HomeMy WebLinkAboutBatch 655
From:Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent:Wednesday, September 27, 2023 4:32 PM
To:Long, Erica
Subject:FW: Emerson Park
Attachments:Emerson Park Landscape Concept Plan 23-09-27.pdf
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Does this capture our discussion from yesterday?
Thanks,
From: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 4:29 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi ChrisƟan,
AƩached is the revised Emerson Park Landscape Concept plan with the adjusted dog park entrances.
Thanks,
Jessica
61
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Tuesday, September 26, 2023 12:45 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park
Hi Christian,
I am not sure that we are talking about the same things.
Do you have time today for a quick chat?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9:37 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
The double gates are maintenance gates and not necessarily intended for everyday user access. I would say it’s atypical to have
double gates for either the large or small dogs. We are holding a 10’ opening at this point but the final width will be determined
as we detail out the fence.
The single gate highlighted was a convenience gate for the people that will be accessing the dog park from Beach or the steps at
the corner of Beach and Pacific.
The primary entrance is intended to be along Pismo Street.
I did see your comments yesterday and will have Jessica revise when she’s back in the office (tomorrow) unless you need it
today.
Best,
62
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 5:05 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hey! I have a few quick questions…
1. Are these gates highlighted below maintenance gates?
2. Do you know if it is best practice to have separate double entry gates for large and small dogs? I think we
might want to split the double gate into two separate entrances. What are the dimensions of the double gate?
Erica Long
Project Manager II
63
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 1:43 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Good afternoon Christian and Jessica,
I passed on the revised concept layout for review and below is the feedback I received. Also, it looks great to me!!! I
really like the bocce ball courts included in the picnic/learning garden area. The dog park and bioswale flows well. It
looks like there might be only a slight tweak needed to the dog park double gates.
I am working on the report for this project for the PRC meeting on October 11th and will attach the revised concept
layout.
Feedback:
I like the added detail of the wall seat with tiles and pavement workout pattern.
From my viewpoint, they captured the PRC’s directions adequately and is good for final presentation to PRC in
October. I like the addition of the bocce court to the picnic area with the walkway extended to the fitness court.
I agree with insights and view above. This looks very good!
One detail to include relates the dog park area gates. For specific design, each entry/exit needs the
small ‘holding area’ for the transition between the specific dog park area to the external park
area. This is where a 10’x10’ area will need to be represented on the concept plans at each entry/exit
gate to the lawn/turf area. The larger entry along Pismo is fine and the internal gates don’t require that.
Other than that, I think Christian and his team captured it all!
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
64
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 4:42 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached rendered plan for your use.
Take a look and let us know if you have any addiƟonal comments or requested revisions.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Good morning,
Attached is the layout with comments and there are some additional comments below.
We are thinking the double gates could look something like this if the bio swale stays in the same spot.
Please let me know what you think. Feel free to give me a call.
65
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Thankyou for the update and we’re happy you like the revisions!
We’ll look for comments in the morning and can very likely get the rendered site plan to you in short order.
Best,
66
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Christian,
We are almost done with our review, and I am waiting for confirmation on one thing from Parks and Recreation.
I am hoping to send our minimal comments in the morning.
We like the updated layout! 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:37 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
67
Hi Erica,
Curious if you’ve had a chance to review and comment on the revised concept?
Please let us know if you have any quesƟons or input and we will get this rendered.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, revised concept for Emerson Park. Take a look and let us know if you see anything you would like to
revise.
Once blessed, we will render and return for PRC.
Thanks!
68
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Monday, September 25, 2023 5:05 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park
Hey! I have a few quick questions…
1. Are these gates highlighted below maintenance gates?
2. Do you know if it is best practice to have separate double entry gates for large and small dogs? I think we
might want to split the double gate into two separate entrances. What are the dimensions of the double gate?
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
69
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 1:43 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Good afternoon Christian and Jessica,
I passed on the revised concept layout for review and below is the feedback I received. Also, it looks great to me!!! I
really like the bocce ball courts included in the picnic/learning garden area. The dog park and bioswale flows well. It
looks like there might be only a slight tweak needed to the dog park double gates.
I am working on the report for this project for the PRC meeting on October 11th and will attach the revised concept
layout.
Feedback:
I like the added detail of the wall seat with tiles and pavement workout pattern.
From my viewpoint, they captured the PRC’s directions adequately and is good for final presentation to PRC in
October. I like the addition of the bocce court to the picnic area with the walkway extended to the fitness court.
I agree with insights and view above. This looks very good!
One detail to include relates the dog park area gates. For specific design, each entry/exit needs the
small ‘holding area’ for the transition between the specific dog park area to the external park
area. This is where a 10’x10’ area will need to be represented on the concept plans at each entry/exit
gate to the lawn/turf area. The larger entry along Pismo is fine and the internal gates don’t require that.
Other than that, I think Christian and his team captured it all!
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 4:42 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
70
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached rendered plan for your use.
Take a look and let us know if you have any addiƟonal comments or requested revisions.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Good morning,
Attached is the layout with comments and there are some additional comments below.
We are thinking the double gates could look something like this if the bio swale stays in the same spot.
Please let me know what you think. Feel free to give me a call.
71
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Thankyou for the update and we’re happy you like the revisions!
We’ll look for comments in the morning and can very likely get the rendered site plan to you in short order.
Best,
72
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Christian,
We are almost done with our review, and I am waiting for confirmation on one thing from Parks and Recreation.
I am hoping to send our minimal comments in the morning.
We like the updated layout! 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:37 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
73
Hi Erica,
Curious if you’ve had a chance to review and comment on the revised concept?
Please let us know if you have any quesƟons or input and we will get this rendered.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, revised concept for Emerson Park. Take a look and let us know if you see anything you would like to
revise.
Once blessed, we will render and return for PRC.
Thanks!
74
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Monday, September 25, 2023 2:18 PM
To:Long, Erica; Hyfield, Devin
Cc:Moore, Shelsie
Subject:RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Erica-
That makes sense and let’s verify with Christian.
Now that you mention it, it may be best practice to have separate entry for large and small dogs. I recall visiting a dog
park that had it set up that way to avoid conflicts. I believe that can be accomplished with slight modifications of the
current entry point.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 2:12 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Thanks everyone for getting back to me so quickly! I will pass on your feedback to SSA.
My assumption was the gates along the field were maintenance gates, but I can verify that.
Greg- Are you okay with the large double gate that has access to both the large and small dog areas?
75
From: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 12:26 PM
To: Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>; Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Erica-
I agree with Devin’s insights and view. This looks very good!
One detail to include relates the dog park area gates. For specific design, each entry/exit needs the small ‘holding
area’ for the transition between the specific dog park area to the external park area. This is where a 10’x10’ area will
need to be represented on the concept plans at each entry/exit gate to the lawn/turf area. The larger entry along
Pismo is fine and the internal gates don’t require that.
Other than that, I think Christian and his team captured it all!
Thanks,
-GA
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
76
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 11:41 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Hi Erica –
From my viewpoint, they captured the PRC’s directions adequately and is good for final presentation to PRC in
October. I like the addition of the bocce court to the picnic area with the walkway extended to the fitness court.
Devin Hyfield
Recreation Manager
T 805.781.7295
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 8:48 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Good morning everyone!
Attached is the final concept layout for Emerson Park.
Please look it over and let me know if you have any additional comments or requested revisions so I can get back to
SSA as soon as possible.
Also, I am working on the report to present this layout for the PRC meeting in October.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
77
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Agree!
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:41 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Thanks, Greg, for your input. I might suggest that we add in two double gates to separate the large and small dogs.
There are two trees near the bioswale off Pismo Street that might make the placement of a double gate a little
awkward. We also want to avoid the Beach Street side since it would require stairs due to the slope difference with the
sidewalk.
78
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg gavakian@slocity.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:14 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Yes! Thanks.
Assuming that the bio swale can’t be relocated or adjusted, then this will work.
Also, the double gate entry seems quite large. Hoping it can be reduced a bit to allow for more dog area on both small
and large sections. Not sure of the current dimensions but seem much larger than 10x10 or 12x12.
Thanks!
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 4:55 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
79
Hi Greg,
Thank you for your comments.
Would this location of the double gate work better?
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg gavakian@slocity.org
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:34 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
80
Reviewed and made comments. Couldn’t save within the SharePoint, so I’ve attached this updated version with my
comments imbedded.
Hope it worked and can jump on a Teams to clarify comments.
-GA
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 5:14 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: Review Request: Emerson Park - Revised Concept
Importance: High
Good afternoon,
Please review the revised concept for Emerson Park and let me know as soon as possible if there is anything that you
would like SSA to revise.
Emerson Park Landscape Concept Plan - 23-09-06.pdf
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
88
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Monday, September 25, 2023 1:43 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park
Attachments:23-09-22 Emerson Park Revised Concept.pdf
Good afternoon Christian and Jessica,
I passed on the revised concept layout for review and below is the feedback I received. Also, it looks great to me!!! I
really like the bocce ball courts included in the picnic/learning garden area. The dog park and bioswale flows well. It
looks like there might be only a slight tweak needed to the dog park double gates.
I am working on the report for this project for the PRC meeting on October 11th and will attach the revised concept
layout.
Feedback:
I like the added detail of the wall seat with tiles and pavement workout pattern.
From my viewpoint, they captured the PRC’s directions adequately and is good for final presentation to PRC in
October. I like the addition of the bocce court to the picnic area with the walkway extended to the fitness court.
I agree with insights and view above. This looks very good!
One detail to include relates the dog park area gates. For specific design, each entry/exit needs the
small ‘holding area’ for the transition between the specific dog park area to the external park
area. This is where a 10’x10’ area will need to be represented on the concept plans at each entry/exit
gate to the lawn/turf area. The larger entry along Pismo is fine and the internal gates don’t require that.
Other than that, I think Christian and his team captured it all!
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 4:42 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
89
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached rendered plan for your use.
Take a look and let us know if you have any addiƟonal comments or requested revisions.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Good morning,
Attached is the layout with comments and there are some additional comments below.
We are thinking the double gates could look something like this if the bio swale stays in the same spot.
Please let me know what you think. Feel free to give me a call.
90
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Thankyou for the update and we’re happy you like the revisions!
We’ll look for comments in the morning and can very likely get the rendered site plan to you in short order.
Best,
91
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Christian,
We are almost done with our review, and I am waiting for confirmation on one thing from Parks and Recreation.
I am hoping to send our minimal comments in the morning.
We like the updated layout! 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:37 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
92
Hi Erica,
Curious if you’ve had a chance to review and comment on the revised concept?
Please let us know if you have any quesƟons or input and we will get this rendered.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, revised concept for Emerson Park. Take a look and let us know if you see anything you would like to
revise.
Once blessed, we will render and return for PRC.
Thanks!
101
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:16 AM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park
Attachments:Emerson Park Landscape Concept Plan - 23-09-06_Greg_Comments9.11.23.pdf
Good morning,
Attached is the layout with comments and there are some additional comments below.
We are thinking the double gates could look something like this if the bio swale stays in the same spot.
Please let me know what you think. Feel free to give me a call.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
102
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From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Thankyou for the update and we’re happy you like the revisions!
We’ll look for comments in the morning and can very likely get the rendered site plan to you in short order.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
Hi Christian,
We are almost done with our review, and I am waiting for confirmation on one thing from Parks and Recreation.
I am hoping to send our minimal comments in the morning.
We like the updated layout! 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
103
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
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From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:37 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Curious if you’ve had a chance to review and comment on the revised concept?
Please let us know if you have any quesƟons or input and we will get this rendered.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, revised concept for Emerson Park. Take a look and let us know if you see anything you would like to
revise.
Once blessed, we will render and return for PRC.
Thanks!
104
S36° 27' 17.07"EXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXRTRTRTRTXXXXXXXRTRTSITE SCHEDULE01020304050607080910MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDBIG DOG RUNLITTLE DOG RUNSHADE TRIANGLEBIOSWALE AREAMULTI-SPORT COURTHALF BASKETBALL COURTBOCCE COURTEXISTING WORKOUT AREASHADE STRUCTURE11121314EXISTING COMMUNITY GARDENPICNIC AREASELF CLEANING RESTROOM BUILDINGPLAYGROUND AREA - AGES 5-1215PLAYGROUND AREA - AGES 2-516EXISTING RECREATION BUILDING17EXISTING PARKING LOT AREA18COMPOST19NEW PLANTING AREA20ASPHALT PAVEMENT21BIKE RACK22ASPHALT GAME MARKING0102030405060708080910111213141516171819202023212223CONCRETE PATH24STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE23232425LEARNING GARDEN25SITE LEGENDEVERGREEN TREEDECIDUOUS TREEASPHALTSTABILIZEDDECOMPOSED GRANITETURFDRINKING FOUNTAIN26DOG PARK COURSE27DOG PARK ENTRANCE27262326242423RTTRASH & RECYCLING28CURVED SEAT WALL WITH ART TILES29RAIN CATCHMENT DEMONSTRATION282829EX. TREE TO REMAINXXPARK ENCLOSUREFENCEDOG PARK FENCELANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS1/16" = 1'-0"09 . 05 . 202301 OF 01LANDSCAPE CONCEPT PLANEMERSON PARK - SAN LUIS OBISPO1341 NIPOMO ST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CAPISMO STREETNIPOMO STREET
BEACH STREET
PLAYGROUNDSAFETY SURFACEREMOVE EX. TREE04(E) TREE TO REMAIN, TYP.TYP.TYP.1030BIKE LOCKER WITH GRAFFITIRESISTANT COATING30
111
From:Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent:Wednesday, September 6, 2023 3:14 PM
To:Long, Erica
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:Emerson Park
Attachments:Emerson Park Landscape Concept Plan - 23-09-06.pdf
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, revised concept for Emerson Park. Take a look and let us know if you see anything you would like to
revise.
Once blessed, we will render and return for PRC.
Thanks!
S36° 27' 17.07"EXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXRTRTRTRTXXXXXXXRTRTSITE SCHEDULE01020304050607080910MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDBIG DOG RUNLITTLE DOG RUNSHADE TRIANGLEBIOSWALE AREAMULTI-SPORT COURTHALF BASKETBALL COURTBOCCE COURTEXISTING WORKOUT AREASHADE STRUCTURE11121314EXISTING COMMUNITY GARDENPICNIC AREASELF CLEANING RESTROOM BUILDINGPLAYGROUND AREA - AGES 5-1215PLAYGROUND AREA - AGES 2-516EXISTING RECREATION BUILDING17EXISTING PARKING LOT AREA18COMPOST19NEW PLANTING AREA20ASPHALT PAVEMENT21BIKE RACK22ASPHALT GAME MARKING0102030405060708080910111213141516171819202023212223CONCRETE PATH24STABILIZED DECOMPOSED GRANITE23232425LEARNING GARDEN25SITE LEGENDEVERGREEN TREEDECIDUOUS TREEASPHALTSTABILIZEDDECOMPOSED GRANITETURFDRINKING FOUNTAIN26DOG PARK COURSE27DOG PARK ENTRANCE27262326242423RTTRASH & RECYCLING28CURVED SEAT WALL WITH ART TILES29RAIN CATCHMENT DEMONSTRATION282829EX. TREE TO REMAINXXPARK ENCLOSUREFENCEDOG PARK FENCELANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS1/16" = 1'-0"09 . 05 . 202301 OF 01LANDSCAPE CONCEPT PLANEMERSON PARK - SAN LUIS OBISPO1341 NIPOMO ST SAN LUIS OBISPO, CAPISMO STREETNIPOMO STREET
BEACH STREET
PLAYGROUNDSAFETY SURFACEREMOVE EX. TREE04(E) TREE TO REMAIN, TYP.TYP.TYP.1030BIKE LOCKER WITH GRAFFITIRESISTANT COATING30
114
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Wednesday, August 30, 2023 9:32 AM
To:John McKenzie
Subject:RE: Dog Parks - volunteers and Friends future
Good morning, John!
Thanks for the different inquiries and recommendaƟons for the dog park projects that the City is currently pursuing.
I did hear from Devin that the Friends of SLO City Dog Parks has cancelled the October "Yappy Hour" event. I will state that Devin
menƟoned that you stated the City has adequate amount of funding for the dog park projects, however I believe that the City
will be short anƟcipated funding for all of its planned park projects based on the current trends of construc Ɵon costs. Staff plan
to receive an anƟcipated construcƟon esƟmate for the LLP Dog Park project from Public Works later this week and if received in
Ɵme, will be presenƟng the informaƟon and opƟons to the PRC at the September 6 meeƟng. If so, it will be formally on the PRC
Agenda when posted on Thursday aŌernoon.
In regard to your emails, I have tried to address them below:
8/28: Emerson Park project:
1. Thank you and we will keep this in mind with the revised concept design 2. Great point about the double gate size and will
review with designer 3. Appreciate this perspec Ɵve and will discuss with the designer for project inner fence
8/29: LLP-Dog Park
1. Will need to assess the priority of what ameniƟes and style the PRC and Staff determine for the enƟre dog park project to then
have a beƩer idea on priority for this porƟon of the project. Staff will keep this opportunity in mind with the discussion and how
it could work with the final decision on ameniƟes and surfaces for the dog park. Will need to reassess and revisit this opportunity
at a later date.
8/29: Volunteers and role of Friends SLO City Dog Parks 1. Thanks for the update and this feels like a very sustainable model for
"Friends"
2. Yes, the City and Parks & Rec would be very open to a volunteer group or neighborhood group to assist with maintaining of the
dog park areas as they come on board. We currently have a pilot program called "Adopt A Park" being tested at Mitchell Park
and Santa Rosa Park (soon to be at Laguna Lake Park) of volunteers who do weekly clean-ups and monthly work projects. Goal is
to have all parks on the list.
3. As the designs of each dog park area get solidified, then Staff will determine a list of 'roles and responsibili Ɵes' and can provide
more informaƟon to "Friends". Great stuff!
Upcoming PRC opportuniƟes:
9/6: AnƟcipated agenda item to discuss potenƟal construcƟon costs for LLP Dog Park and any priority decisions on ameniƟes
and/or phasing of the project.
10/11: Emerson Park Grant Project updated concept design for enƟre park (including dog park) for final input from PRC and
community
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and RecreaƟon
Parks & RecreaƟon
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934 E gavakian@slocity.org T 805.781.7120 slocity.org
-----Original Message-----
From: John McKenzie <
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2023 1:34 PM
115
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Dog Parks - volunteers and Friends future
This message is from an External Source. Use cau Ɵon when deciding to open aƩachments, click links, or respond.
________________________________
Hi Greg,
As we now have three dog parks in the works with potenƟal compleƟon Ɵmes within the next year, I wanted to reach out to you
on potenƟal volunteers to help maintain these. First quesƟon would be does the City want such volunteers? Secondly, what tasks
would you want to give such volunteers. If yes to the previous quesƟons, Friends would like to help in soliciƟng those volunteers.
To be successful, it would seem that a 'localized' campaign would be most effec Ɵve, where we would target potenƟal volunteers
who live near the dog park. Once a list is established for each park, Friends would be willing to manage those on the list. We
would want to create an ongoing effort to solicit new volunteers to keep the list as full as possible. Look forward to any insights
you may have on this subject.
Friends is looking to potenƟally take a new direcƟon as it reaches out to the public about dog parks. Our mission is to encourage
safe and fun dog parks. If needed, we would conƟnue to fundraise if city monies come up short. We also want to help the City
keep each dog park clean and orderly. Lastly, we want to help educate how a dog park can be a safe and fun place if certain rules
are applied and enforced. So, to keep geƫng the word out we are thinking about tagging along to events that promote vendors
and seƫng up a booth so we can achieve one or more of the above objecƟves. We would like to include one of our 'dog games'
that we have used in our Yappy Hour events. So, we were wondering if we could get a list of City-sponsored events for the rest of
the year that would allow vendor booths? Or, a list of contacts for any such events in the SLO area that you might be aware of.
Thanks ahead for any help on this.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
MESSAGE: August 29, 2023 1:06pm
LLP - dog park
Hi Greg,
Couple of things.
On Emerson, as you and staff were discussing to reaching out to the neighborhood and asking local kids to bring their hands to
share in creaƟng unique and local park art via hand prints, it got me thinking some more about the potenƟal 'memorial brick'
entry at LLP. Similar to Emerson, if we apply this concept, there will be a vested local interest of dog owners to visit this p ark for a
long Ɵme. Another fun aspect of using these bricks would be to create one or two large words using one color of brick
(background would be another color, or combo of colors). Possible words could be 'Woof!' or 'Let's Play!'.
