HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2026 Item 4a, Ludaescher
Andreas <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Attn: Parks & Rec Commission - Keep Emerson Field!
Dear City Council Members and Parks & Recreation Commission Staff,
I’m writing as a local parent and frequent user of Emerson Park to ask that the large open grass field be
preserved as is.
I’m a dad of two active young boys, and Emerson Park is part of our daily routine. Almost every afternoon
after school, we head to that big grass field to run, kick a soccer ball, throw a football, or just let them
burn off energy. There aren’t many places left in SLO where kids can simply run freely without
reservations, fences, or structured programming - just a quick walk away - and Emerson Park is one of
those rare places. Simply a unique treasure in our neighborhood.
That open field is not just grass to our family. It’s where my kids are learning to love being outside, where
they practice teamwork and movement, and where families naturally come together. On any given
afternoon, you’ll see kids playing, parents chatting, and local teams practicing — all sharing the same
space without conflict because the field is large enough to support everyone.
Cutting this field in half to add a dog park would permanently change the character of Emerson Park and
significantly reduce its usefulness for families and youth activities. Once that open space is gone, it’s
gone for good.
While I fully support providing amenities for dog owners (we have a dog), there are already multiple dog
parks within San Luis Obispo, including the brand-new and spacious dog park at Laguna Lake. Given
those existing options, it’s hard to understand why one of the few remaining large, open neighborhood
fields should be sacrificed.
As a parent, I think often about the everyday places that shape childhoods. Emerson Park’s open grass
field is one of those places. I respectfully ask the City to protect it for the kids, families, and community
members who rely on it every day.
Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of long-time local families like mine.
Sincerely,
Andreas Ludaescher
(Your neigbor on Buchon Street)
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