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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 19 - Study Session on the Public Draft Parks & Rec. Blueprint for the Future 2021-2041Item 19 �t�x ofi Council- d. Report ti ttjs o Department Name: Parks and Recreation Cost Center: 7001 For Agenda of: May 4, 2021 Placement: Study Session Estimated Time: 90 Minutes FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks and Recreation Director Prepared By: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION ON THE PUBLIC DRAFT PARKS + RECREATION BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE: 2021-2041 (PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN AND GENERAL PLAN ELEMENT UPDATE) RECOMMENDATION 1. Receive a presentation on the Public Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021- 2041 (Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update) (Attachment A); and 2. Provide comments and direction to staff to guide the Final Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update). REPORT -IN -BRIEF The City Parks and Recreation Department has prepared the Public Draft Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update) (Plan Update) to guide the future of parks and recreation in the City for the next twenty years. This report provides an overview of the Public Draft Plan Update. The current Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Element (2001) is proposed to be replaced in its entirety by the Plan Update. One notable and important change with the Plan Update is that it addresses urban parks and recreation, and no longer includes plans or policies related to the City's Open Space, which is appropriately addressed in the City's Conservation and Open Space Element (adopted in 2006). The purpose of this study session is to invite comments, questions, and general input on the Public Draft Plan Update from the City Council and the public. The Plan Update is scheduled to return to the City Council for consideration and potential adoption on July 6, 2021. The Public Draft Plan Update and Public Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration are provided as Council Reading Files (Attachments A and B) and the Public Draft Plan Update is available for public review at https://www.slociiy.org_/jzovemment/department-directoryparks-and- recreation/parks-and-recreation-plan-and-element-update. DISCUSSION Background In 2017, the City Parks and Recreation Department initiated the update to the City's Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan and the Parks and Recreation Plan (Plan Update). Packet Page 155 Item 19 On November 7, 2017, the City Council approved the Project Plan for the Plan Update, and a consultant team led by WRT was selected in February 2018 to support staff. In April 2018, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) approved the Community Engagement Plan' for the project, and the Plan Update has been informed by three years of public outreach and comment, public workshops and forums, a statistically valid survey, and focused review by Parks and Recreation and Planning staff and the PRC. The Plan Update will be an essential guide for parks and recreation in San Luis Obispo, while also serving as the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element; goals and policies are embedded in the City's larger blueprint for future growth and change. The Plan Update also serves to support, supplement, and advance the goals of the City's Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery 2, Active Transportation Plana, and Recommendations to City Council for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the City of San Luis Obispo4. Implementation of the Plan supports and strives to ensure that City's parks, facilities, and programs will be inclusive, safe, and accessible to all people. 't r Completion of Community Needs Assessment Report ber Parks G Recreation pit" 201g No„ c Final Presentation and � e om ? s '�N _ -- Adoption by Oty Council Foundational Stakeholder €nterviews Project Start March 2018 APtt\ti Internal Parks and Rec Inventory and Assessmem Report Completed Bright Ideas 1 Puhlic Workshop J9 3 o 'D z m PRC Draft Themes/ 9 Strategies, noals and Concepts 7 w 0 N � wn1� < S 0 c, F PRC: DraftVision, Goals, dtl and Po€€cies, Introduction to 20 Draft Capital Cost Presemation of Draft Plan to Study Session of Draft City Planning Plan at City Coundl Commission PRC: Park May 3: Improvemem Sttdy May 26: PC Review and Session at R nn—ndat€onto Council Recommendations •^ City n Counrdl f Virtual Community Workshop May 12: PRC Fnai review and reca nnendatlen ` / to Council 4 u PRC: Community Opportunity F •�!' to Review Draft Plan PRC Recreation �- Amenities and b Level of Service RAnalysis � 7_ Internal Staff Reviex \\//jj � of Draft PEan SePrember 202G Odobec PRC Capital and Oparati—n Cost of Recreational Amenities PRC: Parks Amenities Inventory Needs Discussion ' Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in April 2018, available here. 2 Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery (August 2020), available here s Active Transportation Plan (February 2021), available here a Recommendations to City Council for Advancing DEI (January 2021), available here PRC: Parks and Amenities Priority Exercise Packet Page 156 Item 19 Park and Recreation Needs The City currently has 205.6 acres of parkland, including 99.7 acres of Community Parks, 34.7 acres of Neighborhood Parks, 7.9 acres of Mini Parks, and 63.3 acres of recreational centers and special facilities. Proposed park acreage standards require a minimum of 10 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, including five acres of Neighborhood Parks per 1,000 residents. For reference, the City's 2018 Capital Facilities Fee Nexus Study calculated the park level of service at 4.18 acres per 1,000 residents or 2.69 acres per daytime service population.5 Looking ahead, the City would need an additional 361 acres of parkland to meet the park acreage standard in 2035, inclusive of 249 acres of Neighborhood Parks, based