As this would create addiƟonal work, Friends would be happy to work with the City to facilitate this idea. As we have discus sed
previously, I would also be happy to work with the Rotary Club to see if they want to get on board to help if you think it has
merit. Here are the big steps should this move forward:
1. Work with Public Works to find an acceptable vendor with quality bricks that meet any required criteria needed by PW. Also
would need the square footage of entry area to calculate the number of potenƟal memorial bricks needed. Would need to know
where the bricks would be delivered.
2. Would work with PR and/or PW on acceptable paths to install bricks. If the City would require farming out at prevailing wage,
ask for their esƟmate on costs to install bricks. If outside help allowed, would want to know parameters under which such
installaƟon would be allowed, and if there would sƟll be a cost that could not be done through volunteer help.
3. Once vendor established, would work with them to establish protocol on seƫng up order, and our overall costs.
4. Once costs obtained for #2, #3 and #6 we could determine our costs per brick. We would then work with PR on if this could be
a fundraising effort via Friends (some amount above our costs to help pay for other things) or not.
116
5.Establish a website for payments to be made. Friends has an exisƟng website where such payments could be directed
(currently only allows Paypal). We would probably need to upscale our website to allow other forms of payment.
6. Once the price per brick is established, a campaign should start as soon as possible with ads running on as many media
plaƞorms as possible. We would need to determine a budget for the campaign adverƟsing.
7. We would need to coordinate with the anƟcipated construcƟon schedule and brick delivery schedule to get to an order cutoff
date. If we did not meet our goal on number of bricks, we would then need to purchase the balance of plain bricks locally.
.
I have probably gone into too much detail so I'll stop and wait to hear from you on the idea. In addi Ɵon to being a fun element, it
has the potenƟal of saving the City some costs that could be applied elsewhere. Thanks for considering.
John McKenzie
MESSAGE: August 28, 2023 1:52pm
Emerson Dg Park
Hi Greg,
Hope you had a good weekend!
Wanted to circle back on the PRC meeƟng last week and the Emerson dog park. We were glad to hear that there was a majority
of Commissioners that were supporƟve of a somewhat larger dog park. As you and your team finalize the design we hope, in
addiƟon to our previous comments, the following might help:
1. The outer dog park perimeter does not have to be rectangular. We menƟon this as there was discussion of installing a small
stage in a corner of the grassy area for larger gatherings. Angling one side would make it more conducive for audiences to enjoy
stage acƟviƟes (creaƟng an angle, and keep the dog park its exisƟng/larger size, would require that the porƟon of dog park lost
would be evened up by encroaching the same amount into the grassy area). Along these lines, if the dog park and grassy area are
switched, the audience could more easily flow out beyond the grassy area (spilling into the basketball area). Making this switch
would also allow easier integraƟon of the bioswale into the grassy area. Curvilinear design would make it much more
aestheƟcally pleasing. The bioswale could possibly curve around the back side of the stage.
2. Double-gated access area - if one double-gated area will be used for both the big and small dog areas, it does not need to be
larger than 10' by 10'. Being more efficient on this will provide that much more area for the big and/or small dog play areas.
3. Screened separator for big and small dog areas/Park Art - As the small dog area will be very small with the big dog area also
being relaƟvely small, the potenƟal for 'close visual interacƟon' will be much greater. This can be stressful for some dogs. An easy
fix would be to make sure the common fence is solid or something is added to a wire fence to block this view between the two
areas. An elegant soluƟon would be to work with Art CommiƩee to design a series of large 4-foot tall wood or metal silhoueƩes
of common dog passive or acƟve poses. This would be installed the enƟre length of the fence common to the big and small dogs.
Should you have any quesƟons about any of our comments, I would happy to discuss further. Let me know if a graphic would
help.
FYI - we just sent an email to Devin telling him that we will not be having our Yappy Hour event this year.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
117
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Wednesday, August 23, 2023 10:34 AM
To:Jennings, Amy
Subject:RE: September Council Monthly Update
Attachments:P&R_September_2023-Council Update.docx
Amy J:
I’ve attached a word doc of my P&R Council Updates for September and hoping you can insert them into the official
document on Monday 8/28 as I am having technical difficulties.
Let me know if you have any issues or questions.
Thanks!
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Avakian, Greg
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 10:10 AM
To: Jennings, Amy <AJenning@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: September Council Monthly Update
Amy:
I am having difficulty accessing the September 2023 report to upload the P&R section. I attempted yesterday and
inserted the content, but then it stated it wasn’t able to save and my content was dropped.
Anyone else having issues?
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
118
slocity.org
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From: Jennings, Amy <AJenning@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 11:21 AM
To: Department Heads <DepartmentHeads@slocity.org>
Cc: Timpano, Mika <mtimpano@slocity.org>; Hopkins, Tiffany <thopkins@slocity.org>; Stuckenberg, Serenity
<sstucken@slocity.org>; Stowe, Lala <lstowe@slocity.org>; Karpovich, Michelle <mkarpovi@slocity.org>; Russell, Lisa
<lrussell@slocity.org>; Servin, Alberto <aservin@slocity.org>; Boyle, Ellen <eboyle@slocity.org>; Blattler, James
<jblattle@slocity.org>; Mickel, Fred <fmickel@slocity.org>; Amoroso, Brian <bamoroso@slocity.org>; Taffe, McKenzie
<mtaffe@slocity.org>; Auslen, Kate <kauslen@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: September Council Monthly Update
Good morning,
Just a reminder that your updates are due by August 28th at 10:00 am.
03. September 2023 Council Monthly Update.dotx
Best,
Amy Jennings
Administration Executive Assistant
City Administration
990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E AJenning@slocity.org
T 805.781.7123
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From: Jennings, Amy
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 9:31 AM
To: Department Heads <DepartmentHeads@slocity.org>
Cc: Timpano, Mika <mtimpano@slocity.org>; Hopkins, Tiffany <thopkins@slocity.org>; Stuckenberg, Serenity
<sstucken@slocity.org>; Stowe, Lala <lstowe@slocity.org>; Karpovich, Michelle <mkarpovi@slocity.org>; Russell, Lisa
<lrussell@slocity.org>; Servin, Alberto <aservin@slocity.org>; Boyle, Ellen <eboyle@slocity.org>; Blattler, James
<jblattle@slocity.org>; Mickel, Fred <fmickel@slocity.org>; Amoroso, Brian <bamoroso@slocity.org>; Taffe, McKenzie
<mtaffe@slocity.org>
Subject: September Council Monthly Update
Good Morning All!
Please find the link below for the September Council Monthly update. Please update by August 28 th once the deadline
has ended no edits are to be made unless requested by Derek.
03. September 2023 Council Monthly Update.dotx
Best,
119
Amy Jennings
Administration Executive Assistant
City Administration
990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E AJenning@slocity.org
T 805.781.7123
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Parks and Recreation Department
Core Services Update
Staff vacancy status and impacts:
a. Youth Services Site Director:
1. One filled in July.
2. Recruitment opening week of August 28 for remaining vacancy.
b. Public Art Coordinator: position in recruitment as of August 16
c. Community Services Coordinator: Successful recruitment with new
coordinator starting Sept 15 (initial vacancy occurred May 24th.
d. Supplemental staff: Continuing fall recruitment for childcare &
lifeguards
Parks & Rec Staff Priorities
1. Agreements: Sesloc (Damon-Garcia parking), County (El Chorro fields), SLO
Blues baseball, Village Host Pizza (landscaping)
2. Park Projects: Laguna Lake Park (LLP) Dog Park, Righetti Ranch, Emerson,
Mitchell, N. Broad, Cheng, LLP Bike Park, Playground replacement designs (Vista
Lago, DeVaul)
Administration:
1. Continued assessment of CIP related projects and Park Fund balances
2. Facility Project oversight and communications regarding all 6 projects
3. Preparing for on-boarding and support for two (2) vacancy filled positions: 2 Youth
Services Site Directors and 1 Community Services Coordinator (sports)
4. Creating a potential ‘sponsorship program’ to support the new Events Trailer and for the
upcoming park projects
5. Assessing and updating the program scholarship criteria to better support qualifying
families for youth activities (childcare, camps, youth sports, swim lessons)
6. In the thick of the Fee Study support with consultant MGT
7. Initiating Department specific Employee Engagement top items: focus on connections,
communications, sense of team. Plan for sub-committees to develop updated ‘strategic
plan’ based on Blueprint, MCGs, and Employee Engagement Survey.
DIVISION/PROGRAM UPDATES:
Public Art:
1. Annual sculpture repairs: The Ironroad Pioneers completed in early August (Public
Works investigating status of the uplighting). Anticipated next significant priority for
repair: Puck sculpture
2. Staff working with SLOMA on project priorities for next roundabout project (Shift) and the
next Mission Plaza sculpture. Additionally, both parties having discussion on potential
options for the Garden St. alley (between Garden and Broad).
3. Recruitment of Public Art Coordinator (2-year contract position) and setting up on-
boarding plan and first year expectations.
4. A variety of private business inquiries that want to include Public Art have been received
over the past month. Staff working with CDD for permits and institute the process,
including setting up the community art juries.
Volunteer Program:
1. The new Volunteer Management Software in beta-testing with different staff groups.
Expectation to role out to public and utilize September.
2. The pilot program of Adopt-A-Park for Mitchell Park is doing well, Santa Rosa Park to
begin August 26. Both park locations will be assessed and evaluated over these months
to work out any issues, concerns, protocols. Due to a need by Public Works, Santa Rosa
was added in place of Mission Plaza. Derron Dike (Beautification Gardner) and Parks
Maintenance will continue to focus on Mission Plaza throughout the summer and this
area will be reassessed after Concerts in the Plaza concludes.
3. Additional locations are being reviewed to support Parks Maintenance at Laguna Lake
Park in fall. Once pilot program is tested and structure is formalized, the next phase is to
coordinate “Adopt A Neighborhood” and “Adopt A Street/Roadway” programs.
4. New Volunteer t-shirts and ‘name tags’ are part of the program and being issued to
current volunteers.
5. Monthly newsletter continues to evolve with more programming and highlights.
6. Completed a SWOT analysis of Community Services (events, gardens, Jack House) and
Ranger Services volunteers which identified positives and areas for improvement with
volunteer engagement.
7. Coordinator presented overview and update on the program at August 8 LT meeting.
Emphasis for Department Heads and mid-Managers to set expectations and directives
on the importance of utilizing volunteers. Coordinator set up in-person ‘Road Shows” to
present the program to key department staff throughout the City.
8. Continued community outreach, including meeting with DTSLO for better ways to
collaborate and support downtown with volunteers. Attending events such as Good
Morning SLO, SLO Chamber, and meeting directly with service groups and businesses
focused on volunteer opportunities.
9. Organizing large “Make a Difference Day” for September 23 for City-wide volunteer
service projects, in conjunction with the County-wide clean creek day (ECOSLO).
Youth Services
1. Youth Services Site Director: One filled and started first week of August, had to reopen
second vacancy due to top 2 candidates declining due to wage – recruitment in process.
These key positions make up the five Site Director positions that are assigned to each of
the five elementary schools. Limited pool of applicants but moving forward with
interviews mid-July. Completed a reclassification (outside consultant) to increase wages
in order to maintain recruitment and retention.
2. Due to Site Director vacancy, Youth Services will only have four (4) of the five (5) Site
Directors to start the school year requiring Coordinator and Supervisor to be supporting
on-site campus program at the school campus(es).
3. Summer camps program at the three (3) school sites concluded with record numbers,
averaging 300 children per week.
Aquatics:
1. SLO Swim Center concluded summer season on August 13.
2. Super Rec Saturday program was extremely successful and continued to be very
popular with the extended schedule and activities and events, including the water
obstacle course, music, and food. Events held from 12p-6p on July 1 (over 600
attendees), July 15 (over 750 attendees), July 29 (500), and August 12 (480)
3. Two new digital pace clocks were installed at beginning of summer. The new diving
board for the 3-meter board arrived just in time to be installed for the last week of
summer season and the final Super Rec Saturday!
Community Services:
1. Youth Sports: The summer Jr. Giants program (over 250 participants) and summer
sports clinics concluded August 11. Preparing for youth basketball program with YMCA.
2. Adult Sports: Summer Softball concluding at end of August and fall registration is
currently open. Traditional drop-in sports continue at LCC: Basketball, volleyball,
dodgeball, table tennis
3. Senior Center: Programming continues with both indoor and outdoor activities including,
the Tuesday walking group and trivia afternoons, hiking group, ballroom dancing.
Special senior activities this summer included: trip to a SLO Blues baseball game,
Melodrama, and the Chapman Estate (Pismo Beach).
4. INTERNAL EVENTS: Monday Meet-Ups concluded on August 14: Meadow Park (June
11 with approximately 175 attendees), Emerson Park (June 19 with approximately 200
attendees), Throop (July 10 with approximately 175 attendees), French Park (July 24 –
200+) and DeVaul Park (August 14 - 220).
5. Special Events: The City’s Special Event Committee continues to review and provide
feedback for permit reservations for large events. No major events scheduled for fall,
committee reviewing a number of late winter and spring events.
Golf Course:
1. Due to a variety of factors, the Golf Division financials did not meet the expected
revenue for EOY 2023. Staff proactively increased promotions and outreach to draw
more play and activities to the course. Staff continued diligently monitoring program
revenues for June resulting in a positive last quarter and conservative spending of
expenditures. The last quarter of the year proved to rebound extremely well with above
average revenue compared to last quarter 2022 with recorded revenue for April
(+$6,200), May (+$4,500), and June (+$10,100) surpassing the previous year’s final
quarterly. Additionally, expenditures were closely monitored to account for the overall
revenue expected deficit with savings related to supplemental staffing and general
operational savings. July 23 = $23,954 (July 22 = $20,223)
- Play had been significantly impacted by the major rains and storms with course
being closed for over 64+ days since January (53 days directly connected to
storms). The Driving range was able to be open a few days but also impacted as
grass and area flooded or too wet.
- The main walking/driving bridge to get over the creek was severely damaged and
is closed (as of January 27th) for safety reasons. Repair and replacement of new
bridge and creek embankment project scheduled for fall. Course map has been
rerouted and modified in order to allow for play.
- “Pro Shop” continues to be operated out of the Temporary Office Trailer. Mold
abetment and construction project is preparing for final phase 3 for reconstruction
after mold and water damage. Staff are finalizing reimbursement costs with
insurance (estimated to $75K). CDD and P&R have outlined next steps for
internal design plans to be drafted and includes updated electrical plans. When
complete, opening up for RFP for construction.
2. Updated fees based on CPI began at end of summer season (August 1). These annual
updated fees are scheduled for August rather than July 1 due to the majority of the
summer program fees already being set from May-August.
3. Summer extended hours and “Kids Play Free (with parent)” program concluded for
summer.
4. Maintenance staff continue with managing significant irrigation repairs. Watering with
surface sprinklers and use of the well to help compensate.
5. Food service Vendor (Zen Dog) continues out of food truck with outdoor seating.
Reminder that City Staff receive 10% discount on food purchase. They also received
the New Times “Best Of” for food trucks.
Ranger Service:
1. New Skill Based Pay pilot program began July 6, 2023, for the Ranger Service division
and management monitoring and assessing the skill sheets in preparation for first quarter
review.
2. Jr. Ranger Camp held three sessions this year (Spring Break, June, August) with each
session filling to maximum capacity (16-18 participants for each session). Staff
assessing for potential expansion next summer.
3. Homelessness interactions and clean-ups in the OS and creek areas continue with
significant ‘hot spots’ being within the BJBT/Creek corridor and Bianchi/Matthews
locations. One encampment presented a fire at CSL (below Lemon Grove Loop) that Fire,
PD, and Rangers continue to assess and evaluate to mitigate potential WUI impacts. A
comprehensive field day with all three parties is being conducted on 8/29 at CSL to
review WUI impacts.
4. Ranger staff working diligently on progressing through the ‘fuel management’ plan for
each open space. Cutting back overgrown limbs and ‘mowing’ tall grass areas. Irish
Hills has been a key focus the past couple of weeks.
5. Significant work projects continue with the recent completion of the Bog Thistle hiking
trail in Irish Hills, and the continued work on the King Trail reroute. Regular trail
maintenance remains in motion with attention to Cerro San Luis and other WUI regrowth
areas.
6. Additionally, work continues on the “Climate Action, Open Space & Sustainable
Transportation” Major City Goal project list, which includes construction of several new
multi-use, and single-use trails. Notable projects include: a new, beginner-level,
mountain-bike-focused loop trail at Righetti Hill, an extension of HiBar trail in Miossi
Open Space, and an alternate, gentle sloped trail to access the summit ridgeline from
the Lizzie St. Trailhead at the Bowden Ranch Open Space portion of Reservoir Canyon
Natural Reserve.
7. The Bike Park in-house project for Laguna Lake Park has a draft in-house design by
Rangers and has been reviewed by CDD. Rangers presenting this updated layout
information to Parks Maintenance for any additional input, then Rangers will schedule an
open forum with the community and local bike groups (CCCMB, community experts) with
an expectation for this to occur in fall. Pilot Project to be an inhouse build in
phases. Reminder that this is not a CIP funded project.
Parks & Recreation Commission:
1. August 16 meeting, Staff presented survey results and initial concept designs of
Emerson Park. Good community feedback and PRC input for SSA Design to initiate
formal comprehensive concept plan. Expected to return to PRC in October.
2. PRC Subcommittee was developed with two PRC commissioners to assess and
update current ‘park amenity inventory and needs assessment’ from the original
Blueprint appendix. PRC wants to ensure current and near-future projects are
addressing the community needs and Blueprint standards.
3. Next meeting scheduled for September 6 to review Righetti Ranch playground at
‘community park’ and discuss anticipated LLP Dog Park construction costs.
PROJECTS:
1. N. Broad St Park: The project bid came back nearly at twice the estimated cost ($1.4M).
City Council approved the updated funding and RFP for construction on July 18 th. Pre-
Con meeting scheduled for August 24.
2. Laguna Lake Dog Park: City Staff is projecting expected estimates to be 40% higher
than established budget. The original full project budget (design and build) is $1.1M.
Design firm (Cannon) is currently moving forward with 90% construction design with the
lens for potential phasing of amenity options. Staff will be reviewing project amenities for
prioritization to ensure project will move forward under possible modifications. Potential
phasing of amenities, as well as community outreach for sponsorships and additional
funding are being reviewed. Staff (P&R and Planning) discussing and will provide PRC
update in September to support direction for final design.
3. OASP/Righetti: RRM Design is moving forward with construction documents based on
all three parks input by community, Staff and PRC. Next update will be based on 50%
construction documents.
4. PROP 68 Grant for Emerson Park: Design firm SSA (out of Santa Cruz) and staff held a
community workshop in conjunction with the Monday Meet-Up at Emerson park on June
19, online community survey was open June 19 – July 18 and data was compiled and
presented to PRC on August 16. SSA developing updated concept plan.
5. Mitchell Park – Grant project: City Engineering finalized in-house design for upgraded
seating pavilion (including shade), adding bocce ball court, adding chess/checker park
tables, adding small fencing. Due to an assessment by the City Arborist of the adjacent
Heritage tree, the report identified that the tree is ‘sick’ and is recommended to be
removed. Additionally, the tree houses a hawk nest and City Biologist has assessed that
the nest has been vacated for the past 2 weeks. Due to the sensitivity of the nest, the
history of the heritage tree, Arborist and PW Staff are taking the study to Tree Committee
to present the timeline for removal and what type of replacement tree. This issue does
impact the timing of the for the RFP for construction to go to Council. This project has a
grant timeline of final completion by March 2024.
6. Cheng Park: Third round of RFP was successful and Public Works preparing Pre-
Construction meetings to outline timing of construction project.
7. Playground Replacement Projects: Two park locations recently concluded the
community feedback for new design and replacement of playground equipment. City
standard is to plan for replacement of equipment between 15-20 year lifespan. Vista
Lago Park and DeVaul Park playgrounds are scheduled with the CIP for design in 23-24.
In-person public outreach was held on July 26 at Vista Lago park and August 14 at
DeVaul Park, along with an on-line survey July 26-August 18.
