HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-2026 PRC Agenda Packet
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA
February 4, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
The Parks and Recreation Commission holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be
supported. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of
complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your
email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not
be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be
limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received
after the deadline may not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be
present at the meeting location.
Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy,
Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire
to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation must provide display-ready
material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's
Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Blair will call the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission to order.
2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
At this time, people may address the Commission about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name
and address. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at
this time are generally referred to staff and, if action by the Committee is
necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
3.CONSENT
Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non-
controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may
request the Parks and Recreation Commission pull an item for discussion. The
public may comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the
three-minute time limit.
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - PARKS AND RECREATION
MINUTES
1
Recommendation:
To approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of January
7, 2026
4.BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a STAFF PRESENTION ON THE CURRENT DESIGN FOR EMERSON
PARK BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT RELATED TO THE PROP 68
STATE PARKS GRANT (AVAKIAN – 60 MIN)
7
Review the proposed design layouts (Attachment A) to finalize
the concept and planned amenity enhancements for the
Emerson Park Project.
a.
Provide final recommendations to staff on the preferred layout
and park amenities to proceed with the final development of
construction-ready documents
b.
4.b PRC SUB-COMMITTEE LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) AMENITIES
DISCUSSION ON THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE (PRC – 20
MIN)
Commission to discuss and provide any additional advisory
topics related to the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and LOS
updates
a.
4.c RECEIVE DIRECTORS REPORT: (AVAKIAN - 15 MIN)
Council Golf Course Study Session of February 3, 2026– Brief
Summary
•
Righetti Community Park - Project Status Update•
Mission Plaza Project - Status Update and Café Kiosk Vendor•
4.d RECEIVE DEPARTMENT UPDATES (HYFIELD / TOLLEY - 40 MIN)
Divisional Update - Aquatics, Golf, Facilities, Eventsa.
Divisional Update – Community Services, Public Art, Senior
Programs, Youth Services, Volunteer Program
b.
5.SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS (PRC - 15 MIN)
5.a COMMUNICATIONS (CHAIR - 15 MIN)
The Chair will request updates from the Commissioners.
5.b SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS (CHAIR - 15 MIN)
Adult and Senior Programming (Chair Blair)a.
Active Transportation Committee (Vice Chair Howell)b.
Youth Sports Association (Commissioner Stowe)c.
Jack House (Commissioner Kincaid)d.
6.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is
scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible
to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting
should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least
48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Parks and Recreation
Commission are available for public inspection on the City’s website:
https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-
minutes. Meeting recordings may be found on the City’s website:
https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=61014
1
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
January 7, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order
on January 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, by Chair Blair.
Present: Commissioner Blair, Vice Chair Howell, Commissioners Lance,
Kincaid, Murphy and Stowe.
Absent: Commissioner Duperron
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Greg Avakian
Recreation Manager Devin Hyfield
Recreation Manager Meghan Tolley
Administrative Assistant III Lisa Russell
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
Members of the public Cary, Winter and Lens spoke about Emerson Park.
Hernandez spoke about Righetti Park.
John McKenzie: Friends of SLO City Dog Park provided input on the construction
of a proposed wind break structure, fencing and parking improvements at Laguna
Lake Dog Park.
Director Avakian asked the Commission to consider the proposal from the
Friends of SLO City Dog Park and provide their feedback. There will be public
outreach in the Springtime allowing for the public to provide feedback.
Page 1 of 19
2
Commission supports the proposed Friends of SLO City Dog Park ideas,
beginning with a windbreak panel.
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - PARKS AND RECREATION
MINUTES
To approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes:
November 5, 2025 Regular Meeting
November 21, 2025 Special Meeting/Park and Facilities Tour
CARRIED: 6:0:0:1 to approve the minutes for the regular meeting of November
5, 2025, as motioned by Vice Chair Howell and second by Commissioner
Kincaid.
AYES: Blair, Howell, Kincaid, Stowe, Lance, Murphy
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Duperron
CARRIED: 6:0:0:1 to approve the notes for the November 21, 2025, Special
Meeting/ Park Facility Tour as motioned by Commissioner Kincaid and second by
Commissioner Murphy.