on resident population estimates in the City's General Plan (56,686) (Attachment A, Appendix C, Community Needs Assessment Table 2-6, San Luis Obispo Park Acreage Standards and Level of Service). An additional 677 acres of parkland would be needed if the same standard is applied to the estimated 2035 daytime (service) population of 88,286.E Implementation of currently approved parks within adopted Specific and Development Plans (Avila Ranch, Orcutt Area Specific Plan, Froom Ranch Specific Plan, and San Luis Ranch Specific Plan) would provide 41 acres of parkland. This will contribute to the total acreage of parkland in the City, resulting in total park acreage of 246, with a remaining gap of 320 acres needed to serve the estimated resident population in 2035. An additional 636 acres of parkland would be needed if the 2035 daytime population is considered. The recommended park acreage standard is ambitious and aspirational, and these gaps highlight the need for multi -use, multi -generational, and multi -ability amenities within parkland and facilities, in addition to the identification of new parkland within the City. Known planned amenities within Specific Plan areas are identified in Table 1. Specific Plan Parkland Amenities below. Table 1. Specific Plan Parkland Amenities Amenity Type Specific Plan — Planned Amenities Diamond Athletic Fields Youth 1 - Avila Ranch Rectangle Athletic Fields 3 — Orcutt Area 1 — Avila Ranch Outdoor Basketball Court 1 — Avila Ranch (full court) 3 — Avila Ranch (half court) 2 — San Luis Ranch (half court) 1 — Orcutt Area full court Tennis Court 4 — Orcutt Area 2 — Avila Ranch Playground/Tot Lot 7 — Avila Ranch 2 - San Luis Ranch 3 - Orcutt Area Dog Park/ 1 — Avila Off -leash Dog Area 1 — Orcutt Area 5 The identified level of service included existing parks and facilities, and did not include planned parks identified in adopted Specific Plans (Capital Facilities Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, 2018) e Daytime (service) population identified in the Capital Facilities Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, 2018) Packet Page 157 Item 19 Amenity Type Specific Plan — Planned Amenities Pickleball Court 6 — Orcutt Area 2 — Avila Ranch Group Picnic Areas 1 — Orcutt Area 1 — Avila Ranch BB In order to determine base needs for City park facilities and amenities, staff worked with the project consultant team ()VRT and PROS) to assess the current level of service for park facilities and amenities based on the 2017 estimated resident and daytime populations, and the 2035 estimated resident and daytime populations. This assessment considered a list of key amenities based on the City's current inventory, planned amenities identified in Specific Plan areas (see Table 1. Specific Plan Parkland Amenities, above), input from the public and the PRC, consideration of recreational trends, and recommendations identified in the Community Needs Assessment. In addition to overall need, the Plan Update assessed needs based on identified sub -areas within the City (refer to Figure 1. City Sub Areas), with a policy directive for equitable distribution of amenities through -out the City, such that every resident would be able to access no -cost key amenities via sustainable transportation including walking, biking, rolling, or transit. Existing City inventory, existing needs, future needs, access gaps, and implementation timing priority are identified in Table 2. Amenity Inventory and Current and Future Needs, on the following page. Figure 1. City Sub -Areas Area of Residence 1. Foothill/Anholm 2. Downtown 3. Meadow/Sinsheimer 4. Righetti/Orcutt 5. Stoneridge/Margarita 6. Laguna Lake Packet Page 158 Item 19 Table 2. Amenity Inventory and Current and Future Needs Amenity Current Current General Plan Location Based on Priority Inventory Additional Build -out Total Access Gap and Need Additional Need' Planned Amenities (Sub-area)2 ATHLETIC FIELDS Diamond 4 2 3 Downtown 0-10 Athletic Fields Laguna Lake years Youth Diamond 1 4 5 Downtown 0-10 Athletic Fields Meadow/Sinsheimer years (Youth/Adult) Righetti/Orcutt Stoneridge/Margarita Laguna Lake Diamond 1 2 3 Downtown 0-10 Athletic Fields Righetti/Orcutt years (Adult) Stoneridge/Margarita Laguna Lake Rectangle 4 4 6 Downtown 0-5 years Athletic Fields Meadow/Sinsheimer Laguna Lake SPO OURTS Outdoor 6 6 8 Citywide 0 — 20 Basketball Court ears Tennis Court 8 7 11 Downtown 0-5 years Laguna Lake Pickleball Court 3 9 12 Foothill/Anholm 0 — 5 Downtown years Meadow/Sinsheimer Laguna Lake Sand Volleyball 8 3 5 Downtown 0-20 Stoneridge/Margarita years Laguna Lake Roller Sports 1 1 2 Downtown 10-20 Court Meadow/Sinsheimer years Righetti/Orcutt Stoneridge/Margarita Laguna Lake Multi- Ludwick 27,000 sf 46,000 sf Citywide 5-20 generational Center and years recreation and SLO Senior community Center center Dog Park/ 1 6 7 Foothill/Anholm 0-5 years Off -leash Dog Downtown Area Meadow/Sinsheimer Playgrounds/ Tot 26 10 18 Citywide 0-20 Lot years Packet Page 159 Item 19 Amenity Current Current General Plan Location Based on Priority Inventory Additional Build -out Total Access Gap and Need Additional Need' Planned Amenities (Sub-area)2 Group Picnic 9 6 9 Downtown 0-5 years Areas I I Stonerid e/Mar arita SPECIAL RECREATION FACILITIES Disc Golf Course 2 0 0 N/A N/A (I 8-hole) Golf Course 1 0 1 Citywide 10-20 ears Swim Center 1 Expansion 1 Citywide 5-20 of existing years pool Skate Park 1 0 1 Citywide 10-20 ears Pump Track 0 2 3 Citywide 0-20 Bike or Skate ears ' Includes amenities identified in approved Specific Plans. Public Draft Plan Update The following discussion provides a brief guide to the structure and content of the document. The first thing the City Council and the public may notice is the updated title, which has been modified to be more visionary, aspirational, and inclusive: Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update The Plan is divided into five chapters: Chapter I introduces the planning process and overarching goals of the plan. The Plan includes the following six Guiding Themes, which permeate through