124
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Monday, August 21, 2023 2:37 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: PRC Debrief Meeting
Attachments:DRAFT PRC Meeting Notes - Emerson Park - August 2023.docx
Hi Christian,
I set the meeting up for 8am on Weds. Attached are the meeting notes. I will also send you a link to the SharePoint
version in case it does work.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 1:08 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: PRC Debrief Meeting
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
The weekend was good and here we go again… I hope you had a great weekend as well.
Either time Wednesday, 8/23 would work for us. Please let us know works best for you.
Thanks!
125
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 8:32 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: PRC Debrief Meeting
Good morning,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Are you two available this week to debrief on the PRC meeting?
Today 4pm-4:30pm
8/23 8am, 11am or 3pm
8/24 3pm, or 4pm
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Page | 1 Last Edited: 8/21/2023 2:30 PM
Meeting Notes
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 16, 2023
Community Room, Library
Attendees and Roles
Erica Long – Project Manager
Greg Avakian – Parks and Recreation Director
Devin Hyfield – Recreation Manager
Shelsie Moore – Supervising Civil Engineer
Christian Harris – SSA Landscape Architects, Inc.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Rick Blair
Kari Howell
Robert Spector
Adam Stowe
Kari Duperron
Toni Kincaid
Purpose:
• Review and discuss proposed layouts for the Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification project.
• Provide direction to staff on the preferred draft layout option to proceed with final layout preparation.
Public Comment:
John McKenzie – Discussed the correspondence he submitted to the City. Requested the dog park expand to
larger than ½ acre and as it will likely be the only dog park in the downtown area. He also requested that we move
the bioswale and make sure that the dogs and people have shade/bench in both the large and small dog areas to
encourage social interaction between dog owners. He mentioned not using sand in the dog park and to have water
stations.
Community member 2: Noted that tourists with dogs would use this dog park. They discussed having trees around
the perimeter and to not plant palm trees since they don’t provide shade. Bioretention might cut through tree roots.
Community member 3: They discussed security in the garden area. There have been issues with people sleeping
and leaving trash in the garden overnight. She would like to see security protection of the plots. There is currently
no security, cameras, no fencing around the community garden. Other communities lock their community garden
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Page | 2 Last Edited: 8/21/2023 2:30 PM
Meeting Notes
Parks and Recreation Commission
at sunset (Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Jose). She brought this issue up in 2019 and got a quote for fencing in
November 2019 that was approximately $8,000.
Commission Comments:
Emerson Park
Blair Blacktop is large, respecƞul of what used to be a school blacktop, but we should reduce it
Basketball courts could be squeezed to the right to make the dog park and grass area
Likes the shade in layout B between the basketball and bocce court
Make the children’s playground bigger by taking out the hopscotch
Duperron Likes the self-cleaning restroom
Likes the treeline in layout B
Likes the garden theme (it goes with the downtown theme)
Likes the central tree on layout A
Half size basketball court should be for youth or removed
Stowe Likes layout A, the walkway and picnic area frames entrance beauƟfully
Likes the boƩom of layout B
Condense boƩom half to the right to make the dog park bigger
Add shade to both dog areas
Prefers the garden theme
Prefers the stand alone art (inclusion art gets overlooked)
Howell Likes the welcoming tree in layout A
Likes the boƩom of layout B
Expand the dog park and provide shade in between the large and small dog areas (to allow socializaƟon)
Prefers the garden theme (schoolhouse seems like it is more for parents)
Likes the shade between the basketball and bocce ball court in layout B
Include accessible play equipment and expand the playground
Likes the educaƟonal garden in layout B
Kincade Likes youth basketball
Likes the garden theme
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Page | 3 Last Edited: 8/21/2023 2:30 PM
Meeting Notes
Parks and Recreation Commission
Spector Likes the garden theme (for an urban oasis)
Likes personalized art idea with neighborhood children’s handprints
Likes the tree and central walk around in layout A
Add trees (not enough)
Too much blacktop area and it retains heat
Add a stage/gazebo/elevated plaƞorm (to create a gathering place in the neighborhood)
Add a perimeter walking path
Increase dog park area, green space and playground
Likes the basketball court, but not sure if we need the half court
Recommends designing the best park and then deal with the budget (do not compromise and have a
showplace playground)
Create a plan for security
Greg Avakian’s response to the commission’s comments.
Noted that the grant funding includes perimeter fencing, safety lighting but does not include the renovation of the garden.
The self-cleaning restroom at this park is a pilot project for the City.
The blacktop could also function as a place for the roller community to have a smooth flat surface to scooter and use roller
skates.
The blacktop was directed to remain the same footprint to keep the elementary school/recess theme to honor the history of
the Emerson Elementary School.
The basketball half court would most likely have a lever to adjust the height of the basket.
We can reduce the current blacktop, shift it to the right to make more room for the dog park and keep the central plaza/picnic
area from layout A.
126
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Wednesday, August 16, 2023 12:00 PM
To:Long, Erica; Moore, Shelsie; Hyfield, Devin
Subject:RE: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
This is great and very proactive in anticipation for tonight.
Thanks for having Christian follow up and being prepared for PRC questions tonight.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 9:37 AM
To: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>; Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
Good morning Team,
Christian sent over the following information below about the trees in the concept plans. I also asked him separately
about the size of the playground and dog park.
Playground and dog park are very similar for both options. See below for size.
For Concept A:
Dog Park is +/- 21,285 SF
Playground is +/- 8,635 SF
For Concept B:
Dog Park is +/- 22,850 SF
Playground is +/- 8,240 SF
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 9:31 AM
127
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
Hi Erica,
I would echo Greg and say the Concepts are just that, and detailed planting considerations will be included in subsequent
phases.
That said, Concept A shows 19 new trees. Concept B shows 20 new trees. Sizes are not indicated at this point, but would likely
be 24” box min.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 9:12 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: FW: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
Good morning Christian and Jessica,
Please see the attached correspondence for Emerson Park on the PRC meeting tonight.
Do you know have the number of trees proposed with the each concept plan?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
128
From: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 9:02 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Cc: Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
Erica and Shelsie-
Keeping you in the loop on community feedback regarding Emerson.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 8:58 AM
To: Allan Cooper <
Cc: Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>; Burger, Meghan <mburger@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
BCC: Council and PRC
Mr. Cooper:
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the upcoming Emerson Park Beautification project to support the
State Prop 68 Parks Grant. Staff appreciates your interest and information as both the PRC and Staff are gathering
more information and community feedback in preparation for the concept designs.
The initial two example concept plans provided by SSA Design, are intended to provide the community examples of
the size and scope of the grant approved amenities for upgrades and additions to the park location in partnership with
the community survey. The basic concept designs do not provide the full landscape and architectural details of what
the final concept plans will showcase. The current trees boarding and encompassing the current park location will not
be removed as part of the project. The designer included new trees within both concept example plans. Staff are
committed to the Major City Goals and trees and climate change play a significant part in all park designs.
As the original location of the park was Emerson Elementary School, the intention with the design for the new park is
to recognize and pay homage to the history of the school and location with the design features. Having a large
smooth surface for kids and families to play ‘school yard’ games, allow for introductory bike classes, provide roller
activity space for in-line skates, roller skates, and scooters, were all key components from the initial community survey
held in January 2021. As part of the grant, there isa portion of the project that must satisfy environmental criteria that
will include permeable pavers, bioswales, water capturing capabilities (support for community gardens) and solar
opportunities.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your input and commitment to our community. For continued information
and tracking of all Parks and Recreation related projects, please visit the “Current Projects” webpage at:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
129
Best,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 8:13 PM
To: Allan Cooper <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
Thank you for your email Allan. I know your feedback has been receive and will be appreciated by the Parks and Rec
Commission. In addition to the recent feedback received through the survey, there has been considerable public
process that has gone into the planning of Emerson improvements, including priorities defined in the Parks and Rec
Blueprint document (https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-
recreation-plan-and-element-update).
We may not be able to add a significant number of trees to this particular park redesign, but I can assure you that we
will make up for it at some of our other parks and open spaces with our 10,000 Trees initiative. I also appreciate your
suggestions about permeable pavers and other surfaces that are more eco-friendly than asphalt, and I know these
surfaces are considered whenever possible. Parks Director, Greg Avakian (copied here) and I have discussed them
for other areas.
Thank you again.
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
130
From: Colunga-Lopez, Andrea <AColunga@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 2:39 PM
To: Colunga-Lopez, Andrea <AColunga@slocity.org>
Cc: CityClerk <CityClerk@slocity.org>
Subject: cc - Cooper (PRC Meeting 8/16/23, Item 2-Emerson Park)
City Council,
We received this letter from Allan Cooper for the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting on August 16 th, 2023.
Please see the PDF attached.
Best,
Andrea Colunga-Lopez
pronouns she/her/hers
Administrative Assistant II
City Administration
990 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E AColunga@slocity.org
T 805.781.7105
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Allan Cooper <
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 1:38 PM
To: CityClerk <CityClerk@slocity.org>; emailcitycouncil@slocity.org
Subject: Letter To The Parks & Recreation Commission
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Dear City Clerk -
Would you kindly forward the letter attached below to the Parks & Recreation
Commission? This letter pertains to the Park's & Recreation Commission's August
16, 2023 review of Agenda Item #B2 “Receive Staff Report on Emerson Park
Amenity Upgrades and Beautification Project". I would also like this letter to be
placed in the City's Correspondence File. Thank you!
- Allan Cooper
140
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Tuesday, August 15, 2023 4:04 PM
To:Christian Harris; Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
Attachments:DRAFT PRC Presentation2 - Emerson Park - August 2023 08.15.23.pptx
Thank you Christian! I may add some additional survey data.
If you want any of the slides rearranged, please let me know. 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Also, I am reviewing the write in survey data and I think the commissioners/public may ask for a size comparisons
between components in layout option A and B.
Do you know the approximate size of each dog park and playground area (are they the same size)? Just curious
incase it comes up. If not, no worries it has been a question that has come up on other parks.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 1:58 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
That would be a problem…
Attached are both themes as well as the various options for playground and dog park amenities.
Thanks,
141
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 1:51 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
I can add in the board for the themes, but I don’t think I have them.
I have the Playground and Dog Park options that I can add in if you would like.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 12:40 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Looks good to me. I suppose I can point to the boards for conversations about the ‘Garden’ or ‘Schoolyard’ theme.
Best,
142
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:46 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
Hi Christian,
Here is the PowerPoint. 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades
& Beautification Project
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 16, 2023
Park Location
1341 Nipomo Street
~3.21 acres
Home to the Parks and
Recreation Department Office
Supports surrounding neighborhood
of mixed housing and downtown
area
Park used to be home to Emerson
Elementary School
GA1
Slide 2
GA1 Added some more details
Greg Avakian, 2023-08-15T03:33:46.027
RECOMMENDATIONS
Review and discuss the proposed layouts for the Emerson
Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification project.
Provide direction to staff on the preferred draft layout option
to proceed with the final layout preparation.
BACKGROUND
•Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (master plan)
identified amenities and park improvements needed within the City
•January 2021: Staff conducted five virtual workshops to obtain
community feedback
•December 2021: the City was awarded California State Parks Prop 68
grant in the amount of $2.81 million to revitalize Emerson Park. Only
City in SLO County to receive a grant in 2021
•Anticipated Construction: Summer/Fall of 2024
DESIGN BACKGROUND
•Prop 68 State Parks Grant
•Multiple Public Workshops Held in January 2021 to
Identify Amenities for Grant Submittal Criteria
•Public Outreach:
•Monday Meet Up: June 19th
•Online Survey: June 19th – July 18th
•Over 200+ responses to the survey
Survey Design
•Questions Designed Based on Amenities Selected in
Support of Prop 68 Grant Criteria
•Goal to Obtain Additional Details on Style, Theme,
Quantity, and Rankings of Importance
GA1
Slide 6
GA1 [@Long, Erica] I added this slide to help clarify the purpose of the survey as some community expressed
concern on the options. Not fully understanding the "why" of the survey.
Greg Avakian, 2023-08-15T03:31:32.518
LE1 0 [@Avakian, Greg] Perfect! Thanks for adding this information.
Long, Erica, 2023-08-15T17:35:46.365
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
Survey Results
DESIGN BACKGROUND
•City hired SSA Landscape Architects, Inc. to
prepare the design and complete construction
documents
PARK ACTIVITY
LE1
Slide 16
LE1 [@Avakian, Greg] [@Hyfield, Devin] I added in slides with the theme boards/playground/dog park options. I
didn't include the survey question showing the vote on design theme (55% garden theme/ 32% schoolhouse -
but I could add it in if you want me to)
Long, Erica, 2023-08-15T21:54:53.871
PARK ACTIVITY
PLAYGROUND
PLAYGROUND
SITE FURNISHINGS
SITE FURNISHINGS
The picture can't be displayed.
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
DOG PARK OPTIONS
Emerson Park – Layout A
Multi-Purpose Field
Dog Park (Small & Large Dog Areas)
Shade Triangle
Bioswale area
Multi-Sport Court
Half Basketball Court
Bocce Ball
Existing Fitness Area
Shade Structure (with Rain Catchment
Demonstration)
Existing Community Garden
Picnic Area
New Restroom Building
2-5yrs & 5-12yrs Playground Area
Compost
New Planting Areas
Re-surfaced Asphalt
Bike Rack
Asphalt Game Marking
Concrete Path
Concrete Ping Pong Table
Learning Garden
L
A
Y
O
U
T
A
Emerson Park – Layout B
Multi-Purpose Field
Dog Park (Small & Large Dog Areas)
Shade Triangle
Bioswale area
Multi-Sport Court
Bocce Ball
Existing Fitness Area
Shade Structure (with Rain
Catchment Demonstration)
Existing Community Garden
Picnic Area
New Restroom Building
2-5yrs & 5-12yrs Playground Area
Compost
New Planting Areas
Re-surfaced Asphalt
Bike Rack
Asphalt Game Marking
Concrete Path
Learning Garden
Built-In Curved Bench
Pocket Park
Pocket Park
L
A
Y
O
U
T
B
Questions & Comments
143
From:Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 15, 2023 1:58 PM
To:Long, Erica; Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept - Garden Theme.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-School House Theme.pdf;
Emerson Park Concept-Playground and Dog Park Options.pdf
That would be a problem…
Attached are both themes as well as the various options for playground and dog park amenities.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 1:51 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
I can add in the board for the themes, but I don’t think I have them.
I have the Playground and Dog Park options that I can add in if you would like.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
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144
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 12:40 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Looks good to me. I suppose I can point to the boards for conversations about the ‘Garden’ or ‘Schoolyard’ theme.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:46 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>; Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park - August PRC PowerPoint
Hi Christian,
Here is the PowerPoint. 뇤눎눐눑눒눏
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
145
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EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
FREE-PLAY SWINGS SLIDES CLIMB
3333
2222
1111
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
COURSES AMENITIES AMENITIES SURFACING
3336
2225
1114
DOG PARK OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
SCHOOL HOUSE THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
SCHOOL HOUSE THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
SCHOOL HOUSE THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
149
From:Colunga-Lopez, Andrea
Sent:Tuesday, August 15, 2023 8:14 AM
To:John McKenzie
Cc:CityClerk
Subject:RE: PRC 8/16/23 Meeting - Emerson Park
Hi John,
Thank you for your input, it has been sent to the committee members. It is now placed in the Parks and Recreation
Commission archive for the upcoming meeting.
Best,
Andrea Colunga-Lopez
pronouns she/her/hers
Administrative Assistant II
City Administration
990 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E AColunga@slocity.org
T 805.781.7105
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From: John McKenzie <
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 7:54 PM
To: Advisory Bodies <advisorybodies@slocity.org>
Subject: PRC 8/16/23 Meeting - Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Dear PRC Commissioners,
At your 8/16 meeting, Staff will be discussing the survey results for the upcoming Emerson Park revitalization.
The revitalization plan includes an enclosed dog park, something long overdue for downtown residents. As there
are many thousands of residences within a reasonable walking distance of a ½ mile, such an improvement will
be serving over 1/3 of these residences (national surveys show 1/3 of all households have one or more dogs).
150
The nationally recognized American Kennel Club suggests enclosed dog parks should be at least one acre in
size. While that size would fit within the 3-acre park area, our group Friends of SLO City Dog Parks (Friends),
recognizes such a request would be unreasonable. However, we strongly feel that any enclosed dog park
should not be less than ½-acre. We request that the Commission recommend to staff the overall design be
adjusted so at least ½-acre be set aside for this use. The larger the dog park the fewer conflicts between dogs
will occur.
Given that dog parks require a larger area, and reviewing potentially available locations in the downtown area,
this will be the ONLY opportunity in the foreseeable future for the downtown residences to have a dog park. It
should be noted that there are other nearby City areas (e.g., Mitchell Park, Meadow Park, San Luis Creek) that
have ALL of the other recreational uses proposed for Emerson Park. Therefore, a small reduction of some of
these other recreational uses to allow for a small increase in the dog park size should not be considered
significant. Further, these other nearby city areas cannot or will not be proposing a dog park in the future.
Having a successful downtown enclosed dog park will have a side benefit for downtown tourism. 50% of dog
owners travel with their dogs. Having a fun, safe place to bring their dogs, will encourage such travelers to bring
their furry friends downtown.
Design Features
The proposed conceptual designs appear to be lacking in some details as follows:
Shade – shade is an important element of a successful dog park. One of the conceptual plans shows no
perimeter tree planting and the other shows palm trees on the north side, which will provide no shade to the dog
park (palms should be eliminated and replaced with shade trees). Larger shade trees should be planted along
the southern sides of both the small and big dog areas, as well as the eastern and western sides where
possible. Large shade structures should be proposed to provide immediate shade for both dogs and humans.
However, any such structures should be placed in a manner to not interfere with ball throwing areas. On a side
note, shade trees around the proposed grassy area should also be planted to make this area more inviting.
Social Element – benches should be installed along the perimeters of the small and large dog areas. A focus
should be made to centralize some of the benches to encourage human social interaction, such as placing
small and big dog area benches close together so people with different sized dogs can easily socialize ‘across
the fence’. Further, such benches should be placed in the areas to be shaded.
Bioswale – the bioswale should be integrated into the adjacent grassy area. As the bioswale will retain water
only during the very wet periods during the rainy season it would seem to make sense to add to the grassy area.
This may require swapping the location of the grassy area to where the dog park is currently proposed if the
bioswale area is to be the low point of the project.
151
Separation – Given the small size of this dog park, it is important that the separation fence between small and
big dogs have a solid appearance to reduce conflict between big and small dogs. This could be a great
opportunity to apply an artistic element to create this barrier such as making a series of dog silhouettes using
different breeds in fun dog positions (e.g. sitting, running, etc.).
Groundcover – there is no discussion of groundcover to be used. It would be ideal if the ground cover could be
grass. It would be helpful if staff would clarify this aspect.
Obstacle/agility elements – having such elements is great. However, for the big dog area, we would recommend
it be located along one of the longer sides. For the small dog park, such elements may not work well with the
longer, narrow design.
We hope the Commission agrees with the above discussion and directs staff to make the suggested changes to
make for a more inviting and successful dog park. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact
me.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
154
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Friday, August 11, 2023 1:02 PM
To:Avakian, Greg
Cc:Hyfield, Devin; Burger, Meghan
Subject:Emerson Park correspondence
Attachments:RE: cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey); Emerson Park Beautification Project -
Information
BCC: PRC
Good afternoon, PRC:
I want to provide two different correspondence emails recently sent to community members (see attached) that
expressed concerns regarding the Emerson Park project and the methods of outreach for community input. As Staff
are familiar with these two community members and their theme of concerns they have about a variety of City
processes and leadership, one area Staff discovered was that additional background information on the previous
community input sessions was lacking on the webpage and survey introduction.
Staff could have been more transparent in highlighting the five different Zoom outreach meetings that were conducted
in January 2021 that provided the content for the initial Prop 68 State Grant application and subsequent award of the
grant in December 2021, which resulted in the amenities currently being focused on for the Emerson Park
Beautification project. Staff are prepared to address this and provide additional information to commissioners at the
August 16th PRC meeting.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday evening at the Library Community Room.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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1
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Monday, July 24, 2023 10:18 AM
To:Richard Schmidt
Cc:CityClerk
Subject:RE: cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey)
BCC: Council
Mr. Schmidt:
Thank you for expressing your concerns about the Emerson Park Beautification and Upgrades project in support of
the California State Parks Prop 68 Grant.
