HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2026 Item 4a, Benson
Joe Benson <joe.benson.law@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Parks & Recreation Commission - Item 4(a) on 02/04/2026 - Public Comment
re: Item 4(a) on 02/04/2026
Dear Parks and Recreation Commission -
I’m writing to urge the Commission to preserve the open grass area at Emerson Park. This space
plays a critical role in supporting youth sports and in expanding opportunities for girls’ participation in
athletics in San Luis Obispo.
Open, flexible grass fields like Emerson are uniquely valuable. They support informal practices,
clinics, and scrimmages that don’t require lined or specialized facilities. Flag football, in particular,
depends on safe, open grass areas that can accommodate varying field sizes and multiple age
groups. For girls’ sports, access to these kinds of spaces is often the difference between a program
growing or being constrained by field availability.
Reducing open grass at Emerson would have a direct and negative impact on these programs at a
time when participation—especially among girls—is increasing and should be actively encouraged.
City policies and planning decisions should align with the goal of removing barriers to youth sports,
not adding new ones.
Finally, the public survey often referenced in the staff report in support of changes to Emerson was
conducted over five years ago, prior to the Laguna Lake dog park being installed. An updated survey
today would likely reflect different community priorities and usage patterns.
I respectfully ask the Commission to preserve the open grass at Emerson Park and to consider
updated public input before moving forward.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued service to the San Luis Obispo community. I
appreciate the opportunity to provide input on an issue that has a real and lasting impact on our kids.
Regards,
Joe Benson
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