the Plan's recommendations, goals, and policies: • Design Excellence • Stewardship and Sustainability • Inclusion and Access • Building Community • Partnerships and Public Engagement • Good Governance Chapter 2 takes a deeper look at San Luis Obispo through demographic analysis and its parks through a detailed inventory. This information was presented to the PRC and the public in a Community Needs Assessment Report, which is included in the Plan Update Appendix. Packet Page 160 Item 19 Chapter 3 provides a summary of the extensive community engagement conducted in association with the Plan Update. This information was presented to the PRC and the public in the adopted Community Needs Assessment Report, and subsequent updates presented to the PRC. Chapter 4 provides the detailed policies that flow from five system -wide goals. The draft goals and policies were presented to the PRC in July 2020 and have been expanded and updated based on continued public input, continued staff review, and to maintain consistency with the adopted Climate Action Plan and Active Transportation Plan and Recommendations to City Council for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the City of San Luis Obispo. The Plan Update is intended to support and advance the goals and programs identified in these previously adopted plans. The five goals include: • Build Community and Neighborhoods: City Parks and Recreational facilities should build and connect community through inclusive and diverse amenities and programming. • Meet the Changing Needs of the Community: Leverage regionalism and creatively increase the number of City parks, recreational facilities and amenities, to meet user needs. • Sustainability: The City's Parks and Recreation facilities will be vibrant, resilient, and sustainable. • Optimize Resources: Establish, maintain, and operate parks, facilities, and programs in a manner that is cost effective and manageable while engaging the community in a manner that optimizes involvement and support. • Safety: Provide safe, accessible, inclusive, and well -maintained City parks, recreational facilities, and amenities. Chapter 5 provides the details around implementation and funding strategy, including phasing and priority projects. This chapter was informed by public comment and PRC feedback on project prioritization for the near term (0-5 year), mid-term (5-10 year), and long-term (10-20 year) timeframes. Park and facility improvements can be understood in three tiers: Tier 1, Critical Park Improvements (Maintenance); Tier 2, Strategic Park Improvements, Improvement of Existing Parks/Facilities; and Tier 3, "Visionary" Park Improvements, New Opportunities. Tier 3 park and facility needs and priorities identified in the Public Draft Plan Update are grouped by park classification (i.e., neighborhood parks, community parks) and are then presented in alphabetical order. Project priorities are identified by phase (near -term, mid-term, and long-term). For quick reference, Tier 3 park and facility needs and priorities are also summarized in Table 5-1 of the Public Draft Plan Update (Attachment A). Packet Page 161 Item 19 Implementation of the Plan Update The Plan Update will be implemented over the next twenty years, depending on funding and staffing resources. Plan Update Chapter 5 (Implementation) is intended to be aspirational and identifies amenities that may be appropriate for existing parks based on the wants and needs expressed by the community. As amenities are constructed, the City will need to monitor implementation of the Plan Update and track progress towards meeting service standards for both park acreage and identified amenities, equitable distribution of amenities, and resolving access gaps such that all residents will be able to enjoy parks and recreation within a'/2 mile (or ten minute walk) from their home. The Plan Update is also intended to be flexible, to enable the City to conduct focused community outreach and prepare park -specific comprehensive plans for the following existing community and neighborhood parks: • Laguna Park (update Laguna Lake Plan) • Meadow Park and Meadow Park Center • Sinsheimer Park, Sinsheimer Stadium, SLO Swim Center • Mitchell Park In addition, as noted in the plan, new parkland is needed in the following sub -areas: • Foothill/Anholm: in the vicinity of Grand Avenue, potentially through agreement with San Luis Coastal Unified School District; • Downtown: along the Johnson Avenue corridor south of the high school; • Meadow/Sinsheimer potentially through expansion or amenitization of Stoneridge Park; • Stoneridge/Margarita: along the South Higuera corridor; • Laguna Lake: at the Laguna Lake Golf Course as part of potential site reuse. Key considerations for the enhancement and redevelopment of existing parks and the development of new parkland will be striking a balance between active and passive recreational use, maintaining neighborhood character, ensuring high quality design and maintenance, and optimizing resources by incorporating multi -generational and multi -use amenities and facilities. Incorporation of innovative universal design and continued conversations with the community will be critical to resolve and prevent any barriers? to our community's enjoyment of the City parks, recreation amenities, public art, and programs. The Plan Update also identifies the need for park activation and building community through site planning and provision of community gathering space and associated infrastructure (i.e., gazebo, stage, improved access); supporting and facilitating community events; incorporation of public art and cultural expression; and dynamic programming to address multi -generational and multi - ability needs of our community. Potential barriers may include, and are not limited to, ability, skill level, sense of safety, monetary limitations, knowledge and/or interest in programming and/or recreational activity. Packet Page 162 Item 19 Implementation of the Plan Update would be funded by development impact fees, the general fund, grants, revenues from