In review of the original community outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize the Public
Engagement Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. At the time of community outreach for the Emerson Park
grant application, the COVID-19 Health Guidelines prevented conducting in-person workshops, the State allowed for
the use of Zoom formatted public workshops. As part of the grant requirement, five (5) different workshops were
conducted in January 2021. The original 2021 communications included notification of the five on-line (Zoom format)
community workshops, as well as a 30-day community survey through City email distributions, social media
promotions, and neighborhood mailings and postings. These workshops were held on different days and times to
accommodate a variety of neighbor and community schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the
survey and workshops provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a dog
park amenity consistently ranking in the top 2).
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were included in PRC meetings on
March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the project throughout 2022) and at Council with the original
submission of the grant in early spring 2021 and the grant award (December 2021). With the award of the grant in
December 2021, the City produced a public service announcement for local media and promotions through City social
media outlets. The same approach was taken in June 2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing
list as 2021), promotion through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the recent
June 19, 2023, in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey (June 19 through July
18, 2023). In regard to the format of the current survey, the amenity options were intentionally specific as the grant
award was based on the original feedback from 2021 which provided the specific amenity types.
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan and general element) was
completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July 2021. The community feedback and consultant inventory list
showed that a few key facilities and programs were identified on the short-term opportunities, this included dog parks,
bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and more.
The Emerson Park project will provide recreational opportunities through the youth all-ages playground equipment, the
Fitness Court, full and half-court basketball court, large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller skate/scooter
activities and younger age biking, the community gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages), the ½ acre lawn and the ½
acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the addition of restrooms. I hope that this provides more information
on the process and expectations for the Emerson Park Beautification project and the upgrades to support the
neighborhood community. We all agree that the park is a vital part of this community and Staff are excited to provide
the upgrades with the awarded State Parks grant.
For the most current list of park projects, please visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-
and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
2
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Wilbanks, Megan <mwilbanks@slocity.org>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 12:32 PM
To: Richard Schmidt <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey)
Richard Schmidt,
Thank you for taking the time to contact the City Council on this issue. The City Council has received your
concerns and Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, who responsible for responding is copied on this
email. Greg or a member of his staff will be following up with you within two business days.
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
slocity.org
Bcc: City Council
From: Richard Schmidt <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:17 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
The city has solicited, then refused to receive, my input on the “redesign” of Emerson Park.
Which would be remarkable were it not so typical of the disrespectful way the city today pretends to seek, and then manipulate to
effect its preferred outcome, public input on nearly every subject on which it pretends to seek input.
The Parks department is especially good at this sort of manipulated input survey, in which basic decisions appear to have already
been made and the “public” is invited to comment on what’s already been decided by our bureaucratic betters. In other words, the
3
notion that public input begins with the public is replaced by the notion public input means choosing between item A and item B,
both items having been selected by bureaucrats, not the public.
And so it is with the Emerson park “survey.” This survey isn’t soliciting actual public input about the park, it’s soliciting public
choices among a limited number of already determined options. My sin was simple: the “input” demanded was choosing between
two park layouts. I didn’t like either, so I refused to select one over the other. Had there been a way to state that I’d have been
able to make my input clear (though I doubt anyone on the receiving end would have cared or even read it), but there was no way
to offer that input, not even a place at the end for “additional comments.”
After filling out the whole survey, it was rejected because “no answer” to preferring one plan over the other was an unacceptable
response! And so the city manipulates the “survey” to reach its pre-determined outcomes.
What this means is the city’s seeking input is posturing, not serious. It’s bread and circuses for the masses, useful only if the
masses remain docile and go along with the game.
I said above this is typical of the way the Parks operation takes “input.” Another extraordinary example was the much-ballyhooed
“public workshop” for the North Broad park. “We want your input on the design for North Broad Street neighborhood park,” the
mailed flyer said.
The “workshop” was held in a commercial parking lot where anyone who happened by could join the “invited” neighbors, and
consisted – I kid you not! – of a bunch of easels with pictures on them. Each “participant” was handed stick-on dots and told to
express preferences between competing features by placing a dot next to the preferred item. We were allowed to choose between
a compost bin and a sandbox, between a swing set and a slide, etc. This was insulting to anyone who’d come to offer actual input.
It also was a pointless exercise. There’s already a kiddie play lot a few blocks away, so there was no need for more play
equipment. The park site, a dreadful choice but the only one the city would consider despite a neighborhood residents’
committee’s having submitted a list of many better sites (notice this: actual public input rejected!), was a much-loved community
garden and contained the confluence of two major creeks with rich undisturbed riparian habitat (both now destroyed by the
parkifiers bulldozers and chain saws). It is a heavily polluted, noisy site on a freeway onramp, a dangerously flood-prone piece of
land, the last place in town a decent city bureaucracy would choose for a “neighborhood park.”
Nonetheless, given this lemon the same residents’ committee had ideas for what could be done with this land without destroying
what good qualities it had. So I was pretty upset at the “workshop” format, and sought out how to provide actual input. A Parks’
gladhander listened for a moment and said I’d need to talk to the “park designer,” who it turned out wasn’t a city employee but a
young man from Canon Design who quickly made clear he didn’t give a crap about any ideas the stupid residents had because he
was the designer and it was all up to him. Notice again: actual public input rejected!
Today, our city has no good will towards public input. It is taken when deemed useful for furthering the bureaucracy’s desires,
rejected or excluded most of the time. It amounts to what one friend calls meaningless gestures of respect.
This isn’t public input, it’s posturing by the city. Real public input begins with the public. Our city used to know how to do this, and
did it in a manner that not only respected residents but empowered them and strengthened the city edifice because it fostered
community rather than faction conflict, which is what the current practice does.
4
When the city in the late 1980s set out to revise its historic 1977 General Plan, it didn’t start with the sort of constipated
manipulative process used today for ersatz input. It went for the real thing, in a process fostered by our brilliant young Community
Development Director Mike Multari. In addition to initial inputs from planning commissioners and planning staff, Mike sought direct
public input via neighborhood workshops that started with a basic question: what do you want your city to become? The meetings
were held at neighborhood schools. After a brief introduction about the nature of a general plan, the meetings turned to disc ussion
of likes, dislikes, new ideas, old ideas, and became amazing community brain-storming sessions. Butcher paper was spread on
tables, and groups gathered round to sketch out their ideas. All of this was taken back to city hall, sorted by staff, and carefully
considered. This input was at the BEGINNING of the process, and shaped where the process went; it wasn’t the back-end sort of
public input, offered after major decisions had been made by bureaucrats, that we pretend today is “public input.”
As for my opinions about Emerson Park, they’re simple. The basic park as it exists – community gardens, playing fields, kids’
playground – is good. Why sacrifice that for niche-group stuff like dog parks that are better elsewhere, or for anything else that
breaks things for the sake of breaking things? Had your survey cared about input from people who think the way I think, it would
have offered us that opportunity. That it did not just reinforces the obvious fact that the act of seeking input was itself
disingenuous.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
To: "
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 06:55:42 PM PDT
Subject: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the conceptual
layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
5
6
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to
parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood park in downtown
San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and lighting, a
new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new educational section of
the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop, fencing and landscaping, and new
public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation
Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old basketball court,
community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old backstop, and new exercise
equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of
San Luis Obispo on social media.
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios
del Parque Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las comodidades
mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para proporcionar
comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18 de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para ayudar a
crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para revitalizar Emerson
Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de sombra e
iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas las edades y
habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso multipropósito) renovada y
ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los diseños
conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar comentarios a través de lo
siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-
recreation-commission.
7
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas principal
del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de bochas, una vieja
cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque infantil, mesas de picnic,
área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
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This email was sent to using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: San Luis Obispo, California · 990 Palm Street
· San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
155
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Friday, August 11, 2023 6:45 AM
To:'bobspector2@gmail.com'
Subject:PRC Agenda - Chair Script 8.16.23
Attachments:08.16.23 PRC Chair - Script.docx
Bob-
Here’s the agenda script to help for next weeks meeting. We can discuss and I can provide more clarity and context
when we talk at 11am today.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
CHAIR - SCRIPT
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
5:30 p.m. RESCHEDULED MEETING Library Community Room
995 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair - Bob Spector
ROLL CALL: Vice Chair - Kari Howell, Commissioners - Rick Blair, Kari Duperron,
Toni Kincaid, Kris Roudebush, and Adam Stowe
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee 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.
Potential:
- Pickleball Noise Concerns (nothing official yet, but lots of recent concern on a national
level – NBC News Report)
- Community member interested in proposing that the City build an indoor ice rink
- Two recent letters to Council regarding their perception of a lack of transparency and
public outreach for Emerson Park project. This should be pushed to Item #2 when
Emerson Park agenda items is discussed.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission of June 14, 2023
Ask for comments and review, make motion to accept and approval
Parks and Recreation Committee May 3, 2023
2 | P a g e
CONSENT ITEMS
NA
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Receive Staff Report on Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
Project (Long – 40 min)
a. Review and discuss proposed layouts (Attachment A) for the Emerson Park
Amenity Upgrades and Beautification project.
b. Provide direction to Staff on the preferred draft layout option to proceed with
final layout preparation.
Erica Long (along with SSA Design Firm) will present and discuss the feedback received
from the public on Emerson park, including presenting the on-line survey results and
community feedback received. Showcase the concept designs and ask for feedback from
PRC – Similar to what occurred during the Righetti Ranch final reviews of the two concept
plans back in May. Staff have not provided any official feedback to SSA yet .
3. Staff and PRC Discussion Regarding PRC Sub-Committee for Ensuring Future
Projects are in Support of the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and Community
Needs (Hyfield – 20 min)
a. Discuss sub-committee roles and responsibilities to support the Level of Service
(LOS) status for appropriate and equitable amenities within new and
beautification projects.
b. Establish appropriate criteria based on Parks & Recreation Blueprint (general
element) and national standards to be utilized for evaluating and assessing
future projects. Set appropriate timelines for PRC sub-committee to provide
reports at PRC meetings.
Reminder that during June 14 meeting, Commissioner Blair and Commissioner Dupperon
volunteered to be on the sub-committee.
Staff working on the best method to present the criteria in a summarized and readable format
for PRC Sub-committee. During the PRC meeting, Staff will present information and utilize
the time for PRC to provide recommendations on the format and process to support this
cause.
Parks and Recreation Committee May 3, 2023
3 | P a g e
4. Receive Staff Update on Playground Replacements and the Status Updates on
Current Projects (Avakian/Hyfield – 20 min)
a. Provide update on the Vista Lago Park playground and DeVaul Park playground
community outreach efforts.
b. Update on status of:
i. Laguna Lake Dog Park project
No significant updates as Public Works is awaiting the 90%
construction designs from Cannon in order to properly assess the
potential project cost. Expecting the costs to be above the $1.1M
million appropriated (approximately $850K for build). Will return
in September to present estimates and discuss options: phasing,
donations, elimination of amenities?
ii. North Broad Street Park Project
The construction and updated budget for the project was
approved by Council on July 18 and Public Works is arranging for
start date and working with construction company on estimated
project timeline.
iii. Cheng Park Beautification Project
City received an appropriate bid from the most recent RFP. No
update on project timeline.
iv. Mitchell Park Grant Beautification Project
During site inspection the large Shamel Ash tree located
adjacent to the project area and restroom/playground was
discovered to be ‘sick’ and needs to be removed. As this is
classified as a Heritage Tree, this has stalled the project. It is
expected that the tree will be removed in the next 30-days due to
safety concerns. Once removed, then the project can continue
forward. FYI, project needs to be completed by March 2024 in
order to meet grant requirement.
FYI:
NO DEPARTMENT STAFF OR DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THIS MEETING.
STAFF WILL PROVIDE A SUMMER SEASON PRESENTATION AT
SEPTEMBER PRC MEETING
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
5. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair– 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: (Commissioner Blair)
b. Active Transportation Committee: (Vice Chair Howell)
c. Youth Sports Association: (Commissioner Stowe)
d. Jack House: (Commissioner Kincaid)
Parks and Recreation Committee May 3, 2023
4 | P a g e
Communication:
Ask for any additional comments or relevant topics to share by PRC commissioners
ADJOURNMENT
To the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the
PRC to Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. to be in-person at City Hall (990
Palm Street).
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 Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the
meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
156
From:Russell, Lisa
Sent:Thursday, August 10, 2023 2:49 PM
Cc:Avakian, Greg; Hyfield, Devin; Burger, Meghan; Pringle, Brendan
Subject:AGENDA - San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - August 16, 2023
Attachments:PRC Agenda August 16, 2023.pdf; PRC DRAFT Minutes June 14, 2023.pdf
Importance:High
Hello,
The next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at 990 Palm Street. Please find both the agenda packet and the June DRAFT Minutes in this
email.
Thank you!
Lisa
BCC: PRC
Lisa Russell
Administrative Assistant III
Parks & Recreation
E lrussell@slocity.org
T 805.783.7861
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 16, 2023
Library Community Room – 995 Palm Street
The City of San Luis Obispo has returned to in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not
be supported. For those attending in-person, City facilities will be at limited capacity and
masks are strongly recommended.
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. All voicemails will be forwarded to the
members and saved as Agenda Correspondence. Voicemails will not be played
during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions
received after the deadline will not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings have returned to an in-person format. To provide public comment during the
meeting, you must be present in the Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street. Zoom
participation will not be supported. The Parks and Recreation Department is located 1341
Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo. If you have questions, contact the City Clerk's Office at
cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7100.
Parks and Recreation Committee August 16, 2023
2 | P a g e
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
5:30 p.m. RESCHEDULED MEETING Library Community Room
995 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair - Bob Spector
ROLL CALL : Vice Chair - Kari Howell, Commissioners - Rick Blair, Kari Duperron,
Toni Kincaid, Kris Roudebush, and Adam Stowe
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee 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.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission of June 14, 2023
CONSENT ITEMS
NA
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Receive Staff Report on Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
Project (Long – 40 min)
a. Review and discuss proposed layouts (Attachment A) for the Emerson Park
Amenity Upgrades and Beautification project.
b. Provide direction to Staff on the preferred draft layout option to proceed with
final layout preparation.
Parks and Recreation Committee August 16, 2023
3 | P a g e
3. Staff and PRC Discussion Regarding PRC Sub-Committee for Ensuring Future
Projects are in Support of the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and Community
Needs (Hyfield – 20 min)
a. Discuss sub-committee roles and responsibilities to support the Level of Service
(LOS) status for appropriate and equitable amenities within scheduled new and
beautification park projects.
b. Establish appropriate criteria based on Parks & Recreation Blueprint (general
element) and national standards to be utilized for evaluating and assessing
future projects. Set appropriate timelines for PRC sub -committee to provide
reports at PRC meetings.
4. Receive Staff Update on Playground Replacements and the Status Updates on
Current Projects (Avakian/Hyfield – 20 min)
a. Provide update on the Vista Lago Park playground and DeVaul Park playground
community outreach efforts.
b. Update on status of:
i. Laguna Lake Dog Park project
ii. North Broad Street Park Project
iii. Cheng Park Beautification Project
iv. Mitchell Park Grant Beautification Project
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
5. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair– 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: (Commissioner Blair)
b. Active Transportation Committee: (Vice Chair Howell)
c. Youth Sports Association: (Commissioner Stowe)
d. Jack House: (Commissioner Kincaid)
Communication:
ADJOURNMENT
To the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the
PRC to Wednesday , September 6, 2023 , at 5:30 p.m. to be in-person at City Hall (990
Palm Street).
Parks and Recreation Committee August 16, 2023
4 | P a g e
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 Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the
meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
SUBJECT: INITIAL REVIEW OF PROPOSED EMERSON PARK AMENITY UPGRADES
AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
Prepared by: Erica Long, Project Manager
RECOMMENDATION
1. Review and discuss proposed layouts (Attachment A) for the Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades
and Beautification project.
2. Provide direction to Staff on the preferred draft layout option to proceed with final layout
preparation.
DISCUSSION
Background
In December of 2021, the City of San Luis Obispo was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68
grant in the amount of $2.81 million to revitalize Emerson Park. The project is located just outside
of the downtown core in San Luis Obispo (1341 Nipomo Street), adjacent to the Parks and
Recreation Department administrative office building. 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. There are currently
no public restrooms within the park for families with small children to utilize while playing at the
park. The fitness equipment was recently replaced in the park through a separate project in
February 2022.
As part of the Prop 68 State Parks grant application requirements, as well as fulfilling the
community outreach for development in support of the Master Plan Public Outreach process, the
Parks and Recreation Department facilitated multiple public workshops for the community to
provide input on specific amenities needed at Emerson Park in January 2021. The feedback
received at these workshops were instrumental in the successful award of the Grant to the City San
Luis Obispo.
Based on the grant application the project’s new and upgraded features will likely include the
addition of shade and lighting, a new dog park with small and large dog areas, upgraded and
expanded playgrounds for children, a restroom with a solar roof, an upgraded community garden
with a new educational section, a renovated and expanded multipurpose basketball court, an
upgraded blacktop, recreational turf area, fencing and landscaping, and new public art installations.
Meeting Date: August 16, 2023
Item Number: #2
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification Project Page 2
The City is working with SSA Landscape Architecture Inc to design the park. SSA Landscape
Architecture, Inc. created conceptual layouts based on the outreach completed for the Prop 68 State
Parks grant and the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021-2041 (master plan and
general update).
Public Outreach
The public’s input about its parks and park amenities is a critical foundational step that staff
facilitates with all projects in parks. City staff conducted an in-person Open House at the Monday
Meet Up Event at Emerson Park on June 19, 2023, as well as promoted an online survey from June
2023 through July 2023 to receive community input on the proposed conceptual layouts for the
design. Staff have reviewed the results of the survey and will incorporate the information in the
final design. The results of the survey will be posted on the Parks and Recreation Current Projects
website.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CONSIDERATION / NEXT STEPS
The Parks and Recreation Commission purview is to review and make recommendations for
changes which could have an impact on the City’s parks and park facilities. Staff will review all
feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting to accompany the June 19, 2023,
Open House, as well as the on-line survey results. This feedback will be used for staff to revise the
layouts to meet the desires of the community.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Emerson Park conceptual layouts
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN A
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN B
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
165
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Monday, July 24, 2023 10:18 AM
To:Richard Schmidt
Cc:CityClerk
Subject:RE: cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey)
BCC: Council
Mr. Schmidt:
Thank you for expressing your concerns about the Emerson Park Beautification and Upgrades project in support of
the California State Parks Prop 68 Grant.
In review of the original community outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize the Public
Engagement Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. At the time of community outreach for the Emerson Park
grant application, the COVID-19 Health Guidelines prevented conducting in-person workshops, the State allowed for
the use of Zoom formatted public workshops. As part of the grant requirement, five (5) different workshops were
conducted in January 2021. The original 2021 communications included notification of the five on-line (Zoom format)
community workshops, as well as a 30-day community survey through City email distributions, social media
promotions, and neighborhood mailings and postings. These workshops were held on different days and times to
accommodate a variety of neighbor and community schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the
survey and workshops provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a dog
park amenity consistently ranking in the top 2).
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were included in PRC meetings on
March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the project throughout 2022) and at Council with the original
submission of the grant in early spring 2021 and the grant award (December 2021). With the award of the grant in
December 2021, the City produced a public service announcement for local media and promotions through City social
media outlets. The same approach was taken in June 2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing
list as 2021), promotion through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the recent
June 19, 2023, in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey (June 19 through July
18, 2023). In regard to the format of the current survey, the amenity options were intentionally specific as the grant
award was based on the original feedback from 2021 which provided the specific amenity types.
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan and general element) was
completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July 2021. The community feedback and consultant inventory list
showed that a few key facilities and programs were identified on the short-term opportunities, this included dog parks,
bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and more.
The Emerson Park project will provide recreational opportunities through the youth all-ages playground equipment, the
Fitness Court, full and half-court basketball court, large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller skate/scooter
activities and younger age biking, the community gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages), the ½ acre lawn and the ½
acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the addition of restrooms. I hope that this provides more information
on the process and expectations for the Emerson Park Beautification project and the upgrades to support the
neighborhood community. We all agree that the park is a vital part of this community and Staff are excited to provide
the upgrades with the awarded State Parks grant.
