HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2026 Item 4a, Starr
Nia James Starr <niakiesow@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, January
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Emerson Park Project Update
Dear Parks & Recreation Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment on the final design layout of Emerson Park.
I am a mother of a two-year-old and a regular user of the park. I live in downtown SLO and my family
attends St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located on the corner of Emerson Park, every Sunday, and after
church we walk over to the park as part of our weekly routine. Emerson Park is a meaningful and well-
loved space for our family and many others in the neighborhood.
As you finalize the park design, I would strongly encourage the City to consider adding a shade canopy
over the playground structure. During the hotter summer and fall months, the slides and play surfaces
become extremely hot, making them unusable for young children and limiting how long families can
safely stay. Shade over the play equipment would significantly improve comfort, safety, and accessibility
especially for toddlers and children with more sensitive skin.
I appreciate the thoughtful upgrades planned for Emerson Park and hope that incorporating shade into
the playground design can help ensure the park remains welcoming and usable for families year-round.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
_____________________________________________________________
Nia James Starr
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