services, provided, and picnic and facility rentals. Potential external funding sources could include grants; "friends of parks" organization(s); corporate sponsorships; crowdfunding; partnerships with other agencies; gifts from non-profit foundations; private donations; irrevocable remainder trusts; volunteerism; and fundraisers. The Plan update identifies rough lifecycle costs for key amenities, while more aspirational projects such as multi - generational center would require a specific cost and financing assessment due to the potential variables that affect construction, operation, and maintenance costs. Policy Context The recommendations of the Plan Update support and advance many of the goals, objectives policies and programs of both the City's General Plan, Active Transportation Plan, and Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery. The development and enhancement of accessible parks and facilities in the City would reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and related greenhouse gas emissions. Redevelopment of parks and facilities would facilitate carbon -neutrality and provide an opportunity to educate and showcase evolving technology. Implementation of the Plan Update would advance goals and policies of the Land Use Element, including neighborhood connectivity and enhancement (Policies 2.2.4 and 2.2.6); provision and enhancement of parks within neighborhoods (Policy 2.3.1); and increasing green space in the Downtown (Policy 4.11). Public Engagement Chapter 3 of the Plan Update (What We Heard) summarizes the extensive public engagement conducted over the past three years pursuant to the Plan Update's Community Engagement Plan, starting with foundational stakeholder interviews in April 2018. Throughout the summer of 2018, in order to reach our community, City staff conducted over 25 "pop-up" events with the Parks and Recreation "Bright Ideas" bicycle to reach and connect with San Luis Obispo residents and visitors at parks, facilities, programs, and events. During these pop -ups, the public had an opportunity to provide comments on portable white boards and comment cards and take photos with the "Bright Ideas" bicycle for sharing on the Parks and Recreation Instagram account. A statistically valid Needs Assessment Survey was conducted August to October 2018, with a total of 507 respondents. Public Workshops and forums included the "Bright Ideas" Public Workshop in September 2018 to gain additional input from the community regarding existing parks and facilities and the future of parks and recreation in San Luis Obispo. A PRC Workshop Series was held in January, February, and March of 2019, which consisted of focused discussions and public input related to the community's values and priorities, unmet needs, and hopes and dreams. Community Needs Assessment report includes: ■ Demographic characteristics and population trends of the community; ■ Description of existing park system and comparison to benchmark cities; ■ Overview of recreational trends and preferences in the U.S. and in the region; ■ Summary and evaluation of existing amenities and programs; and ■ Summary of themes heard during community engagement activities and the community preferences reflected in the statistically - valid survey. Packet Page 163 Item 19 Following the Workshop Series, a Community Needs Assessment report prepared by the consultant team was presented to the PRC and the public in May 2019, and a Community Needs Assessment Workshop was held in June 2019. A Park Improvement Priorities Workshop was held with the PRC in September 2019. Through the remainder of 2019 and 2020, the public had an opportunity to attend PRC meetings, where information was presented for public response and direction from the PRC, including draft themes, goals, and policies; lifecycle costs; and the ongoing feedback and questions provided by the public. The Public Draft Plan was introduced to the PRC on March 3, 2021 and presented to the Active Transportation Committee (ATC) on March 18, 2021. The ATC unanimously moved to recommend adoption of the Plan Update, with recommendations that were supported by the PRC, and will be presented to the Planning Commission in May 2021. ATC recommendations focused on a stronger connection to the Active Transportation Plan, and improved access to and through the Sinsheimer Park area, and support for policies that facilitate incorporation of infrastructure at parks and facilities that support sustainable transportation. On March 25, 2021, a Public Draft Plan Update Public Workshop was held via Zoom. The Workshop included a presentation on the Plan Update, and the community was invited an encouraged to provide feedback via poll questions conducted during the workshop, use of the "chat" function, and Open City Hall. The results of the ATC public meeting and public workshop are summarized in the April 5, 2021 PRC Agenda Report.8 Online community engagement continues to be fostered by information updates on City social media, the project website, direct communications with staff, and the Open City Hall website. CONCURRENCE Over the past three years, the PRC has provided valuable input on the Plan Update. The PRC will consider a recommendation of the Public Draft Plan Update at a Special Meeting on May 12, 2021. The Planning Commission will consider a recommendation to the City Council on the Public Draft Plan on May 26, 2021. The recommendations of the ATC, PRC, and Planning Commission will be presented to the City Council on July 6, 2021. The Administrative Draft Plan Update was provided for internal review by several City departments, including Community Development, Public Works, City Administration, Utilities. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee provided valuable review and input on the Administrative Draft Plan Update. In addition, the Plan Update was coordinated with the City Transportation Division and the Office of Sustainability to ensure the document supports and advances the goals, policies, and programs of the Active Transportation Plan and Climate Action Plan. Other community groups have helped shape the Plan Update including Arts Council, American Youth Soccer Organization, Cal Poly (special thanks to NR 418 class, 2018), Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers, Central Coast Soccer, Friends of SLO City Dog Parks; Downtown SLO, History Center of San Luis Obispo County, Jack House Committee, Land Conservancy of SLO County, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, SLO 8 Parks and Recreation Commission agenda report, dated April 5, 2021, available here. Packet Page 164 Item 19 Baseball, SLO Pickleball Club, SLO Railroad Museum, SLO REP Theatre, SLO Rugby, SLO Senior Center, SLO Soccer Club, SLO Women's Soccer Club, YMCA, and many other individuals. STUDY SESSION FRAMEWORK FOR FEEDBACK TO STAFF At this study session, Council will receive a summary presentation of this report, hear input from the public, and provide questions and feedback to staff to guide development of the Final Plan. In the years that this work effort has been underway hundreds of inputs have been provided by the community on their hopes and dreams for recreation and parks in San Luis Obispo — and they have been as diverse and unique as the individuals providing them. While tempting to give Council 100s of specific questions to reflect this kaleidoscope of interests, in providing feedback to staff, below are a series of very broad and general questions that Council may want to use to guide its discussion. 1. Does the Parks and Recreation Blueprint plan represent the needs of the community? 2. Is there more Chapter 4 (Goals and Policies) Themes, Goals, and Policies can provide to further represent, support, and advance the City's core values of civility, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, regionalism, partnership, and resiliency? 3. Does the Parks and Recreation Blueprint Chapter 5 (Implementation) appropriately prioritize future amenities and projects in the following timeframes: a. Near -term (0-5 year) b. Mid-term (5-10 year) c. Long-term (10-20 year) 4. Is there more the Draft Plan can provide to further incorporate and advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This study session does not constitute a "Project" under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378. However, a CEQA Initial Study / Negative Declaration has been prepared for the Plan and is provided for public review concurrent with release of the Public Draft Plan (Attachment B). FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2017-19 Funding Identified: No Packet Page 165 Item 19 Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Current FY Cost Annualized On -going Cost Total Project Cost General Fund State Federal Fees Other: Total This study session itself does not have any direct fiscal impact since no formal action will be taken. If adopted, the fiscal impact associated with fully implementing the Public Draft Plan is significant and will extend over twenty years, requiring substantial funding commitments over multiple financial plans as well as exploration of grants, development fees and other outside funding sources. Since the Plan Update is a programmatic document, it provides only a planning level assessment of project costs, with estimates provided for line -item amenity features (i.e., seating, turf area, nets, etc.). Any larger scale projects identified in the programmatic document such as a multi -generational community center or additional aquatics center would require specific feasibility and financial assessments to determine cost based on a variety of factors such as location, size, and other specific features. Ultimately, each individual project and program expenditure would be considered and prioritized by the City Council as part of the City's two- year financial planning process. The Council included $160,000 in the 2017-2019 Financial Plan for the Plan Update. $145,000 was allocated for Contract Services, which includes $ 135,000 for consultant assistance with the Community Needs Assessment and Plan Update, and a $10,000 contingency. $113,614 has been spent on consultant services to date. $10,000 was also allocated for City operating expenditures, such as meeting notifications, outreach direct costs and document production. $5,000 was assigned for an intern to assist with the facility needs assessment. ALTERNATIVES Council could provide feedback in areas other than the example questions listed above. Attachments: a - COUNCIL READING FILE - Parks & Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update a - COUNCIL READING FILE - Plan Update Appendix b - COUNCIL READING FILE - Initial Study Negative Declaration Packet Page 166 7/16/2021 01v Y ti PUBLIC DRAFT Parks + Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 Parks and Recreation Plan and General Plan Element Update May 4, 2021 1 Purpose of Today's Study Session e-� presentation &-provide feedback on the blic.pj;.aft Parks 6Recreation Bluep " for the -2041 (Par arl_� Ian Element U 2 7/16/2021 City Staff Team IL Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager Community Services Greg Avakian, Parks and Recreation Director Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development Lindsey Stephenson, Recreation Manager Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager Aleah Bergam, Administrative Analyst Sahvanna Ettestad, Communications Coordinator Parks and Recreation and Community Development Staff Multi -disciplinary City experts Consultant Team: WRT Design, PROS Consulting, ETC Institute, Wallace Group, LSAAssociates AA CITY OF SH It LUIS OBISPO 77 City Team Lead Advisory Body: Parks & Recreation Commission City Council City Advisory Bodies Multiple stakeholders, community partners, and organizations Our Community Combined Element and Top priority for the Parks "Master" Plan dated 200, Need for policy direction and Recreation and data (current and Commission Out of date, minimal future needs) usefulness Opportunity to plan the future with our community for parks and recreation for the next 20 years Address operational needs, lifecycle