For the most current list of park projects, please visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-
and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
166
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Wilbanks, Megan <mwilbanks@slocity.org>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 12:32 PM
To: Richard Schmidt <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey)
Richard Schmidt,
Thank you for taking the time to contact the City Council on this issue. The City Council has received your
concerns and Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, who responsible for responding is copied on this
email. Greg or a member of his staff will be following up with you within two business days.
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
slocity.org
Bcc: City Council
From: Richard Schmidt <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:17 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
The city has solicited, then refused to receive, my input on the “redesign” of Emerson Park.
Which would be remarkable were it not so typical of the disrespectful way the city today pretends to seek, and then manipulate to
effect its preferred outcome, public input on nearly every subject on which it pretends to seek input.
The Parks department is especially good at this sort of manipulated input survey, in which basic decisions appear to have already
been made and the “public” is invited to comment on what’s already been decided by our bureaucratic betters. In other words, the
167
notion that public input begins with the public is replaced by the notion public input means choosing between item A and item B,
both items having been selected by bureaucrats, not the public.
And so it is with the Emerson park “survey.” This survey isn’t soliciting actual public input about the park, it’s soliciting public
choices among a limited number of already determined options. My sin was simple: the “input” demanded was choosing between
two park layouts. I didn’t like either, so I refused to select one over the other. Had there been a way to state that I’d have been
able to make my input clear (though I doubt anyone on the receiving end would have cared or even read it), but there was no way
to offer that input, not even a place at the end for “additional comments.”
After filling out the whole survey, it was rejected because “no answer” to preferring one plan over the other was an unacceptable
response! And so the city manipulates the “survey” to reach its pre-determined outcomes.
What this means is the city’s seeking input is posturing, not serious. It’s bread and circuses for the masses, useful only if the
masses remain docile and go along with the game.
I said above this is typical of the way the Parks operation takes “input.” Another extraordinary example was the much-ballyhooed
“public workshop” for the North Broad park. “We want your input on the design for North Broad Street neighborhood park,” the
mailed flyer said.
The “workshop” was held in a commercial parking lot where anyone who happened by could join the “invited” neighbors, and
consisted – I kid you not! – of a bunch of easels with pictures on them. Each “participant” was handed stick-on dots and told to
express preferences between competing features by placing a dot next to the preferred item. We were allowed to choose between
a compost bin and a sandbox, between a swing set and a slide, etc. This was insulting to anyone who’d come to offer actual input.
It also was a pointless exercise. There’s already a kiddie play lot a few blocks away, so there was no need for more play
equipment. The park site, a dreadful choice but the only one the city would consider despite a neighborhood residents’
committee’s having submitted a list of many better sites (notice this: actual public input rejected!), was a much-loved community
garden and contained the confluence of two major creeks with rich undisturbed riparian habitat (both now destroyed by the
parkifiers bulldozers and chain saws). It is a heavily polluted, noisy site on a freeway onramp, a dangerously flood-prone piece of
land, the last place in town a decent city bureaucracy would choose for a “neighborhood park.”
Nonetheless, given this lemon the same residents’ committee had ideas for what could be done with this land without destroying
what good qualities it had. So I was pretty upset at the “workshop” format, and sought out how to provide actual input. A Parks’
gladhander listened for a moment and said I’d need to talk to the “park designer,” who it turned out wasn’t a city employee but a
young man from Canon Design who quickly made clear he didn’t give a crap about any ideas the stupid residents had because he
was the designer and it was all up to him. Notice again: actual public input rejected!
Today, our city has no good will towards public input. It is taken when deemed useful for furthering the bureaucracy’s desires,
rejected or excluded most of the time. It amounts to what one friend calls meaningless gestures of respect.
This isn’t public input, it’s posturing by the city. Real public input begins with the public. Our city used to know how to do this, and
did it in a manner that not only respected residents but empowered them and strengthened the city edifice because it fostered
community rather than faction conflict, which is what the current practice does.
168
When the city in the late 1980s set out to revise its historic 1977 General Plan, it didn’t start with the sort of constipated
manipulative process used today for ersatz input. It went for the real thing, in a process fostered by our brilliant young Community
Development Director Mike Multari. In addition to initial inputs from planning commissioners and planning staff, Mike sought direct
public input via neighborhood workshops that started with a basic question: what do you want your city to become? The meetings
were held at neighborhood schools. After a brief introduction about the nature of a general plan, the meetings turned to disc ussion
of likes, dislikes, new ideas, old ideas, and became amazing community brain-storming sessions. Butcher paper was spread on
tables, and groups gathered round to sketch out their ideas. All of this was taken back to city hall, sorted by staff, and carefully
considered. This input was at the BEGINNING of the process, and shaped where the process went; it wasn’t the back-end sort of
public input, offered after major decisions had been made by bureaucrats, that we pretend today is “public input.”
As for my opinions about Emerson Park, they’re simple. The basic park as it exists – community gardens, playing fields, kids’
playground – is good. Why sacrifice that for niche-group stuff like dog parks that are better elsewhere, or for anything else that
breaks things for the sake of breaking things? Had your survey cared about input from people who think the way I think, it would
have offered us that opportunity. That it did not just reinforces the obvious fact that the act of seeking input was itself
disingenuous.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
To: "
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 06:55:42 PM PDT
Subject: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the conceptual
layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
169
170
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to
parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood park in downtown
San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and lighting, a
new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new educational section of
the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop, fencing and landscaping, and new
public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation
Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old basketball court,
community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old backstop, and new exercise
equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of
San Luis Obispo on social media.
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios
del Parque Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las comodidades
mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para proporcionar
comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18 de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para ayudar a
crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para revitalizar Emerson
Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de sombra e
iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas las edades y
habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso multipropósito) renovada y
ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los diseños
conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar comentarios a través de lo
siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-
recreation-commission.
171
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas principal
del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de bochas, una vieja
cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque infantil, mesas de picnic,
área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
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This email was sent to using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: San Luis Obispo, California · 990 Palm Street
· San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
172
From:Peg <
Sent:Monday, July 24, 2023 10:12 AM
To:Pease, Andy
Cc:Dave Congalton; KSBY TV; news@newtimesslo.com; Tribune; Sandy Rowley
Subject:Re: Emerson Park
700’ does not constitute a neighborhood
You never asked the kids what they needed
And you wouldn’t take play area away from kids in an R-1 neighborhood. So much for the council’s claims for
EQUITY. Pretty hypocritical!
On Jul 24, 2023, at 7:53 AM, Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org> wrote:
Peg –
Thank you for your feedback. I know that you’ve had several conversations with staff already, but I
wanted you to know that I’m also following the conversation. I’ve reviewed the plans and progression of
community outreach and feedback again, and I believe our approach supports the community with
space for a variety of activities and ages. That being said, there is always room for improvement and
consideration, and I appreciate the engagement.
Andy
Andy Pease
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E apease@slocity.org
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:52 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan
<jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily <EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman,
Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; Dave Congalton
< ; news@newtimesslo.com; Adian & Richard Lenz <
Subject: Re: Emerson Park
Greg Avakian and City Council,
In response to your email there are a number of guidelines and standards enumerated by the National
Recreations and Park Association, State Parks, the Local Planning Administration, The American Public Health
and the Athletic Institute (to name just a few) and this plan doesn't meets any of them.
173
The National Recreation and Park Association very clearly states:
"All kids deserve a fun, safe place to play where they feel like they belong. Research shows that when
children play sports, they increase their chances to grow up healthy, feel good about themselves, build
friendships, develop skills like teamwork and respect, and are more likely to succeed in school and in
their future careers."
No where does it say that every field has to be a regulation field! Kids, teens and adults need ROOM to
run and engage in whatever field sports they choose. Emerson Field is the only area in our entire
neighborhood that has that room! And it’s the only field play room within about a mile for our
neighborhood. — ie. within walking distance.
Yes, it’s also a practice field for some organized teams but that doesn’t mean it isn’t available for
everyone. Practice fields are in short supply too!
State Parks Guidelines state:
"A neighborhood is normally considered to be an area served by one elementary school. It’s population
varies from 2,000 to 10,000, averaging 6,000 (*elementary school age children). Just as standards for
elementary school location call for the school to be within walking distance of the homes it serves, so
should neighborhood parks and playgrounds be within walking distance of the families in the
neighborhood."
"Several studies recommend that more space should be provided in multifamily, high
population density neighborhoods and in areas with a large percentage of elderly adults
than will be needed in single-family neighborhoods."
The Emerson Field serves families from Johnson Ave. to High St. (as did Emerson
School). The state guidelines also adjust the standards upwards for multi-family neighborhoods,
which Old Town most certainly is, not only by it’s existing R-2 and R-3 zoning but also now with even
greater density through ever increasing number of ADU’s. The actual population is not just the young
age children identified in relation to an elementary school but also the thousands of teens, adults and
visitors. The key phrase here is 'field space' within walking distance”.
Your description of “expanding” the ‘notice' area from 300’ to 700’ did not even begin to cover the
“neighborhood”. That calculation is a critical flaw in the city’s process. The 300’ guideline is generally used for
noticing surrounding neighbors when an individual wants to make a change to a structure, ie a room addition,
etc. It is actually shocking to learn that you thought that a “neighborhood” would ever be only 700 feet! I live
just beyond the 700’ (and didn’t hear of this whole thing until the July 4th weekend) and we use Emerson all the
time — and so do the residents from the public housing projects down on HIgh Street, and the thousands of
apartment dwellers who live throughout the neighborhood - all the way up to Johnson Ave.
The location of the Parks and Rec. building is actually a huge blight on the city’s history. When Emerson School
closed and an analysis was done of the neighborhood's park needs, our neighborhood was already not meeting
any of the state or national neighborhood recreational standards for the existing population. Instead of insuring
tha residents at least got the best of what was available, the city raided the site and took a substantial amount
of the only land available for the recreational needs of its residents. In spite of having many other city
properties that could have been used, the city took that property for it’s administrative offices and made a
convenient parking lot for itself. The city chose to take care of itself first instead of meeting the needs of the
people it’s supposed to serve.
174
Now, not only is the city jamming ADU’s into nearly every small city lot (such that there are hardly even any
backyard spaces anymore), the city proposes to take away what little field space that this ever increasing dense
population needs now more than ever!
The city needs to learn from history about the realities and consequences of what happens to an area when
there is no room for the most basic human needs to get out, run, play and join with others.
We probably have close to ten thousand people in this neighborhood. They need space and they need to be able
to walk there. If you don’t plan for utilizing their energies in a positive manner then kids and teens will find
other, not so positive ways to so. And, I guarantee you - history does not paint a pretty picture of what that
can look like.
This is where you decide what SLO's future is going to be!
Peg Pinard
On Jul 18, 2023, at 4:07 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
BCC: Council
Ms. Pinard:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding obtaining more information on the Emerson Park
Beautification project that the City is currently conducting and the records request. This
email contains both the formal link to supporting requested documents following the
Public Records request procedures, as well as the body of the email that addresses the
175
additional questions and concerns that you proposed via the email communications with
both me and Council.
07-17-2023 PRR23203 Pinard - Emerson Park Outreach (slocity.org)
Please note:
1. There are two folders of material for the supporting documents that occurred in
2021 and more recent in 2022-2023 respectfully.
2. The State grant application occurred via an on-line portal which required
individual forms to be uploaded. Folder 2021 contains the individual documents.
For the appropriate context to your inquiry, I have included the email communications
that occurred between you and me beginning on your initial inquiry on July 7, 2023, and
my reply that same day. As stated in my initial reply to your email on July 7, the process
to organize and provide Public Record requests takes Staff resources to accurately
provide the requestor the appropriate materials. As Assistant City Manager Stanwyck
stated on July 17, the Parks and Recreation Staff are extremely busy during the summer
season providing the community with a variety of programs, services, and facilities and I
appreciate your patience on my reply.
The City and the Parks and Recreation Department emphasize that parks are for all
community members and there’s always a balance with the amenities contained at the
current 23+ City managed parks. Certain parks are classified as Neighborhood Parks
and others are Community Parks which provide larger scope of activities and variety of
amenities. Regarding your statement about the staff parking lot at Emerson, the current
lot is designed to support the Parks & Recreation Dept headquarters. Department is
made up of seven divisions and 26 full-time as well as 4-8 supplemental staff and/or
interns who are housed at this location. The classification of Emerson Park as a
neighborhood park is to truly support the surrounding community who would take
advantage of the park location by walking, biking, rolling, as well as utilize street parking
(same as Mitchell Park, North Broad Park, Vista Lago, Laguna Hills, Anholm, DeVaul
Park, Stoneridge Park)
In review of the original outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize
the Public Engagement Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. To include the
neighboring community of Emerson Park, Staff expanded notifications outside the
traditional block radius (300 feet) of the park location boundaries to include the 700
blocks of Buchon and Islay streets, along with approximately a 3-block radius of the park
(see mailing list documents in link). The traditional boundary is Broad Street (reference
City’s General Plan map Appendix B-2). The original 2021 communications included the
five on-line (Zoom format) community workshops, as well as a 30-day community
survey. The five Zoom formatted workshops were conducted due to the COVID-19
Pandemic restrictions of community in-person gatherings. These workshops were held
on different days and times to accommodate a variety of neighbor and community
schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the survey and workshops
provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a
dog park amenity consistently ranking in the top 2).
Upon reflection, Staff did not formally conduct outreach specifically to a representative of
the “Old Town Neighborhood Association” or the “Residents for Quality Neighborhoods”
specific to the Emerson Park grant application process, nor during the recent June 19,
2023, community forum. This opportunity was missed by the Staff, however the
significant outreach mailings and timelines for feedback in January 2021 for the grant
application, subsequent PRC meetings and the Council meeting opportunities over the
past two years, along with the recent promotions through local media, City email
distributions, City social media avenues, and PRC meetings did provide ample
opportunities for community insight and feedback.
176
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were
included in PRC meetings on March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the
project throughout 2022) and at Council with the original submission of the grant in early
spring 2021 and the grant award (December 2021). With the award of the grant in
December 2021, the City produced a public service announcement for local media and
promotions through City social media outlets. The same approach was taken in June
2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing list as 2021), promotion
through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the
June 19 in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey
(June 19 through July 18, 2023).
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan
and general element) was completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July
2021. The community feedback and consultant inventory list showed that a few key
facilities and programs were identified on the short-term opportunities, this included dog
parks, bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and more.
You mentioned that the reconfiguration of the grass area would impact thousands of
neighborhood children who use it for a variety of sport activities. The current grass area
is not to regulation for any sport programs. The grass area is used for overflow practice
spots for some youth activities, adult use for off-season rugby conditioning, and informal
use by the community, as well as programming by Parks & Recreation staff. The field is
not safe or functional for baseball or softball due to the size and proximity to the adjacent
streets and homes. The current groups of children and adults that play sports and
recreate on the lawn area at Emerson are very familiar to our Staff as they reserve the
area through the Parks and Recreation Department. The footprint of the lawn is
approximately 1-acre, and the proposed updated amenities would reduce the informal
space to approximately .5-acre (~21,1700 sf) which will allow for younger ages and small
group skills practices, social gatherings (family, friends, clubs and faith groups, etc.),
fitness classes, and both active and passive lawn activities. The timing of the Emerson
Park project also ties in well with the timing of the upcoming Righetti Ranch park system
that will include a full-size regulation adult and youth field are for sports, along with the
Avila Ranch park system including sport fields (diamond and rectangular fields). These
upcoming field projects are designed to safely and appropriately provide additional sport
fields to meet the needs outlined in the Parks & Recreation Blueprint (master plan) for
the community.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides programs and activities for all
ages ranging from as young as 18 months to 99+ years of age at a variety of parks and
facilities. The Emerson Park project will provide recreational opportunities through the
youth all-ages playground equipment, the Fitness Court, full and half court basketball
court, large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller skate/scooter activities and
younger age biking, the community gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages), the ½ acre
lawn and the ½ acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the addition of
restrooms.
I hope that this provides more information on the process and expectations for the
Emerson Park Beautification project and the upgrades to support the neighborhood
community. We all agree that the park is a vital part of this community and Staff are
excited to provide the upgrades with the awarded State Parks grant. For the most
current list of park projects, please visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-
directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
177
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:07 AM
To: Peg <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Ms. Pinard and Council Via the BCC –
Thank you for your email regarding the Emerson Park Grant Funded Project.
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Avakian, with whom you have been corresponding,
will be providing you with a full response and documents as requested. Given the
volume of work the Department experiences in summer due to programming, and as he
has indicated to you, it will take him some time to gather this information.
Best,
Shelly Stanwyck
pronouns she/her/hers
Assistant City Manager Community Services
<image005.png><image001.png>
City Administration
919 palm street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E sstanwyck@slocity.org
T 805.781.7294
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:48 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Dave Congalton
< ; Sandy Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com;
Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried
answering the survey, once I found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has.
And, if you don’t respond the way they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 1:41 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Peg,
178
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design
concepts for Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key
city staff, so that they can take note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks
and Rec Department staff. Also, I note that the public survey to provide feedback on the
design concepts is still open for two more days on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18 th,
so you still have a few more days to give feedback there. Here’s the
link:https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?activ
e_issue_id=8158&phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily
<EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle
<mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ;
Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV
<news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This
is the only playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves
thousands of kids in all age groups and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also
play rugby and softball there. What is rather unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of
‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents would like a dog park, that the city
staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community that needs room to
run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus -
especially right now as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We
have been witnessing the bottling-up of emotions and the rather fragile mental states
that have resulted - and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to
responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and
people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well, we thought it
was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big
179
dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local
kids was a good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for
recreational space for the number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range
of ages) that neighborhood recreation areas are supposed to serve. We were
designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was closed and yet, since then our
neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap in the feedback
you got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that
field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood
for all ages of our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment would
be left "could accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc.". is an abregation of your
responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age spectrum. Besides, the activities the
city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is no ball field). Teens
need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in any
recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run
around than you have at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they
don’t have that option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING
DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website -
and not from the kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or
kids who actually use the park. Please note that the city also did not send any notice to
the entire neighborhood that this park is supposed to serve.* I live only a block from
Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my neighbors - and I’ve checked
with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood organizations
specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason
person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would
need to take away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and
baseball players and spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds,
etc. can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary
goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking
lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for
parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids. Where is there
any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that
grant recipients are coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to
plans due not only to lack of funds, but also (and especially) from additional input that a
local agency might not have had before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield
out of the mix. Go ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s
exisitng grounds, and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are
supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
180
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not
follow its own General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve
residents early in reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have
neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents and property owners and holding meetings at
convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 5:19 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Greg,
Actually I am very disappointed that you weren’t able to provide the most basic information in a
timely manner. After all, this should all have been easily documented as part of the information
distrubution and evaluation process. Your email suggesting a much later date feels more like a
bureaucratic delaying tactic. We have neighborhood associations and supposedly a staff
neighborhood laison person - and I haven’t seen any effort to make sure that the provisions of
the General Plan were followed. The list I have heard about for your initial input did not appear
to include the most obvious people affected by the design.
As a Parks and Rec. director, I am shocked that you would not adhere to the National and State
standards for active recreation space for the number of people this neighborhood and for the
full range of ages that recreation areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely
‘under-served’ when the school was closed and our population has more than doubled since
then. There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and that is from the thousands of youngsters
who use that field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE in our neighborhood
for kids to be active. Your description that this proposed "little fragment" could accommodate
Art classes, yoga, etc. is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities you mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park. Teens need
space for vigorous actitiies, team participations and free play. Should this plan proceed as you
have led it, then this should go down as a disgrace to your profession. No where, in any
recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
You have Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than
you have at Emerson for our children to run around. I have dogs of my own, but I would never
even suggest that they are more important than our children….besides, there’s always Laguna.
Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN
WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
When you asked what people ‘wanted’, where did you tell them that you were then going to
have to take away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball
players and spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds can walk to Emerson
- and I thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a
dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows
that the city cares more for allowing room for parking each of its cars than it does for each of
its thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of sanity?
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially
right now as we see the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. Talk about bottling up
emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted….and you want to take away
the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next
school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to
say? Will you say... "Well, it was a good idea to take away their playing area, after all, even
181
though we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking the only playing field space
away from local kids was the responsbile thing to do!”?
State Parks says this is in your ballpark (pardon the pun, because... oh yes, you are planning to
do away with our ballpark!). She said that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the
fact that nearly every recipient is coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions
to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also especially from additional input that a local
agency might not have had before.