AYES: Blair, Howell, Kincaid, Stowe, Lance and Murphy
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Duperron
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
Page 2 of 19
3
4.a DISCUSS AND REVIEW PARK AND FACILITY TOURS (COMMISSION -
45 MIN)
a. Staff to facilitate review of the park and facility tours of November 21,
2025.
b. Commission to discuss and provide feedback to staff regarding:
Santa Rosa Park –
o Commission observations: some refurbishment and
maintenance needed. The parks and facilities tours are an
annual highlight for the commission. Great to have Park
Maintenance participate on the tour. Horseshoe pits need
refurbishing. Skate Park needs clean up from debris. Santa
Rosa Park is a true, diverse community park servicing many
community activities.
Meadow Park/Meadow Center –
o Commission observations: Many different usage areas are
available. Increase the usage of the building and perhaps as
a future community center. It has much potential. Lots of
activity takes place in the park. Lighting improvements for
evening basketball play are recommended. Bathroom
improvements needed.
Mission Plaza –
o Heading in the right direction with ongoing improvements.
The activation of the park is great. Successful programming
and collaborations with the Downtown SLO Assoc. and
partnership with the Mission Church. Kiosk area is great.
Jack House/Gardens –
o Docents are highly committed. Great rental space. Great
history, beautiful buildings and gardens. Suggestion to
increase promotions for additional usage.
4.b PRC SUB-COMMITTEE LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) AMENITIES
DISCUSSION ON BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE (PRC – 20 MIN)
a. Commission to discuss and provide any additional advisory topics related
to the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and LOS updates. No report provided.
4.c RECEIVE DIRECTORS REPORT: (AVAKIAN - 40 MIN)
Page 3 of 19
4
Emerson Park Prop 68 Project- Brief Overview of Upcoming February 4
Community Input Agenda Item.
o Input from members of the public: Carey, Winter and Lenz
North Broad Street Park - Safety Gate Request by Community
o Director provided background by community concern and asked for
commissioner feedback. No gate at this time was recommended
by commission. Recommended potential for a community survey
to gage use at the park location.
Righetti Community Park - Project Status Update
o Input from member of the public: Hernandez (pickleball courts)
Mission Plaza Project - Status Update and Café’ Kiosk Vendor
CPRS D8 Awards - Laguna Lake Dog Park, Laguna Lake Bike Park,
September Scramble, and Professional Award
4.d RECEIVE DEPARTMENT UPDATES (HYFIELD / TOLLEY - 40 MIN)
a. Divisional Update (Hyfield) - Aquatics (November highlights and winter
programming updates, Photos with Santa Event, successful Season of Hope
donations, upcoming CPR training, Lifeguard training upcoming). Golf
(Operations and Maintenance updates. November and December revenue
report), Facilities (Indoor/Outdoor facilities updates, Events (Lunar New Year
Celebration 2/19 in Mission Plaza).
b. Divisional Update (Tolley) - Community Services (Senior Center December
Activities, Family Trivia and music concerts to begin again shortly). Public Art
(New installation at Froom & Heirloom Ranch and multiple community activities
underway). Senior Programs, Youth Sports (Referee training, Volleyball,
basketball, Softball and Futsal all beginning). Youth Services (Family Winter Fest,
Partner meetings with local schools, YS Division will move their offices to the
Ludwick Center). Volunteer Program (Highlights. Annual report will be r eleased
soon). Jack House had over 400 hundred visitors for the holiday season tours.
5. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
5.a COMMUNICATIONS: (CHAIR - 15 MIN)
The Commission provided additional updates:
Bring forward ideas for future presentations to the PRC Commission from Parks
and Recreation Divisions. Ranger Service Division was suggested.
Confirming 2026 Meeting dates of February 4, March 4, April 1, 2026.