of amenities, adaptability to climate change S,ffn LuIS OBISPO Address needs of our community including sustainable transportation and diversity, equity, and inclusion Full repeal and replace of 2001 Plan and Element Parks and Recreation Plan: General Plan Parks and Recreation CEQA: Programmatic Initial Study / Negative Declaration CITY OF S,ff R LUIS OBISPO 7/16/2021 COSE ELEMENT • Contains Policies for Open Space Uses • The Conservation and Open Space Element is a tool to protect and preserve these unique community resources. • Its overarching goal is to protect resources (such as air and water, wildlife habitat, scenic and agricultural lands, watershed and historic features) with a secondary goal of accommodating passive recreation where it will not harm the environment or interfere with agricultural operations (Page 6-8). • The Parks and Recreation Element consists of plans for indoor and outdoor recreational facilities primarily for active recreational uses, such as parks, playfields and community centers. Does not include uses or policies for open space. 7 Parkland Needs Current acreage 205.6 acres Specific Plan parkland 41 acres 2035 total need (resident) 567 acres 2035 total need (daytime) 883 acres 2035 additional need (resident) 320 acres 2035 additional need (daytime) 636 acres Need based on standard of 10 acres per 1,000 people n I How to address needs: :• Multi -use, multi -ability, multi -generational :• Equitable distribution of amenities :• Conversion of land/structure to parkland/facility :• New parkland (land acquisition) M 7/16/2021 Significant Changes Addresses both resident and daytime (service) L6,populations Intention to be aspirational and visionary Achieve strong public buy -in through focused par nd facility plans and communitv enaaaement ■ Not every potential park -specific amenity opportunity will be identified in subsequent park -specific plans ■ Provides flexibility to meet parkland and amenity needs Citywide Significant changes Addresses changing needs of the community (new sports, activities, interests) and goes beyond recreation with a focus on community building Intentional focus to advance and support: Sustainable Carbon neitrnlity Evolving understanding of communitv's DR needs 10 0 7/16/2021 Significant changes Equitable distribution of amenities General Area 1. Foothill / Anholm 2. Downtown I Meadow / Sinsheimer 4. Righetti / Orcutt 5. Stoneridge / Margarita 6. Laguna Lake 11 Community Engagement Foundational stakeholder interviews (April 2018) 25+ Pop-up events (Spring and Summer 2018) Bright Ideas Public Workshop (September 2018) Needs Assessment Survey (August — October 2018) PRC Workshop Series (January -March 2019) Community Needs Assessment Workshop (June 2019) Park Improvement Priorities Workshop (September 2019) Public Draft Plan Update Public Workshop (March 2021) 0 CITY OF OBISPO 12 M. 7/16/2021 Community Engagement - dvisory Body Communicatio Meetings with staff Social Media ommei Cards Interested — Open City Parties List Hall Neighborhood Meetings 13 Chapter 1: Introduction & Themes Introduces the planning process and overarching goals of the plan (starts on page 2) Guiding Themes, which permeate through the Plan's recommendations, goals, and policies: 14 Design stewardship and Excellence suss mbifity Inclusion Building and Access Community Partnerships and Good Public Governance Engagement 2: 4: 3: SLO's What We Goals& People 8 Heard Policies Parks 7 7/16/2021 Chapters 2 & 3: Community Needs Chapter 2: People and Parks. Demographics and inventory. This information was presented to the PRC and the public in the approved Community Needs Assessment Report. (Starts on page 16) 15 Chapter 3: What We Heard. Community Engagement Summary. This information was presented to the PRC and the public in the adopted Community Needs Assessment Report, and subsequent updates presented to the PRC. (Starts on page 60) — rI „ Joe. �- General Plan Element (Page 80) Chapter 4 - Goals and Policies U-6 ,_Neighborhoods • City Parks and Recreational facilities should build and connect community through inclusive and diverse amenities and programming. Meet the Changing Needs of i • Leverage regionalism and creatively increase the number of City parks, recreational facilities and amenities, to meet user needs. 16 1: � PPaP s8 SLO'a� 3: Intro. 8 What We Themes Heard 4: Goals & Policies go 7/16/2021 Ge neral Plan Element (Page 81) hapter 4 -Goals and Policies M M ■ The City's Parks and Recreation facilities will be vibrant, resilient, and sustainable. ■ Establish, maintain, and operate parks, facilities, and programs in a manner that is cost effective and manageable while engaging the community in a manner that optimizes involvement and support. • Provide safe, accessible, inclusive, and well -maintained City parks, recreational facilities, and amenities. 2: 5: SLO's Intro. & What We ImplemeM- Themes P-ple & Heard aUon Parks 17 m a 7/16/2021 Chapter 5: Implementation Needs and priorities determined by: ■ Three years of community feedback ■ Use of recreation amenity standards to determine projected need for additional future amenities ■ Identification of access gaps and inequities (parkland, amenities, and facilities more than 10- minute walk from housing) ■ Direction and guidance from the PRC (Starts on page 102) 19 SLOs 3: 4: 2: People 8 What We Goals & Parks Heard Policies Chapter 5: Implementation ■ Documents potential improvements at each park where "visionary" changes are needed ■ Links needed park amenities with park sites where those amenities would be best -suited to fit local needs ■ Identifies acreage of new park land where we should look for additional future park sites ■ Identifies the costs of park improvements and funding strategy for capital improvements, programming, maintenance and operations •�, # ` ► 47 C 1. ZPPaP es&XWh. 3: 4: Intro 8 at We Goals& Th.mes ard Policies 20 10 7/16/2021 21 Key Park Amenity Needs Inventory, Additional Need, Access Gaps, Priority (Starts on page 106) ■ Athletic fields (diamond, rectangle) ■ Sport Courts (basketball, tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball, roller sports) ■ Indoor Facilities ■ Dog Parks and Off -leash Dog Areas ■ Playgrounds, Outdoor Gathering and Picnic Areas ■ Special Recreation Facilities (disc golf, golf courses, swim centers, skate parks, bike/skate pump tracks) IZ&4 I4_ 'SHR ' I �' Intro& people& What We Goals& Themes Parks IHeard Policies Chapter 5: Implementation Park -by -Park Needs, Opportunities, and Priorities ■ Park and facility needs and priorities are grouped by park classification (i.e., neighborhood parks, community parks) and are then presented in alphabetical order ■ Project opportunity priorities are identified by phase (near -term, mid- term, and long-term) ■ Opportunities and priorities are also summarized in Table 5-1 (PDF page 136) 1: JLP 2 as&I 3: JL 4: Intro 8 What We Goals& Themes PHeard Policies 22 11 7/16/2021 Community Parks Diverse in character, unique features, & wide range of amenities which attract users from throughout the City The City has seven community parks totaling approximately 100 acres 23 Laguna Lake Park Pape 120 Visionary Proiects b dow Park SLO's ,�_ Intro.8 Themes PeoPle & Parks Comprehensive Phased Update to Laguna Lake Plan Consider trade-offs (uses to remain, uses to discontinue, new uses); mix of passive and active uses Opportunities: ■ Revitalize connection to aquatic environment ■ Continued community events ■ Dog area/dog park improvements ■ Multi -generational community center ■ Aquatics (swim) center ■ Active: fields and courts ■ Passive: botanical garden, nature center z: Inlro. & SLO's Tmes People 8 he Parks 24 3: What We Heard 3: What We Heard 4: Goals 8 Policies 12 7/16/2021 Meadow Park and Meadow Park Center Including Exposition Park) (Page 122) Comprehensive Phased Plan Opportunities: • Increased programming and special events • Turf / field upgrades and reconfiguration • Multi -generational community center • Improved walking paths and fitness equipment • Playground expansion • Dog park • Increased shade �r 25 Ih- le's� Whatrd P.hCs Themes Heard Policies Sinsheimer Park, Stadium, and Swim Center (Pages 123, 129, and 131) Comprehensive Phased Plan Opportunities: ■ Increased programming ■ Improved access, connection to Railroad Safety Trail and future bridge ■ Dog park ■ Tennis and pickleball courts ■ Multi -generational community center • Stadium improvements/upgrades, future full renovation/new facility ■ Multi -use fields ■ SLO Swim Center redesign/expansion ■ Land acquisition 1. z: Intro. & SLO's Themes P-Ple & Parks 26 3: 4: 11 What We Goals& Heard Policies 13 7/16/2021 Neighborhood Parks Convenient and accessible active and passive recreation to residents within one-half to one -mile walking distance San Luis Obispo has 10 neighborhood parks totaling approximately 35 acres 27 Emerson Park Page 124) _ Opportunities: ■ Grant funding, implementation of Emerson Neighborhood Park Revitalization Project M Visionary Proiects r uierNull yarn M Mitchell Park 70 O It Themes 11 PParksBIt WHearde Poc es ■ Consider alternative location for multi -generational community center 2. 3: 4: SLO's What We Goals& People 8 Heard Policies Parks A 14 7/16/2021 29 Mitchell Park (Paae 125) Comprehensive Plan Opportunities: • Neighborhood discussion regarding safety • Special events • Expanded programming • Multi -generational activation through amenities and community gatherings Cheng Park (Pape 126) Opportunities: ■ Spatial redesign — safety, visibility, activation ■ Downtown activation and programming ■ Improved cultural expression and educational opportunities ■ Maintain cultural significance of original design 30 A ;. z: SLO's 3. People8 What Parks Heard a: Goals & Policies 1. Intro. 'IP-Pes&X le WeZGoals& Themes Heard Policies 15 7/16/2021 31 Downtown Public Spaces Mission Plaza (Paae 127) Opportunities: ■ Ongoing programming and activation • Implement Mission Plaza Concept Plan Themes 1 PPar:11 WHearde Po ces Recreation Centers and Facilities Provide organized or programmed recreation Multi -generational community gathering and support 32 Visionary Projects Laguna Lake Golf Course LM6 �_ IIIIIIIIIIIIIIm- 1. X P P.,es&� 3: d I Intro 8 What Goals& Themes Heard Policies 16 7/16/2021 Ludwick Community Center (Paae 128) Opportunities: ■ Renovation for indoor recreation, multi -generational community center ■ After -school childcare ■ Staff offices ■ Senior Center relocation ■ Replace within City at a new site (Laguna Lake, Meadow Park) Z' Parks 3: 4: ta 1, ' ' �' Intro. & people & What We Goals & :-+ Themes Heard Policies 33 SLO Senior Center (Page 130) Opportunities: ■ Multi -generational use ■ Diverse programming ■ Augment with child/youth activities ■ Consider rentability ■ Address functionality and maintenance ■ Provide greater connection with adjacent outdoor space 34 1. ZPPaP es&� 3: 4: Intro 8 What We Goals& Themes Heard Policies 17 7/16/2021 Laguna Lake Golf Course (Paae 133) 40 Opportunities: • Alternative programming ■ Community events ■ Source of financial contribution ■ Facility plan: maintenance, operation, and programming Themes 11 PP"kksIt WH—de Polices 35 Railroad Safety Trail (Pape 134) Opportunities: ■ Bike/skate pump track • Improve park connections and railroad fencing • Railroad overcrossing consistent with Active Transportation Plan Themes 11 PP. sBIt WHea de 11 Pol4ic es 36 IM 7/16/2021 Focus Questions 1. Does the Parks and Recreation Blueprint plan represent the needs of the community? 2. Is there more Chapter 4 (Goals and Policies) Themes, Goals, and Policies can provide to further represent, support, and advance the City's core values of: a. Civility b. Sustainability c. Diversity and inclusivity d. Regionalism and partnership, and e. Resiliency. 