Look, I’m very unhappy with how this has played out but you could redeem it. You could do the
right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Spend the
money to improve the field’s grounds, drainage and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop
off where kids are supposed to play.
Peg
On Jul 14, 2023, at 12:10 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg:
Thanks for the additional questions and inquiries regarding the Emerson Park grant
project. I am anticipating in having answers to your questions and the documents you
have requested by the middle to end of next week. We can then identify a time that
works best for both schedules to meet.
Thank you and hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 8:30 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Sandy Rowley <
Subject: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Greg,
I will be very interested in meeting with you and welcome the information and documents from
you.
I have a request though. The city is well aware that we have an Old Town Neighborhood
Association and the Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. When, and by what means, did the
city work through these organizations that were established specifically for neighborhoods and
neighborhood impacts? What did the city’s neighborhood liaison staff person specifically do to
ensure residents were aware of the pros and cons of different ideas?
182
Any questionnaire (especially one on-line) asking people what they ‘want' doesn’t let people
know what compromises might have to be made if their ‘wants’ were to be
implemented. People 'want' lots of things but, as they say, when ‘push comes to shove’, what
they may have to give up in order to get it becomes quite another matter Where were people
told that the only available playing field for children and families within walking distance would
be on the chopping block? The field at Emerson is a very heavily used field for soccer by all age
groups - so much so, that the goal posts are even left in place for everyone to use. It is the only
such field within walking distance for thousands and thousands of children and families.
I’m not hearing or seeing evidence of the disclosures of the compromises that would need to be
made. It appears to be a huge omission! In fact, the single biggest reaction I am receiving when
I’ve asked neighbors if they knew about this development, is that they overwhelming say that
they did not know about the city’s plans. Too, I haven’t met anyone who understood that the
developments presented eliminated the ability for children and families to run and play as they
are currently doing. I spoke with long time resident, Adian Lenc, who she lives directly across
from our neighborhood park. Being immediatly adjacent to Emerson, she did receive a postcard
but it did not contain any information about what was at stake. She attended the meeting at
Emerson Park and said that it was primarily city staff and consultants.
Most families have working parents impacted with all the effects of covid and these hard
economic times. What means, other than by those who spend their time monitoring the city on
computer, did the city reach out to residents living within walking distance to the park? While
you said that you sent out mailers, I would very much like to know ‘to whom’? since I did not
receive one nor did my neighbors. I am also concerned that the responses you have received via
the on-line survey may: #1, not be from this neighborhood, and #2 they may not include the
disclosure that the children and families of this heavily used field will be eliminated.
As you are surely aware, it is in this city’s General Plan, it’s Consitution, and it is required that
when issues involve a neighborhood that meetings SHALL BE HELD IN the affected
neighborhoods first. (Page 1-51 (E). It is part of the “Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan” - as
well as “Appendix B)
I understand that covid affected the ability for actual "in person” meetings but was there at
least a letter to every residence explaining these issues?
Describing the project with words like "we’re going to ‘improve' the park” discloses nothing
about what is at stake, and that could be seen as a way of diverting residents from even
becoming involved - especially if local families still trusted that the city was truly working for the
neighborhood childrens' and families’ best interests.
The General Plan was specifically designed to maximize neighborhood awareness and input. It is
the single most reliable method to make sure that residents are able to have confidence in their
city’s governance. When that doesn’t happen, you get feedback like: “we didn’t even know
about this!” and a lot of anger from all those who trusted that the city was acting in good faith.
I look forward to receiving the information soon and will then call for an appointment,
Thanks for your timely response.
Peg
On Jul 7, 2023, at 12:09 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
183
Good afternoon, Peg Pinard:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your interest and questions on the City’s
upcoming improvements for Emerson Park.
It will take a few days to fully gather all the information you requested, and I can provide
a more thorough reply by the end of next week. It may be best to schedule a time to
meet in person or conduct a phone call to share more about the process the City and
community have participated in over the past two years and the next steps with the
project.
In the meantime, I can provide some general content in my reply:
The City Parks and Recreation Staff had the opportunity in Winter of 2021 to apply for a
State Parks Prop 68 Grant to support upgrading Emerson Park. As you know, Emerson
Park was originally a school site, as well as currently supports the downtown
neighborhood as a park and community garden. It is also the home of the Parks and
Recreation Department staff offices.
As part of the grant application requirements, Staff conducted five (5) different dates of
public outreach in January and February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19
Pandemic, these community forums were held virtually through Zoom, as well as Staff
conducted an on-line survey. Staff sent out mailers to the surrounding neighborhood
advertising these opportunities, as well as promoted through social media and
webpages. I will have the time next week to gather the actual scope of how many
mailers and locations. I can speak that we had community virtually attend the different
web forums from addresses on Buchon, Islay, Pismo, as well as Carmel. I will also be
able to confirm the number of community members who participated in both the different
web forums as well as number of survey respondents.
Based on the feedback and comments gathered from the five web forums and the on-
line survey results, the park amenities were submitted within the Prop 68 Grant
application. The City was honored to receive notification from the State Parks
Department in December 2021 that we successfully were the only agency in SLO
County to be awarded a grant.
Due to the COVID-19 impacts on City resources and priorities, the process of initiating
the grant project was delayed until this spring. The City conducted an RFP for a design
firm with SSA successfully being awarded the project. The next step was that the City
Staff and SSA representative met to discuss the project and continue with community
outreach. The first in-person outreach occurred on June 19 at Emerson Park. Mailers
were sent out to the surrounding neighborhood, promotion through social media, PSA
through City email notifications and local media, as well as website promotions. Staff
interacted with over 50 residents that evening at the park. Additionally, a 30-day on-line
community survey is currently being promoted to gather additional community feedback
through July 18 (as of July 7 the survey shows over 200 responses).
The next steps will be for Staff to review all the survey results from the community,
debrief with SSA representatives, and obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation
Commission in August to move forward with direction for initial designs.
I would like to state that the City Staff and SSA are in full recognition of the history of
Emerson Park and that the design will be heavily focused on children and family
amenities. The expanded all-ages playground upgraded black top to honor and
associate the previous school site are all key elements to the re-design. The lawn area
is planned to be approximately 50% fenced dog park, and the remaining 50%
(approximately half acre) to remain as open lawn for social gathering activities (frisbee,
picnics, yoga, art classes, and younger age recreational activities). Again, the goal of
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the project is to provide the community an upgraded park for the surrounding
neighborhood that maintains the history in design and feel to honor the original school.
As stated, some of the items you requested in your email will take staff a few days to
gather as the Parks and Recreation staff are extremely busy providing full summer
programming for our community.
If you have any additional questions or clarification based on the content I provided,
please feel free to reach back out to me.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
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-----Original Message-----
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 12:38 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Cit's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click
links, or respond.
_______________________________
Parks and Recreation Administration
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr Avakian,
My name is Peg Pinard and I am the former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as
Chairperson of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. I am also the founder of the
Old Town Neighborhood Association, founder of the Old Town Historic District - as well as a
long time resident who lives just a block from Emerson Park.
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park and how it
will affect the thousands and thousands of children and families who rely so heavily on what is
already an underserved neighborhood for its children’s and families’ recreational needs.
In order to get ‘up to speed’ on the plan, which I just learned about a few days ago, I would like
to request a copy of the city’s proposal to the state for the grant, a copy of the RFP that went
out for a consultant and the mailing list the city used to inform the neighborhood of its grant
request. I would also like a description of the city’s early meetings with neighborhood residents
to determine what the needs may have been for any park improvements that eventually
comprised the city’s grant request.
185
As I stated, I live just a block from the park and didn’t hear, nor receive any mailing or
notification that the city was engaged in such an undertaking. I checked with most of my
neighbors and they hadn’t receivied any outreach notice either.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look forward to a good discussion
regarding the city’s proposal.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
186
From:Pease, Andy
Sent:Monday, July 24, 2023 7:57 AM
To:Richard Schmidt
Subject:RE: Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Richard –
Thank you for your feedback. Sorry to hear about your experience with providing input on designs. Each outreach
activity builds on the prior one, so the options become more narrow, but I agree that there should still be space for
open comments.
I’ve reviewed the plans and progression of community outreach and feedback again, and I believe our approach for
both Emerson and North Broad supports the community with space for a variety of activities and ages. That being
said, there is always room for improvement and consideration, and I appreciate the engagement.
Andy
Andy Pease
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
Office of the City Council
990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E apease@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Richard Schmidt <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:17 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
The city has solicited, then refused to receive, my input on the “redesign” of Emerson Park.
Which would be remarkable were it not so typical of the disrespectful way the city today pretends to seek, and then manipulate to
effect its preferred outcome, public input on nearly every subject on which it pretends to seek input.
The Parks department is especially good at this sort of manipulated input survey, in which basic decisions appear to have already
been made and the “public” is invited to comment on what’s already been decided by our bureaucratic betters. In other words, the
187
notion that public input begins with the public is replaced by the notion public input means choosing between item A and item B,
both items having been selected by bureaucrats, not the public.
And so it is with the Emerson park “survey.” This survey isn’t soliciting actual public input about the park, it’s soliciting public
choices among a limited number of already determined options. My sin was simple: the “input” demanded was choosing between
two park layouts. I didn’t like either, so I refused to select one over the other. Had there been a way to state that I’d have been
able to make my input clear (though I doubt anyone on the receiving end would have cared or even read it), but there was no way
to offer that input, not even a place at the end for “additional comments.”
After filling out the whole survey, it was rejected because “no answer” to preferring one plan over the other was an unacceptable
response! And so the city manipulates the “survey” to reach its pre-determined outcomes.
What this means is the city’s seeking input is posturing, not serious. It’s bread and circuses for the masses, useful only if the
masses remain docile and go along with the game.
I said above this is typical of the way the Parks operation takes “input.” Another extraordinary example was the much-ballyhooed
“public workshop” for the North Broad park. “We want your input on the design for North Broad Street neighborhood park,” the
mailed flyer said.
The “workshop” was held in a commercial parking lot where anyone who happened by could join the “invited” neighbors, and
consisted – I kid you not! – of a bunch of easels with pictures on them. Each “participant” was handed stick-on dots and told to
express preferences between competing features by placing a dot next to the preferred item. We were allowed to choose between
a compost bin and a sandbox, between a swing set and a slide, etc. This was insulting to anyone who’d come to offer actual input.
It also was a pointless exercise. There’s already a kiddie play lot a few blocks away, so there was no need for more play
equipment. The park site, a dreadful choice but the only one the city would consider despite a neighborhood residents’
committee’s having submitted a list of many better sites (notice this: actual public input rejected!), was a much-loved community
garden and contained the confluence of two major creeks with rich undisturbed riparian habitat (both now destroyed by the
parkifiers bulldozers and chain saws). It is a heavily polluted, noisy site on a freeway onramp, a dangerously flood-prone piece of
land, the last place in town a decent city bureaucracy would choose for a “neighborhood park.”
Nonetheless, given this lemon the same residents’ committee had ideas for what could be done with this land without destroying
what good qualities it had. So I was pretty upset at the “workshop” format, and sought out how to provide actual input. A Parks’
gladhander listened for a moment and said I’d need to talk to the “park designer,” who it turned out wasn’t a city employee but a
young man from Canon Design who quickly made clear he didn’t give a crap about any ideas the stupid residents had because he
was the designer and it was all up to him. Notice again: actual public input rejected!
Today, our city has no good will towards public input. It is taken when deemed useful for furthering the bureaucracy’s desires,
rejected or excluded most of the time. It amounts to what one friend calls meaningless gestures of respect.
This isn’t public input, it’s posturing by the city. Real public input begins with the public. Our city used to know how to do this, and
did it in a manner that not only respected residents but empowered them and strengthened the city edifice because it fostered
community rather than faction conflict, which is what the current practice does.
188
When the city in the late 1980s set out to revise its historic 1977 General Plan, it didn’t start with the sort of constipated
manipulative process used today for ersatz input. It went for the real thing, in a process fostered by our brilliant young Community
Development Director Mike Multari. In addition to initial inputs from planning commissioners and planning staff, Mike sought direct
public input via neighborhood workshops that started with a basic question: what do you want your city to become? The meetings
were held at neighborhood schools. After a brief introduction about the nature of a general plan, the meetings turned to disc ussion
of likes, dislikes, new ideas, old ideas, and became amazing community brain-storming sessions. Butcher paper was spread on
tables, and groups gathered round to sketch out their ideas. All of this was taken back to city hall, sorted by staff, and carefully
considered. This input was at the BEGINNING of the process, and shaped where the process went; it wasn’t the back-end sort of
public input, offered after major decisions had been made by bureaucrats, that we pretend today is “public input.”
As for my opinions about Emerson Park, they’re simple. The basic park as it exists – community gardens, playing fields, kids’
playground – is good. Why sacrifice that for niche-group stuff like dog parks that are better elsewhere, or for anything else that
breaks things for the sake of breaking things? Had your survey cared about input from people who think the way I think, it would
have offered us that opportunity. That it did not just reinforces the obvious fact that the act of seeking input was itself
disingenuous.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
To: "
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 06:55:42 PM PDT
Subject: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the conceptual
layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
189
190
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to
parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood park in downtown
San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and lighting, a
new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new educational section of
the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop, fencing and landscaping, and new
public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation
Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old basketball court,
community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old backstop, and new exercise
equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of
San Luis Obispo on social media.
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios
del Parque Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las comodidades
mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para proporcionar
comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18 de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para ayudar a
crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para revitalizar Emerson
Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de sombra e
iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas las edades y
habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso multipropósito) renovada y
ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los diseños
conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar comentarios a través de lo
siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-
recreation-commission.
191
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas principal
del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de bochas, una vieja
cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque infantil, mesas de picnic,
área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
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This email was sent to using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: San Luis Obispo, California · 990 Palm Street
· San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
192
From:Pease, Andy
Sent:Monday, July 24, 2023 7:53 AM
To:Peg
Subject:RE: Emerson Park
Peg –
Thank you for your feedback. I know that you’ve had several conversations with staff already, but I wanted you to
know that I’m also following the conversation. I’ve reviewed the plans and progression of community outreach and
feedback again, and I believe our approach supports the community with space for a variety of activities and ages.
That being said, there is always room for improvement and consideration, and I appreciate the engagement.
Andy
Andy Pease
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
Office of the City Council
990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E apease@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:52 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis,
Emily <EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; Dave Congalton < ;
news@newtimesslo.com; Adian & Richard Lenz <
Subject: Re: Emerson Park
Greg Avakian and City Council,
In response to your email there are a number of guidelines and standards enumerated by the National Recreations and Park
Association, State Parks, the Local Planning Administration, The American Public Health and the Athletic Institute (to name j ust a
few) and this plan doesn't meets any of them.
The National Recreation and Park Association very clearly states:
"All kids deserve a fun, safe place to play where they feel like they belong. Research shows that when children play
sports, they increase their chances to grow up healthy, feel good about themselves, build friendships, develop skills
like teamwork and respect, and are more likely to succeed in school and in their future careers."
No where does it say that every field has to be a regulation field! Kids, teens and adults need ROOM to run and
engage in whatever field sports they choose. Emerson Field is the only area in our entire neighborhood that has that
room! And it’s the only field play room within about a mile for our neighborhood. — ie. within walking distance.
193
Yes, it’s also a practice field for some organized teams but that doesn’t mean it isn’t available for everyone. Practice
fields are in short supply too!
State Parks Guidelines state:
"A neighborhood is normally considered to be an area served by one elementary school. It’s population varies from
2,000 to 10,000, averaging 6,000 (*elementary school age children). Just as standards for elementary school location
call for the school to be within walking distance of the homes it serves, so should neighborhood parks and
playgrounds be within walking distance of the families in the neighborhood."
"Several studies recommend that more space should be provided in multifamily, high population
density neighborhoods and in areas with a large percentage of elderly adults than will be needed in
single-family neighborhoods."
The Emerson Field serves families from Johnson Ave. to High St. (as did Emerson School). The state
guidelines also adjust the standards upwards for multi-family neighborhoods, which Old Town most certainly is, not
only by it’s existing R-2 and R-3 zoning but also now with even greater density through ever increasing number of
ADU’s. The actual population is not just the young age children identified in relation to an elementary school but also
the thousands of teens, adults and visitors. The key phrase here is 'field space' within walking distance”.
Your description of “expanding” the ‘notice' area from 300’ to 700’ did not even begin to cover the “neighborhood”. That
calculation is a critical flaw in the city’s process. The 300’ guideline is generally used for noticing surrounding neighbors when an
individual wants to make a change to a structure, ie a room addition, etc. It is actually shocking to learn that you thought that a
“neighborhood” would ever be only 700 feet! I live just beyond the 700’ (and didn’t hear of this whole thing until the July 4th
weekend) and we use Emerson all the time — and so do the residents from the public housing projects down on HIgh Street,
and the thousands of apartment dwellers who live throughout the neighborhood - all the way up to Johnson Ave.
The location of the Parks and Rec. building is actually a huge blight on the city’s history. When Emerson School closed and an
analysis was done of the neighborhood's park needs, our neighborhood was already not meeting any of the state or national
neighborhood recreational standards for the existing population. Instead of insuring tha residents at least got the best of what
was available, the city raided the site and took a substantial amount of the only land available for the recreational needs of its
residents. In spite of having many other city properties that could have been used, the city took that property for it’s
administrative offices and made a convenient parking lot for itself. The city chose to take care of itself first instead of meeting
the needs of the people it’s supposed to serve.
Now, not only is the city jamming ADU’s into nearly every small city lot (such that there are hardly even any backyard spaces
anymore), the city proposes to take away what little field space that this ever increasing dense population needs now more than
ever!
The city needs to learn from history about the realities and consequences of what happens to an area when there is no room
for the most basic human needs to get out, run, play and join with others.
We probably have close to ten thousand people in this neighborhood. They need space and they need to be able to walk
there. If you don’t plan for utilizing their energies in a positive manner then kids and teens will find other, not so positive
ways to so. And, I guarantee you - history does not paint a pretty picture of what that can look like.
This is where you decide what SLO's future is going to be!
Peg Pinard
194
On Jul 18, 2023, at 4:07 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
BCC: Council
Ms. Pinard:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding obtaining more information on the Emerson Park Beautification
project that the City is currently conducting and the records request. This email contains both the
formal link to supporting requested documents following the Public Records request procedures, as
well as the body of the email that addresses the additional questions and concerns that you proposed
via the email communications with both me and Council.
07-17-2023 PRR23203 Pinard - Emerson Park Outreach (slocity.org)
Please note:
1. There are two folders of material for the supporting documents that occurred in 2021 and more
recent in 2022-2023 respectfully.
2. The State grant application occurred via an on-line portal which required individual forms to be
uploaded. Folder 2021 contains the individual documents.
For the appropriate context to your inquiry, I have included the email communications that occurred
between you and me beginning on your initial inquiry on July 7, 2023, and my reply that same day. As
stated in my initial reply to your email on July 7, the process to organize and provide Public Record
requests takes Staff resources to accurately provide the requestor the appropriate materials. As
Assistant City Manager Stanwyck stated on July 17, the Parks and Recreation Staff are extremely busy
during the summer season providing the community with a variety of programs, services, and facilities
and I appreciate your patience on my reply.
The City and the Parks and Recreation Department emphasize that parks are for all community
members and there’s always a balance with the amenities contained at the current 23+ City managed
parks. Certain parks are classified as Neighborhood Parks and others are Community Parks which
provide larger scope of activities and variety of amenities. Regarding your statement about the staff
parking lot at Emerson, the current lot is designed to support the Parks & Recreation Dept
headquarters. Department is made up of seven divisions and 26 full-time as well as 4-8 supplemental
195
staff and/or interns who are housed at this location. The classification of Emerson Park as a
neighborhood park is to truly support the surrounding community who would take advantage of the park
location by walking, biking, rolling, as well as utilize street parking (same as Mitchell Park, North Broad
Park, Vista Lago, Laguna Hills, Anholm, DeVaul Park, Stoneridge Park)
In review of the original outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize the Public
Engagement Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. To include the neighboring community of
Emerson Park, Staff expanded notifications outside the traditional block radius (300 feet) of the park
location boundaries to include the 700 blocks of Buchon and Islay streets, along with approximately a
3-block radius of the park (see mailing list documents in link). The traditional boundary is Broad Street
(reference City’s General Plan map Appendix B-2). The original 2021 communications included the five
on-line (Zoom format) community workshops, as well as a 30-day community survey. The five Zoom
formatted workshops were conducted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions of community in-
person gatherings. These workshops were held on different days and times to accommodate a variety
of neighbor and community schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the survey and
workshops provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a dog
park amenity consistently ranking in the top 2).