Page 4 of 19
5
5.b SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS (CHAIR - 15 MIN)
a. Adult and Senior Programming (Chair Blair):
o none
b. Active Transportation Committee (Vice Chair Howell):
o none
c. Youth Sports Association (Commissioner Stowe):
o none
d. Jack House (Commissioner Kincaid):
o Update provided as part of Tolley Divisional update referencing
the holiday activations and docent support.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Parks
and Recreation Commission is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
_________________________
APPROVED BY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 01/07/2026
Page 5 of 19
Page 6 of 19
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 2/4/2026
Item Number: 4. a
FROM: Greg Avakian, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: STAFF PRESENTATION ON THE CURRENT DESIGN FOR EMERSON
PARK BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT RELATED TO THE PROP 68 STATE
PARKS GRANT
RECOMMENDATION
a. Review the proposed design layouts (Attachment A) to finalize the concept
and planned amenity enhancements for the Emerson Park Project.
b. Provide final recommendations to staff on the preferred layout and park
amenities to proceed with the final development of construction-ready
documents.
DISCUSSION
Background
Emerson Park is a City owned and maintained neighborhood park located just outside
of the downtown core in San Luis Obispo (1341 Nipomo Street), adjacent to the Parks
and Recreation Department administrative office building. The original site was the
home of Nipomo School (late 1800’s) and Emerson Elementary School (established in
1949). The current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, a
basketball court, community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground
equipment, picnic tables, turf area, and new exercise equipment (as of 2022). There are
currently no public restrooms within the park for families with small children to utilize
while playing at the park. The fitness equipment zone was upgraded and installed in the
park in February 2022, which included support from a separate grant awarded by the
California Parks and Recreation Society and National Fitness Court agencies in 2021.
In December of 2021, the City of San Luis Obispo was successfully awarded a
California State Parks Prop 68 Grant in the amount of $2.81 million to revitalize
Emerson Park. As part of the Prop 68 State Parks Grant application requirements, as
well as fulfilling the community outreach process during the development of the Parks &
Recreation Blueprint for the Future (master plan and general element adopted in 2021),
the Parks and Recreation Department facilitated five (5) public workshops in January
2021 to gather input on potential amenities desired at Emerson Park. Due to COVID-19
Page 7 of 19
Agenda Report
health restrictions related to public gathering at the time, these public input sessions
were held via Zoom meeting format and included an on -line survey for community
members to provide information to assist staff to complete the grant application process.
Based off the feedback from the community Zoom workshops and original survey in
January 2021, the following amenity upgrades and additions were included in the grant
application: addition of a restroom facility, shade and safety lighting, a new dog park
with small and large dog areas, upgraded and expanded playground equipment for
children (ages 0-5 and 5-12 years of age), a new educational section within the
community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose basketball court, an
upgraded blacktop, recreational turf area, upgraded perimeter fencing and landscaping,
and new public art installations.
The feedback received at these workshops, the on-line survey, and key service levels
contained with the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future (master plan and general
element) were instrumental in the successful award of the Prop 68 Grant to the City San
Luis Obispo in fall 2021. In 2021, the City of San Luis Obispo was the only city in San
Luis Obispo County to successfully receive a Prop 68 Grant. To not jeopardize the Prop
68 Grant award of $2.81 million, the Emerson Park Beautification project must be
completed by December 2028.
With the successful award, the City moved forward with a Request For Proposal for the
selection of a park landscaping firm to develop the updated Emerson Park project,
resulting in the selection of SSA Landscape Architecture, Inc. in 2022 to design the
park. SSA Landscape Architecture, Inc. created initial conceptual layouts based on the
grant application amenities, review of the community input, and interviews with staff.
The concept plans were utilized at a variety of community feedback opportunities,
posted on the City website, and discussed at Parks and Recreation Commission
meetings between 2023-2025. These opportunities provided feedback to refine and
develop the current park layout and 50% construction plan documents.
