting cages, Railroad Safety Trail (RRST), and SLCUSD bus depot maintenance
sheds (see Attachment 1). Based on initial observations, the developed area would require
connection pathways to the RRST from the west, trail pathways from the park from the north, and
an easement pathway from the Sinsheimer Park parking area along the back of the SLCUSD Bus
Maintenance facilities. Staff propose that this area be reviewed for a more traditional bike/roller
pump track area due based on its footprint size and location to the elementary school,
neighborhoods, and the overall park setting.
Due to the location and pathway connection requirements, staff propose that this area be discussed
as a formalized location and categorize it as a Tier 3 and mid-term priority. Additional inquiries
on the ability to discuss easement possibilities with SLCUSD are recommended as next steps.
Laguna Lake Park:
Staff identified the parcel located to the east along the Dalidio roadway and adjacent to the current
memorial tree groves (see Attachment 2). The location allows for potential expanded opportunity
to include a variety of skill level amenities ranging from beginner to advanced and can include
both a pump track and bike track. Utilizing Laguna Lake Park allows for current infrastructure
to contribute to the community use with bathrooms, parking, emergency response, the recently
Bike Park/Pump Track Staffing Update Page 3
updated bike pathways, as well as proximity to residential neighborhoods (including the San Luis
Ranch development). The location would require significant dirt material to be added to shape the
expected amenities of berms, rollers, and jumps. In addition, the area provides space for increased
parking and would also require an evaluation of diseased and/or dead trees.
Based on the location and current use of the identified area, this location allows for a temporary
build out of a pilot or trial bike park as more formalized plans and project amenities are designed,
approved, and then constructed.
Discussion Items:
a. Review staff presentation and discuss project locations and priorities and advise Staff
for next steps.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Sinsheimer Area
Attachment 2: Laguna Lake Area
Attachment 3: Pump Track Examples
Attachment 4: Bike Park Examples
Bike Park and Pump Track Location - Attachment 1
Bike Park and Pump Track Location - Attachment 2
Bike Park and Pump Track Location – Attachment 3
Bike Park and Pump Track Location – Attachment 4