Upon reflection, Staff did not formally conduct outreach specifically to a representative of the “Old Town
Neighborhood Association” or the “Residents for Quality Neighborhoods” specific to the Emerson Park
grant application process, nor during the recent June 19, 2023, community forum. This opportunity was
missed by the Staff, however the significant outreach mailings and timelines for feedback in January
2021 for the grant application, subsequent PRC meetings and the Council meeting opportunities over
the past two years, along with the recent promotions through local media, City email distributions, City
social media avenues, and PRC meetings did provide ample opportunities for community insight and
feedback.
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were included in
PRC meetings on March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the project throughout 2022) and
at Council with the original submission of the grant in early spring 2021 and the grant award (December
2021). With the award of the grant in December 2021, the City produced a public service
announcement for local media and promotions through City social media outlets. The same approach
was taken in June 2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing list as 2021),
promotion through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the June
19 in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey (June 19 through
July 18, 2023).
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan and general
element) was completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July 2021. The community
feedback and consultant inventory list showed that a few key facilities and programs were identified on
the short-term opportunities, this included dog parks, bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and
more.
You mentioned that the reconfiguration of the grass area would impact thousands of neighborhood
children who use it for a variety of sport activities. The current grass area is not to regulation for any
sport programs. The grass area is used for overflow practice spots for some youth activities, adult use
for off-season rugby conditioning, and informal use by the community, as well as programming by
Parks & Recreation staff. The field is not safe or functional for baseball or softball due to the size and
proximity to the adjacent streets and homes. The current groups of children and adults that play sports
and recreate on the lawn area at Emerson are very familiar to our Staff as they reserve the area
through the Parks and Recreation Department. The footprint of the lawn is approximately 1-acre, and
the proposed updated amenities would reduce the informal space to approximately .5-acre (~21,1700
sf) which will allow for younger ages and small group skills practices, social gatherings (family, friends,
clubs and faith groups, etc.), fitness classes, and both active and passive lawn activities. The timing of
the Emerson Park project also ties in well with the timing of the upcoming Righetti Ranch park system
that will include a full-size regulation adult and youth field are for sports, along with the Avila Ranch
park system including sport fields (diamond and rectangular fields). These upcoming field projects are
196
designed to safely and appropriately provide additional sport fields to meet the needs outlined in the
Parks & Recreation Blueprint (master plan) for the community.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides programs and activities for all ages ranging from
as young as 18 months to 99+ years of age at a variety of parks and facilities. The Emerson Park
project will provide recreational opportunities through the youth all-ages playground equipment, the
Fitness Court, full and half court basketball court, large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller
skate/scooter activities and younger age biking, the community gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages),
the ½ acre lawn and the ½ acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the addition of restrooms.
I hope that this provides more information on the process and expectations for the Emerson Park
Beautification project and the upgrades to support the neighborhood community. We all agree that the
park is a vital part of this community and Staff are excited to provide the upgrades with the awarded
State Parks grant. For the most current list of park projects, please
visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:07 AM
To: Peg <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Ms. Pinard and Council Via the BCC –
Thank you for your email regarding the Emerson Park Grant Funded Project.
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Avakian, with whom you have been corresponding, will be
providing you with a full response and documents as requested. Given the volume of work the
Department experiences in summer due to programming, and as he has indicated to you, it will take
him some time to gather this information.
Best,
Shelly Stanwyck
pronouns she/her/hers
Assistant City Manager Community Services
<image005.png><image001.png>
City Administration
919 palm street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E sstanwyck@slocity.org
T 805.781.7294
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
197
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:48 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Dave Congalton < ; Sandy
Rowley < ; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV
<news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried answering the
survey, once I found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has. And, if you don’t
respond the way they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 1:41 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Peg,
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design concepts for
Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key city staff, so that
they can take note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks and Rec Department staff. Also,
I note that the public survey to provide feedback on the design concepts is still open for two more days
on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18th, so you still have a few more days to give feedback
there. Here’s the
link:https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?active_issue_id=81
58&phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily
<EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley <macsar99@yahoo.com>; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
198
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only
playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age
groups and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather
unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents
would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community
that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right
now as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the
bottling-up of emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take
away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next
school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well,
we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big
dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids was a
good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the
number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation
areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and yet, since then our neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap
in the feedback you got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that
field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of
our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment would be left "could accommodate
Art classes, yoga, etc.". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in
any recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you
have at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is
the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from
the kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the
park. Please note that the city also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is
supposed to serve.* I live only a block from Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my
neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood
organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason
person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take
away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and
spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I
thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at
Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares
more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids.
Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant
recipients are coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to
lack of funds, but also (and especially) from additional input that a local agency might not have had
before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the
mix. Go ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add
fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
199
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own
General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in
reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents
and property owners and holding meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 5:19 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Greg,
Actually I am very disappointed that you weren’t able to provide the most basic information in a timely manner.
After all, this should all have been easily documented as part of the information distrubution and evaluation
process. Your email suggesting a much later date feels more like a bureaucratic delaying tactic. We have
neighborhood associations and supposedly a staff neighborhood laison person - and I haven’t seen any effort to
make sure that the provisions of the General Plan were followed. The list I have heard about for your initial input
did not appear to include the most obvious people affected by the design.
As a Parks and Rec. director, I am shocked that you would not adhere to the National and State standards for
active recreation space for the number of people this neighborhood and for the full range of ages that
recreation areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and our population has more than doubled since then. There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and
that is from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO
PLACE in our neighborhood for kids to be active. Your description that this proposed "little fragment" could
accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc. is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities you mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park. Teens need space for
vigorous actitiies, team participations and free play. Should this plan proceed as you have led it, then this
should go down as a disgrace to your profession. No where, in any recreation guideline does it say to put the
needs of all ages of children dead last.
You have Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have at
Emerson for our children to run around. I have dogs of my own, but I would never even suggest that they are
more important than our children….besides, there’s always Laguna. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that
option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
When you asked what people ‘wanted’, where did you tell them that you were then going to have to take away
the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-play
area for teens? Eight and nine year olds can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be
a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which,
noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for parking each of its cars than it does
for each of its thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of sanity?
200
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now as we
see the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. Talk about bottling up emotions and the rather fragile mental
states that have resulted….and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact
and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are
you going to say? Will you say... "Well, it was a good idea to take away their playing area, after all, even though
we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking the only playing field space away from local kids was
the responsbile thing to do!”?
State Parks says this is in your ballpark (pardon the pun, because... oh yes, you are planning to do away with our
ballpark!). She said that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that nearly every recipient is
coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also
especially from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
Look, I’m very unhappy with how this has played out but you could redeem it. You could do the right thing by
our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Spend the money to improve the field’s
grounds, drainage and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Peg
On Jul 14, 2023, at 12:10 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg:
Thanks for the additional questions and inquiries regarding the Emerson Park grant project. I am
anticipating in having answers to your questions and the documents you have requested by the middle
to end of next week. We can then identify a time that works best for both schedules to meet.
Thank you and hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 8:30 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Sandy Rowley <
Subject: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Greg,
I will be very interested in meeting with you and welcome the information and documents from you.
I have a request though. The city is well aware that we have an Old Town Neighborhood Association and the
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. When, and by what means, did the city work through these organizations
that were established specifically for neighborhoods and neighborhood impacts? What did the city’s
neighborhood liaison staff person specifically do to ensure residents were aware of the pros and cons of
different ideas?
201
Any questionnaire (especially one on-line) asking people what they ‘want' doesn’t let people know what
compromises might have to be made if their ‘wants’ were to be implemented. People 'want' lots of things but,
as they say, when ‘push comes to shove’, what they may have to give up in order to get it becomes quite
another matter Where were people told that the only available playing field for children and families within
walking distance would be on the chopping block? The field at Emerson is a very heavily used field for soccer by
all age groups - so much so, that the goal posts are even left in place for everyone to use. It is the only such
field within walking distance for thousands and thousands of children and families.
I’m not hearing or seeing evidence of the disclosures of the compromises that would need to be made. It
appears to be a huge omission! In fact, the single biggest reaction I am receiving when I’ve asked neighbors if
they knew about this development, is that they overwhelming say that they did not know about the city’s
plans. Too, I haven’t met anyone who understood that the developments presented eliminated the ability for
children and families to run and play as they are currently doing. I spoke with long time resident, Adian Lenc,
who she lives directly across from our neighborhood park. Being immediatly adjacent to Emerson, she
did receive a postcard but it did not contain any information about what was at stake. She attended the meeting
at Emerson Park and said that it was primarily city staff and consultants.
Most families have working parents impacted with all the effects of covid and these hard economic times. What
means, other than by those who spend their time monitoring the city on computer, did the city reach out to
residents living within walking distance to the park? While you said that you sent out mailers, I would very much
like to know ‘to whom’? since I did not receive one nor did my neighbors. I am also concerned that the
responses you have received via the on-line survey may: #1, not be from this neighborhood, and #2 they may
not include the disclosure that the children and families of this heavily used field will be eliminated.
As you are surely aware, it is in this city’s General Plan, it’s Consitution, and it is required that when issues
involve a neighborhood that meetings SHALL BE HELD IN the affected neighborhoods first. (Page 1-51 (E). It is
part of the “Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan” - as well as “Appendix B)
I understand that covid affected the ability for actual "in person” meetings but was there at least a letter to
every residence explaining these issues?
Describing the project with words like "we’re going to ‘improve' the park” discloses nothing about what is at
stake, and that could be seen as a way of diverting residents from even becoming involved - especially if local
families still trusted that the city was truly working for the neighborhood childrens' and families’ best interests.
The General Plan was specifically designed to maximize neighborhood awareness and input. It is the single most
reliable method to make sure that residents are able to have confidence in their city’s governance. When that
doesn’t happen, you get feedback like: “we didn’t even know about this!” and a lot of anger from all those who
trusted that the city was acting in good faith.
I look forward to receiving the information soon and will then call for an appointment,
Thanks for your timely response.
Peg
On Jul 7, 2023, at 12:09 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg Pinard:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your interest and questions on the City’s upcoming
improvements for Emerson Park.
202
It will take a few days to fully gather all the information you requested, and I can provide a more
thorough reply by the end of next week. It may be best to schedule a time to meet in person or conduct
a phone call to share more about the process the City and community have participated in over the past
two years and the next steps with the project.
In the meantime, I can provide some general content in my reply:
The City Parks and Recreation Staff had the opportunity in Winter of 2021 to apply for a State Parks
Prop 68 Grant to support upgrading Emerson Park. As you know, Emerson Park was originally a
school site, as well as currently supports the downtown neighborhood as a park and community
garden. It is also the home of the Parks and Recreation Department staff offices.
As part of the grant application requirements, Staff conducted five (5) different dates of public outreach
in January and February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, these community
forums were held virtually through Zoom, as well as Staff conducted an on-line survey. Staff sent out
mailers to the surrounding neighborhood advertising these opportunities, as well as promoted through
social media and webpages. I will have the time next week to gather the actual scope of how many
mailers and locations. I can speak that we had community virtually attend the different web forums
from addresses on Buchon, Islay, Pismo, as well as Carmel. I will also be able to confirm the number
of community members who participated in both the different web forums as well as number of survey
respondents.
Based on the feedback and comments gathered from the five web forums and the on-line survey
results, the park amenities were submitted within the Prop 68 Grant application. The City was honored
to receive notification from the State Parks Department in December 2021 that we successfully were
the only agency in SLO County to be awarded a grant.
Due to the COVID-19 impacts on City resources and priorities, the process of initiating the grant project
was delayed until this spring. The City conducted an RFP for a design firm with SSA successfully
being awarded the project. The next step was that the City Staff and SSA representative met to
discuss the project and continue with community outreach. The first in-person outreach occurred on
June 19 at Emerson Park. Mailers were sent out to the surrounding neighborhood, promotion through
social media, PSA through City email notifications and local media, as well as website
promotions. Staff interacted with over 50 residents that evening at the park. Additionally, a 30-day on-
line community survey is currently being promoted to gather additional community feedback through
July 18 (as of July 7 the survey shows over 200 responses).
The next steps will be for Staff to review all the survey results from the community, debrief with SSA
representatives, and obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation Commission in August to move
forward with direction for initial designs.
I would like to state that the City Staff and SSA are in full recognition of the history of Emerson Park
and that the design will be heavily focused on children and family amenities. The expanded all-ages
playground upgraded black top to honor and associate the previous school site are all key elements to
the re-design. The lawn area is planned to be approximately 50% fenced dog park, and the remaining
50% (approximately half acre) to remain as open lawn for social gathering activities (frisbee, picnics,
yoga, art classes, and younger age recreational activities). Again, the goal of the project is to provide
the community an upgraded park for the surrounding neighborhood that maintains the history in design
and feel to honor the original school.
As stated, some of the items you requested in your email will take staff a few days to gather as the
Parks and Recreation staff are extremely busy providing full summer programming for our community.
If you have any additional questions or clarification based on the content I provided, please feel free to
reach back out to me.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best,
203
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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-----Original Message-----
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 12:38 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Cit's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or
respond.
_______________________________
Parks and Recreation Administration
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr Avakian,
My name is Peg Pinard and I am the former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as Chairperson of the
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. I am also the founder of the Old Town Neighborhood Association,
founder of the Old Town Historic District - as well as a long time resident who lives just a block from Emerson
Park.
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park and how it will affect the
thousands and thousands of children and families who rely so heavily on what is already an underserved
neighborhood for its children’s and families’ recreational needs.
In order to get ‘up to speed’ on the plan, which I just learned about a few days ago, I would like to request a
copy of the city’s proposal to the state for the grant, a copy of the RFP that went out for a consultant and the
mailing list the city used to inform the neighborhood of its grant request. I would also like a description of the
city’s early meetings with neighborhood residents to determine what the needs may have been for any park
improvements that eventually comprised the city’s grant request.
As I stated, I live just a block from the park and didn’t hear, nor receive any mailing or notification that the city
was engaged in such an undertaking. I checked with most of my neighbors and they hadn’t receivied any
outreach notice either.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look forward to a good discussion regarding the city’s
proposal.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
204
From:Wilbanks, Megan
Sent:Friday, July 21, 2023 12:32 PM
To:Richard Schmidt
Cc:Avakian, Greg
Subject:cc - Schmidt (Emerson Park Upgrades Survey)
Richard Schmidt,
Thank you for taking the time to contact the City Council on this issue. The City Council has received your
concerns and Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, who responsible for responding is copied on this
email. Greg or a member of his staff will be following up with you within two business days.
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
slocity.org
Bcc: City Council
From: Richard Schmidt <
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 10:17 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
The city has solicited, then refused to receive, my input on the “redesign” of Emerson Park.
Which would be remarkable were it not so typical of the disrespectful way the city today pretends to seek, and then manipulate to
effect its preferred outcome, public input on nearly every subject on which it pretends to seek input.
The Parks department is especially good at this sort of manipulated input survey, in which basic decisions appear to have already
been made and the “public” is invited to comment on what’s already been decided by our bureaucratic betters. In other words, the
notion that public input begins with the public is replaced by the notion public input means choosing between item A and item B,
both items having been selected by bureaucrats, not the public.
And so it is with the Emerson park “survey.” This survey isn’t soliciting actual public input about the park, it’s soliciting public
choices among a limited number of already determined options. My sin was simple: the “input” demanded was choosing between
two park layouts. I didn’t like either, so I refused to select one over the other. Had there been a way to state that I’d have been
able to make my input clear (though I doubt anyone on the receiving end would have cared or even read it), but there was no way
to offer that input, not even a place at the end for “additional comments.”
205
After filling out the whole survey, it was rejected because “no answer” to preferring one plan over the other was an unacceptable
response! And so the city manipulates the “survey” to reach its pre-determined outcomes.
What this means is the city’s seeking input is posturing, not serious. It’s bread and circuses for the masses, useful only if the
masses remain docile and go along with the game.
I said above this is typical of the way the Parks operation takes “input.” Another extraordinary example was the much-ballyhooed
“public workshop” for the North Broad park. “We want your input on the design for North Broad Street neighborhood park,” the
mailed flyer said.
The “workshop” was held in a commercial parking lot where anyone who happened by could join the “invited” neighbors, and
consisted – I kid you not! – of a bunch of easels with pictures on them. Each “participant” was handed stick-on dots and told to
express preferences between competing features by placing a dot next to the preferred item. We were allowed to choose between
a compost bin and a sandbox, between a swing set and a slide, etc. This was insulting to anyone who’d come to offer actual input.
It also was a pointless exercise. There’s already a kiddie play lot a few blocks away, so there was no need for more play
equipment. The park site, a dreadful choice but the only one the city would consider despite a neighborhood residents’
committee’s having submitted a list of many better sites (notice this: actual public input rejected!), was a much-loved community
garden and contained the confluence of two major creeks with rich undisturbed riparian habitat (both now destroyed by the
parkifiers bulldozers and chain saws). It is a heavily polluted, noisy site on a freeway onramp, a dangerously flood-prone piece of
land, the last place in town a decent city bureaucracy would choose for a “neighborhood park.”
Nonetheless, given this lemon the same residents’ committee had ideas for what could be done with this land without destroying
what good qualities it had. So I was pretty upset at the “workshop” format, and sought out how to provide actual input. A Parks’
gladhander listened for a moment and said I’d need to talk to the “park designer,” who it turned out wasn’t a city employee but a
young man from Canon Design who quickly made clear he didn’t give a crap about any ideas the stupid residents had because he
was the designer and it was all up to him. Notice again: actual public input rejected!
Today, our city has no good will towards public input. It is taken when deemed useful for furthering the bureaucracy’s desires,
rejected or excluded most of the time. It amounts to what one friend calls meaningless gestures of respect.
This isn’t public input, it’s posturing by the city. Real public input begins with the public. Our city used to know how to do this, and
did it in a manner that not only respected residents but empowered them and strengthened the city edifice because it fostered
community rather than faction conflict, which is what the current practice does.
When the city in the late 1980s set out to revise its historic 1977 General Plan, it didn’t start with the sort of constipated
manipulative process used today for ersatz input. It went for the real thing, in a process fostered by our brilliant young Community
Development Director Mike Multari. In addition to initial inputs from planning commissioners and planning staff, Mike sought direct
public input via neighborhood workshops that started with a basic question: what do you want your city to become? The meetings
were held at neighborhood schools. After a brief introduction about the nature of a general plan, the meetings turned to disc ussion
of likes, dislikes, new ideas, old ideas, and became amazing community brain-storming sessions. Butcher paper was spread on
tables, and groups gathered round to sketch out their ideas. All of this was taken back to city hall, sorted by staff, and carefully
considered. This input was at the BEGINNING of the process, and shaped where the process went; it wasn’t the back-end sort of
public input, offered after major decisions had been made by bureaucrats, that we pretend today is “public input.”
206
As for my opinions about Emerson Park, they’re simple. The basic park as it exists – community gardens, playing fields, kids’
playground – is good. Why sacrifice that for niche-group stuff like dog parks that are better elsewhere, or for anything else that
breaks things for the sake of breaking things? Had your survey cared about input from people who think the way I think, it would
have offered us that opportunity. That it did not just reinforces the obvious fact that the act of seeking input was itself
disingenuous.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
To: "
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 06:55:42 PM PDT
Subject: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the conceptual
layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
207
208
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to
parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood park in downtown
San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and lighting, a
new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new educational section of
the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop, fencing and landscaping, and new
public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation
Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old basketball court,
community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old backstop, and new exercise
equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of
San Luis Obispo on social media.
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios
del Parque Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las comodidades
mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para proporcionar
comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18 de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para ayudar a
crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para revitalizar Emerson
Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de sombra e
iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas las edades y
habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso multipropósito) renovada y
ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los diseños
conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar comentarios a través de lo
siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-
recreation-commission.