37 Focus Questions 3. Does the Parks and Recreation Blueprint Chapter 5 (Implementation) appropriately prioritize future amenities and projects in the following timeframes: a. Near -term (0-5 year) b. Mid-term (5-10 year) c. Long-term (10-20 year) (Starting on Page 119) W 19 7/16/2021 Council Member Marx Comments COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT Council Member Marx This draft is extremely through and beautifully done as it pertains to parks and recreation. When it comes to open space and natural preserves, however, Council needs to correct inaccuracies and prevent confusion. The 2006 Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE), not the Parks and Recreation Element, is the legally controlling authority when it comes to open space conservation information, programs and policy. It explicitly states (see pages 2,7,9,13,23,90, 94,99,141 and Footnotes #1 and #2) that the primary purpose of natural reserves/open space is "protection of natural resources, including wildlife and their habitats" A secondary purpose is to allow specified types of passive recreation if it does not degrade the natural resources being protected or create conflicts with neighborhoods. 39 Council Member Marx Comments (cont.) This distinction between parks and open space must be made abundantly clear at the very beginning of the document and throughout. Stating this distinction explicitly is necessary in order to afford natural reserves/open space the high level of environmental stewardship which residents, city councils, conservation easement holders and grant funding entities intended to afford and relied upon when these pristine properties were acquired or put under City protection. Residents and community members who fought hard for decades to create our Open Space program are putting their trust in this City Council to be staunch guardians of our natural preserves/open space program. (see the 2017 letter from residents and leaders) Hopefully, this Council, like all former Councils, will live up to, not violate, that trust. 40 ME 7/16/2021 Council Member Marx Comments (cont. The following are my specific comments. Deletions are StRIGIE thFeUgh. Additions are bolded. Page 2. Vision "by creating community through people, parks, programs and epen space trails." Add a statement on the same page below the vision statement, such as: "The City owns and maintains approximately acres of natural preserves and open space properties. The primary purpose of the Open Space Program is the protection of natural resources, including wildlife and their habitats, not recreation. The Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan (COSE 8.5.1), not this Parks and Recreation Element, sets programs and policies in this regard. 7. Under "Evaluate Recreation Programs and Services" sixth line "classes; aquatics; open space pFeseFyatien and trail maintenance..." 9. Under "The value of Parks" line 4...."people, parks, programs and open space trails. 41 Council Member Marx Comments (cont.) 13. line 6, "and Open Spacetrails... 28. Put in bold font the last sentence of the first paragraph: "Finally, San Luis Obispo owns and manages 13 open spaces ... not the subject of the Plan." 42. last sentence "Figures 2 16 and 2 1- 2-17 and 2-18 50. header: "Parks and Urban Open Spaces Public Areas... 76. last paragraph fourth sentence "passive enjoyment of open space conservation areas where environmentally permissible..." 42 21 7/16/2021 Council Member Marx Comments (cont.) 87. Multipurpose recreation center: consider adding splash pads with recycled water 90. Laguna Lake Park, line four "open space preserve where passive recreation is environmentally permissible." 99. second to last paragraph: "promoting non -motorized access to the City's open spaces while not negatively impacting bordering neighborhoods. 104. second paragraph line 5: "areas, and shall not be located permitted within City Open Space" 128 & 130. Planned Improvements second paragraph second bullet point: "`'AR-30611-F FPSAVAtiAR `A• 4A4 e4wees and er4F ,',.eatien Af the SPROAF Cente " Check the deed It specifies the building must be used for a Senior Center. The building is historically protected and MUST NOT be demolished. Instead add: Consider creating an additional accessible center for Seniors. 141. Understanding the cost of Parks next to last bullet point in the first column: add at the end of second column "Open Space Maintenance by Rangers: $300-$600 per actively managed acre:' 43 Key Next Steps 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 44 22 7/16/2021 0 45 Public Comment Key Next Steps 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 46 23 7/16/2021 47 How to Review and Provide Feedback Project Website: https://www.slocity.orq/parksandrecreationelementupdate Open City Hall (through May 12, 2021): https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/189/Issue 10415 Submit email correspondence to: parksandrecblueprint(a-slocity.orq Submit written correspondence to: Parks and Recreation Plan and Element Update City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department 1341 Nipomo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Purpose of Today's Study Session eceive presentation &_provide feedback on the ..pblicraft Parks;Recreation Bluep " for the -2041 (Par an Ian Element U VA 7/16/2021 Implementation Process CRITICAL STRATEGIC VISIONARY Maintaining Improving Developing What We Have What We Have New Opportunities Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 0�7:_ ' 1' 1' Themes Heard Policies Parks Implementation Process Project Identification Project Plans and Project Project and Design ecification Permits Readyto Construction Completion Budgeting Construct -Funding -Scope -Draft plans -Submit plans -Council -Pre- •Ribbon identified project meetings and to Building authorization construction cutting and -Gather public input Department Of meeting -Notice of approved by information, -Advisory Body for review Advertiseme -Public completion Council public input, Review and -Address nt of project outreach project and conduct additional public Building -Advertise •Workdays- closeout site visits input Department project for varies by -initial Contact comments Public Bid project with property and resubmit -Award Clip owners, inform for building Construction and engage permit Contract public issuance •Environmental review z: 1 , i/ Inlrl0.8[]W"�'_. ThemekHeard LO' pl Go/ Policies 50 25