The February 4, 2026, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting provides the
community and Commissioners a final opportunity to discuss the parks’ recreational
amenities and make recommendations to staff on the final design. Staff will provide
updates received from the PRC meeting directly to SSA Landscape Design to initiate
any revisions and continue with the project design to continue the design process for
the next stage of construction documents (90% construction details) in order to maintain
the required project timeline.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The community’s input regarding City parks and recreational amenities is a critical
foundational step that staff facilitates with all park-related projects. The initial community
outreach for the grant application process included Zoom meeting feedback
opportunities on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26, 2021, a related 30-day online survey, as
Page 8 of 19
Agenda Report
well as at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of March 3, 2021. Staff
advertised the Zoom meeting opportunities with a neighborhood mailer that included an
approximate 3-block radius of Emerson Park (nearly 700 addresses). Staff utilized this
information to complete and submit the Prop 68 Grant application which included an
example concept layout for Emerson Park and a list of desired amenities for
consideration. With the successful award of Prop 68 Grant in December 2021, staff
initiated additional community feedback with the assistance of SSA Landscape Design
to move forward with the formal design process for Emerson Park.
During the time period of 2023 - 2025, a variety of additional public forums were
conducted to obtain project feedback for the park design. The majority consisted of
Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meetings that included discussion on the
design of the park but also included two in-person opportunities held at Emerson Park.
June 19, 2023, Monday Meet-Up at Emerson Park: showcase the conceptual designs
and amenities with opportunity for community feedback. A Survey Results 2023 was
also included during 2023 showcasing the grant award amenities and requesting
feedback on amenity styles, locations, and desired design features. This feedback
opportunity also included a neighborhood mailing of nearly 780 addresses.
October 11, 2023, PRC meeting: reviewed the updated first draft concept designs and
amenity layout for design feedback.
April 2, 2025, PRC meeting: review of the revised amenities and updated park layout
designs.
July 28, 2025, Monday Meet-Up at Emerson Park: Staff provided the most current park
renderings and designs to obtain community feedback.
September 3, 2025, PRC meeting: Staff showcased the final park design and layout,
including playground examples for feedback.
NEXT STEPS
The Parks and Recreation Commission purview is to review and provide City staff
recommendations of design for park projects which could have an impact on the City’s
parks and recreational facilities.
Staff anticipate providing design modifications at the conclusion of the Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting of February 3, 2026, along with the public comments
from the meeting, including community emails received by Staff and PRC over the last
few months regarding the park project. Feedback will be used by staff to discuss any
revisions of the latest park layouts with SSA Landscape Design representatives to
update the design plan for final construction document preparations.
If significant changes to the park amenities or layout are the result of community
feedback and Commissioner recommendations, this will require Parks and Recreation
Staff to formally submit a ‘project proposal change’ request to the State Parks Prop 68
Page 9 of 19
Agenda Report
Grant representatives for review. Staff anticipate a delay in the project design process
pending the review time by State Parks and remain confident that the project completion
goal of December 2028 is still obtainable.
Potential Outcomes:
A. If determined by the State Parks Prop 68 representatives that the park project still
qualifies and meets the expectations and requirements of the original Prop 68 Grant
awarded to the City, then the revised design will move forward and SSA Design will
incorporate revisions for the final plans.
B. If the State Parks Prop 68 representatives deny the proposed changes and/or inform
the City that the changes will disqualify the project from meeting the grant
requirements, the city will need to maintain the current concept design (Attachment
A). The Emerson Park Beautification project is reliant on the $2.81 million grant
contributions to complete the project. Failing to meet the grant requirements
jeopardizes the City from future grant awards related to any new or renovated park
projects.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Emerson Park Conceptual Plan - 2025
B. Emerson Park Conceptual Plan - 2023
C. Emerson Park Conceptual Plan – Grant Application 2021
D. Emerson Park Conceptual Plan – Example for Zoom Meetings 2021
E. Emerson Park Conceptual Plan – Original Layout 2020
Page 10 of 19
Page 11 of 19
Page 12 of 19
Emerson Park Design Layout - 2023
Page 13 of 19
Page 14 of 19
Emerson Park Design – Grant Application 2021
Page 15 of 19
Page 16 of 19
Emerson Park Potential Layout Example – Utilized for Zoom Format
Community Forums - January 2021
Page 17 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Emerson Park Recreational Amenity- Original Layout - 2021
Page 19 of 19