209
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas principal
del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de bochas, una vieja
cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque infantil, mesas de picnic,
área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
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This email was sent to using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: San Luis Obispo, California · 990 Palm Street
· San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
210
From:Peg <
Sent:Friday, July 21, 2023 10:52 AM
To:Avakian, Greg; Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan; Francis, Emily; Pease, Andy; Shoresman, Michelle
Cc:KSBY TV; Tribune; Dave Congalton; news@newtimesslo.com; Adian & Richard Lenz
Subject:Re: Emerson Park
Greg Avakian and City Council,
In response to your email there are a number of guidelines and standards enumerated by the National
Recreations and Park Association, State Parks, the Local Planning Administration, The American Public Health
and the Athletic Institute (to name just a few) and this plan doesn't meets any of them.
The National Recreation and Park Association very clearly states:
"All kids deserve a fun, safe place to play where they feel like they belong. Research shows that when
children play sports, they increase their chances to grow up healthy, feel good about themselves, build
friendships, develop skills like teamwork and respect, and are more likely to succeed in school and in their
future careers."
No where does it say that every field has to be a regulation field! Kids, teens and adults need ROOM to run
and engage in whatever field sports they choose. Emerson Field is the only area in our entire neighborhood
that has that room! And it’s the only field play room within about a mile for our neighborhood. — ie. within
walking distance.
Yes, it’s also a practice field for some organized teams but that doesn’t mean it isn’t available for everyone.
Practice fields are in short supply too!
State Parks Guidelines state:
"A neighborhood is normally considered to be an area served by one elementary school. It’s population
varies from 2,000 to 10,000, averaging 6,000 (*elementary school age children). Just as standards for
elementary school location call for the school to be within walking distance of the homes it serves, so should
neighborhood parks and playgrounds be within walking distance of the families in the neighborhood."
"Several studies recommend that more space should be provided in multifamily, high population
density neighborhoods and in areas with a large percentage of elderly adults than will be needed in
single-family neighborhoods."
The Emerson Field serves families from Johnson Ave. to High St. (as did Emerson School). The state
guidelines also adjust the standards upwards for multi-family neighborhoods, which Old Town most certainly
is, not only by it’s existing R-2 and R-3 zoning but also now with even greater density through ever increasing
number of ADU’s. The actual population is not just the young ag e children identified in relation to an elementary
school but also the thousands of teens, adults and visitors. The key phrase here is 'field space' within walking
distance”.
Your description of “expanding” the ‘notice' area from 300’ to 700’ did not even begin to cover the
“neighborhood”. That calculation is a critical flaw in the city’s process. The 300’ guideline is generally used for
noticing surrounding neighbors when an individual wants to make a change to a structure, ie a room addition,
211
etc. It is actually shocking to learn that you thought that a “neighborhood” would ever be only 700 feet! I live
just beyond the 700’ (and didn’t hear of this whole thing until the July 4th weekend) and we use Emerson all the
time — and so do the residents from the public housing projects down on HIgh Street, and the thousands of
apartment dwellers who live throughout the neighborhood - all the way up to Johnson Ave.
The location of the Parks and Rec. building is actually a huge blight on the city’s history. When Emerson School
closed and an analysis was done of the neighborhood's park needs, our neighborhood was already not meeting
any of the state or national neighborhood recreational standards for the existing population. Instead of insuring
tha residents at least got the best of what was available, the city raided the site and took a substantial amount
of the only land available for the recreational needs of its residents. In spite of having many other city properties
that could have been used, the city took that property for it’s administrative offices and made a convenient
parking lot for itself. The city chose to take care of itself first instead of meeting the needs of the people it’s
supposed to serve.
Now, not only is the city jamming ADU’s into nearly every small city lot (such that there are hardly even any
backyard spaces anymore), the city proposes to take away what little field space that this ever increasing dense
population needs now more than ever!
The city needs to learn from history about the realities and consequences of what happens to an area
when there is no room for the most basic human needs to get out, run, play and join with others.
We probably have close to ten thousand people in this neighborhood. They need space and they need to be able
to walk there. If you don’t plan for utilizing their energies in a positive manner then kids and teens will find
other, not so positive ways to so. And, I guarantee you - history does not paint a pretty picture of what
that can look like.
This is where you decide what SLO's future is going to be!
Peg Pinard
212
On Jul 18, 2023, at 4:07 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
BCC: Council
Ms. Pinard:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding obtaining more information on the Emerson Park Beautification
project that the City is currently conducting and the records request. This email contains both the
formal link to supporting requested documents following the Public Records request procedures, as
well as the body of the email that addresses the additional questions and concerns that you proposed
via the email communications with both me and Council.
07-17-2023 PRR23203 Pinard - Emerson Park Outreach (slocity.org)
Please note:
1. There are two folders of material for the supporting documents that occurred in 2021 and more
recent in 2022-2023 respectfully.
2. The State grant application occurred via an on-line portal which required individual forms to be
uploaded. Folder 2021 contains the individual documents.
For the appropriate context to your inquiry, I have included the email communications that occurred
between you and me beginning on your initial inquiry on July 7, 2023, and my reply that same day. As
stated in my initial reply to your email on July 7, the process to organize and provide Public Record
requests takes Staff resources to accurately provide the requestor the appropriate materials. As
Assistant City Manager Stanwyck stated on July 17, the Parks and Recreation Staff are extremely busy
during the summer season providing the community with a variety of programs, services, and facilities
and I appreciate your patience on my reply.
The City and the Parks and Recreation Department emphasize that parks are for all community
members and there’s always a balance with the amenities contained at the current 23+ City managed
parks. Certain parks are classified as Neighborhood Parks and others are Community Parks which
provide larger scope of activities and variety of amenities. Regarding your statement about the staff
parking lot at Emerson, the current lot is designed to support the Parks & Recreation Dept
headquarters. Department is made up of seven divisions and 26 full-time as well as 4-8 supplemental
staff and/or interns who are housed at this location. The classification of Emerson Park as a
neighborhood park is to truly support the surrounding community who would take advantage of the park
location by walking, biking, rolling, as well as utilize street parking (same as Mitchell Park, North Broad
Park, Vista Lago, Laguna Hills, Anholm, DeVaul Park, Stoneridge Park)
In review of the original outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize the Public
Engagement Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. To include the neighboring community of
Emerson Park, Staff expanded notifications outside the traditional block radius (300 feet) of the park
location boundaries to include the 700 blocks of Buchon and Islay streets, along with approximately a
3-block radius of the park (see mailing list documents in link). The traditional boundary is Broad Street
(reference City’s General Plan map Appendix B-2). The original 2021 communications included the five
on-line (Zoom format) community workshops, as well as a 30-day community survey. The five Zoom
formatted workshops were conducted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions of community in-
person gatherings. These workshops were held on different days and times to accommodate a variety
of neighbor and community schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the survey and
workshops provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a dog
park amenity consistently ranking in the top 2).
213
Upon reflection, Staff did not formally conduct outreach specifically to a representative of the “Old Town
Neighborhood Association” or the “Residents for Quality Neighborhoods” specific to the Emerson Park
grant application process, nor during the recent June 19, 2023, community forum. This opportunity was
missed by the Staff, however the significant outreach mailings and timelines for feedback in January
2021 for the grant application, subsequent PRC meetings and the Council meeting opportunities over
the past two years, along with the recent promotions through local media, City email distributions, City
social media avenues, and PRC meetings did provide ample opportunities for community insight and
feedback.
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were included in
PRC meetings on March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the project throughout 2022) and
at Council with the original submission of the grant in early spring 2021 and the grant award (December
2021). With the award of the grant in December 2021, the City produced a public service
announcement for local media and promotions through City social media outlets. The same approach
was taken in June 2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing list as 2021),
promotion through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the June
19 in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey (June 19 through
July 18, 2023).
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan and general
element) was completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July 2021. The community
feedback and consultant inventory list showed that a few key facilities and programs were identified on
the short-term opportunities, this included dog parks, bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and
more.
You mentioned that the reconfiguration of the grass area would impact thousands of neighborhood
children who use it for a variety of sport activities. The current grass area is not to regulation for any
sport programs. The grass area is used for overflow practice spots for some youth activities, adult use
for off-season rugby conditioning, and informal use by the community, as well as programming by
Parks & Recreation staff. The field is not safe or functional for baseball or softball due to the size and
proximity to the adjacent streets and homes. The current groups of children and adults that play sports
and recreate on the lawn area at Emerson are very familiar to our Staff as they reserve the area
through the Parks and Recreation Department. The footprint of the lawn is approximately 1-acre, and
the proposed updated amenities would reduce the informal space to approximately .5-acre (~21,1700
sf) which will allow for younger ages and small group skills practices, social gatherings (family, friends,
clubs and faith groups, etc.), fitness classes, and both active and passive lawn activities. The timing of
the Emerson Park project also ties in well with the timing of the upcoming Righetti Ranch park system
that will include a full-size regulation adult and youth field are for sports, along with the Avila Ranch
park system including sport fields (diamond and rectangular fields). These upcoming field projects are
designed to safely and appropriately provide additional sport fields to meet the needs outlined in the
Parks & Recreation Blueprint (master plan) for the community.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides programs and activities for all ages ranging from
as young as 18 months to 99+ years of age at a variety of parks and facilities. The Emerson Park
project will provide recreational opportunities through the youth all-ages playground equipment, the
Fitness Court, full and half court basketball court, large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller
skate/scooter activities and younger age biking, the community gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages),
the ½ acre lawn and the ½ acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the addition of restrooms.
I hope that this provides more information on the process and expectations for the Emerson Park
Beautification project and the upgrades to support the neighborhood community. We all agree that the
park is a vital part of this community and Staff are excited to provide the upgrades with the awarded
State Parks grant. For the most current list of park projects, please
visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
214
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:07 AM
To: Peg <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Ms. Pinard and Council Via the BCC –
Thank you for your email regarding the Emerson Park Grant Funded Project.
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Avakian, with whom you have been corresponding, will be
providing you with a full response and documents as requested. Given the volume of work the
Department experiences in summer due to programming, and as he has indicated to you, it will take
him some time to gather this information.
Best,
Shelly Stanwyck
pronouns she/her/hers
Assistant City Manager Community Services
<image005.png><image001.png>
City Administration
919 palm street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E sstanwyck@slocity.org
T 805.781.7294
slocity.org
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Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:48 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Dave Congalton < ; Sandy
Rowley < ; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV
<news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried answering the
survey, once I found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has. And, if you don’t
respond the way they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 1:41 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
215
Good afternoon Peg,
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design concepts for
Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key city staff, so that
they can take note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks and Rec Department staff. Also,
I note that the public survey to provide feedback on the design concepts is still open for two more days
on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18th, so you still have a few more days to give feedback
there. Here’s the
link:https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?active_issue_id=81
58&phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
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Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily
<EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only
playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age
groups and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather
unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents
would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community
that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right
now as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the
bottling-up of emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take
away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next
school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well,
we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big
216
dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids was a
good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the
number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation
areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and yet, since then our neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap
in the feedback you got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that
field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of
our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment would be left "could accommodate
Art classes, yoga, etc.". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in
any recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you
have at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is
the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from
the kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the
park. Please note that the city also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is
supposed to serve.* I live only a block from Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my
neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood
organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason
person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take
away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and
spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I
thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at
Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares
more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids.
Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant
recipients are coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to
lack of funds, but also (and especially) from additional input that a local agency might not have had
before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the
mix. Go ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add
fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own
General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
217
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in
reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents
and property owners and holding meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 5:19 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Greg,
Actually I am very disappointed that you weren’t able to provide the most basic information in a timely manner.
After all, this should all have been easily documented as part of the information distrubution and evaluation
process. Your email suggesting a much later date feels more like a bureaucratic delaying tactic. We have
neighborhood associations and supposedly a staff neighborhood laison person - and I haven’t seen any effort to
make sure that the provisions of the General Plan were followed. The list I have heard about for your initial input
did not appear to include the most obvious people affected by the design.
As a Parks and Rec. director, I am shocked that you would not adhere to the National and State standards for
active recreation space for the number of people this neighborhood and for the full range of ages that
recreation areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and our population has more than doubled since then. There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and
that is from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO
PLACE in our neighborhood for kids to be active. Your description that this proposed "little fragment" could
accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc. is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities you mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park. Teens need space for
vigorous actitiies, team participations and free play. Should this plan proceed as you have led it, then this
should go down as a disgrace to your profession. No where, in any recreation guideline does it say to put the
needs of all ages of children dead last.
You have Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have at
Emerson for our children to run around. I have dogs of my own, but I would never even suggest that they are
more important than our children….besides, there’s always Laguna. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that
option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
When you asked what people ‘wanted’, where did you tell them that you were then going to have to take away
the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-play
area for teens? Eight and nine year olds can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be
a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which,
noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for parking each of its cars than it does
for each of its thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of sanity?
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now as we
see the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. Talk about bottling up emotions and the rather fragile mental
states that have resulted….and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact
and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are
you going to say? Will you say... "Well, it was a good idea to take away their playing area, after all, even though
we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking the only playing field space away from local kids was
the responsbile thing to do!”?
State Parks says this is in your ballpark (pardon the pun, because... oh yes, you are planning to do away with our
ballpark!). She said that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that nearly every recipient is
coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also
especially from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
218
Look, I’m very unhappy with how this has played out but you could redeem it. You could do the right thing by
our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Spend the money to improve the field’s
grounds, drainage and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Peg
On Jul 14, 2023, at 12:10 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg:
Thanks for the additional questions and inquiries regarding the Emerson Park grant project. I am
anticipating in having answers to your questions and the documents you have requested by the middle
to end of next week. We can then identify a time that works best for both schedules to meet.
Thank you and hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 8:30 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Sandy Rowley <
Subject: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Greg,
I will be very interested in meeting with you and welcome the information and documents from you.
I have a request though. The city is well aware that we have an Old Town Neighborhood Association and the
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. When, and by what means, did the city work through these organizations
that were established specifically for neighborhoods and neighborhood impacts? What did the city’s
neighborhood liaison staff person specifically do to ensure residents were aware of the pros and cons of
different ideas?
Any questionnaire (especially one on-line) asking people what they ‘want' doesn’t let people know what
compromises might have to be made if their ‘wants’ were to be implemented. People 'want' lots of things but,
as they say, when ‘push comes to shove’, what they may have to give up in order to get it becomes quite
another matter Where were people told that the only available playing field for children and families within
walking distance would be on the chopping block? The field at Emerson is a very heavily used field for soccer by
all age groups - so much so, that the goal posts are even left in place for everyone to use. It is the only such
field within walking distance for thousands and thousands of children and families.
I’m not hearing or seeing evidence of the disclosures of the compromises that would need to be made. It
appears to be a huge omission! In fact, the single biggest reaction I am receiving when I’ve asked neighbors if
they knew about this development, is that they overwhelming say that they did not know about the city’s
plans. Too, I haven’t met anyone who understood that the developments presented eliminated the ability for
219
children and families to run and play as they are currently doing. I spoke with long time resident, Adian Lenc,
who she lives directly across from our neighborhood park. Being immediatly adjacent to Emerson, she
did receive a postcard but it did not contain any information about what was at stake. She attended the meeting
at Emerson Park and said that it was primarily city staff and consultants.
Most families have working parents impacted with all the effects of covid and these hard economic times. What
means, other than by those who spend their time monitoring the city on computer, did the city reach out to
residents living within walking distance to the park? While you said that you sent out mailers, I would very much
like to know ‘to whom’? since I did not receive one nor did my neighbors. I am also concerned that the
responses you have received via the on-line survey may: #1, not be from this neighborhood, and #2 they may
not include the disclosure that the children and families of this heavily used field will be eliminated.
As you are surely aware, it is in this city’s General Plan, it’s Consitution, and it is required that when issues
involve a neighborhood that meetings SHALL BE HELD IN the affected neighborhoods first. (Page 1-51 (E). It is
part of the “Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan” - as well as “Appendix B)
I understand that covid affected the ability for actual "in person” meetings but was there at least a letter to
every residence explaining these issues?
Describing the project with words like "we’re going to ‘improve' the park” discloses nothing about what is at
stake, and that could be seen as a way of diverting residents from even becoming involved - especially if local
families still trusted that the city was truly working for the neighborhood childrens' and families’ best interests.
The General Plan was specifically designed to maximize neighborhood awareness and input. It is the single most
reliable method to make sure that residents are able to have confidence in their city’s governance. When that
doesn’t happen, you get feedback like: “we didn’t even know about this!” and a lot of anger from all those who
trusted that the city was acting in good faith.
I look forward to receiving the information soon and will then call for an appointment,
Thanks for your timely response.
Peg
On Jul 7, 2023, at 12:09 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg Pinard:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your interest and questions on the City’s upcoming
improvements for Emerson Park.
It will take a few days to fully gather all the information you requested, and I can provide a more
thorough reply by the end of next week. It may be best to schedule a time to meet in person or conduct
a phone call to share more about the process the City and community have participated in over the past
two years and the next steps with the project.
In the meantime, I can provide some general content in my reply:
The City Parks and Recreation Staff had the opportunity in Winter of 2021 to apply for a State Parks
Prop 68 Grant to support upgrading Emerson Park. As you know, Emerson Park was originally a
school site, as well as currently supports the downtown neighborhood as a park and community
garden. It is also the home of the Parks and Recreation Department staff offices.
As part of the grant application requirements, Staff conducted five (5) different dates of public outreach
in January and February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, these community
220
forums were held virtually through Zoom, as well as Staff conducted an on-line survey. Staff sent out
mailers to the surrounding neighborhood advertising these opportunities, as well as promoted through
social media and webpages. I will have the time next week to gather the actual scope of how many
mailers and locations. I can speak that we had community virtually attend the different web forums
from addresses on Buchon, Islay, Pismo, as well as Carmel. I will also be able to confirm the number
of community members who participated in both the different web forums as well as number of survey
respondents.
Based on the feedback and comments gathered from the five web forums and the on-line survey
results, the park amenities were submitted within the Prop 68 Grant application. The City was honored
to receive notification from the State Parks Department in December 2021 that we successfully were
the only agency in SLO County to be awarded a grant.
Due to the COVID-19 impacts on City resources and priorities, the process of initiating the grant project
was delayed until this spring. The City conducted an RFP for a design firm with SSA successfully
being awarded the project. The next step was that the City Staff and SSA representative met to
discuss the project and continue with community outreach. The first in-person outreach occurred on
June 19 at Emerson Park. Mailers were sent out to the surrounding neighborhood, promotion through
social media, PSA through City email notifications and local media, as well as website
promotions. Staff interacted with over 50 residents that evening at the park. Additionally, a 30-day on-
line community survey is currently being promoted to gather additional community feedback through
July 18 (as of July 7 the survey shows over 200 responses).
The next steps will be for Staff to review all the survey results from the community, debrief with SSA
representatives, and obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation Commission in August to move
forward with direction for initial designs.
I would like to state that the City Staff and SSA are in full recognition of the history of Emerson Park
and that the design will be heavily focused on children and family amenities. The expanded all-ages
playground upgraded black top to honor and associate the previous school site are all key elements to
the re-design. The lawn area is planned to be approximately 50% fenced dog park, and the remaining
50% (approximately half acre) to remain as open lawn for social gathering activities (frisbee, picnics,
yoga, art classes, and younger age recreational activities). Again, the goal of the project is to provide
the community an upgraded park for the surrounding neighborhood that maintains the history in design
and feel to honor the original school.
As stated, some of the items you requested in your email will take staff a few days to gather as the
Parks and Recreation staff are extremely busy providing full summer programming for our community.
If you have any additional questions or clarification based on the content I provided, please feel free to
reach back out to me.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
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221
-----Original Message-----
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 12:38 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Cit's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or
respond.
_______________________________
Parks and Recreation Administration
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr Avakian,
My name is Peg Pinard and I am the former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as Chairperson of the
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. I am also the founder of the Old Town Neighborhood Association,
founder of the Old Town Historic District - as well as a long time resident who lives just a block from Emerson
Park.
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park and how it will affect the
thousands and thousands of children and families who rely so heavily on what is already an underserved
neighborhood for its children’s and families’ recreational needs.
In order to get ‘up to speed’ on the plan, which I just learned about a few days ago, I would like to request a
copy of the city’s proposal to the state for the grant, a copy of the RFP that went out for a consultant and the
mailing list the city used to inform the neighborhood of its grant request. I would also like a description of the
city’s early meetings with neighborhood residents to determine what the needs may have been for any park
improvements that eventually comprised the city’s grant request.
As I stated, I live just a block from the park and didn’t hear, nor receive any mailing or notification that the city
was engaged in such an undertaking. I checked with most of my neighbors and they hadn’t receivied any
outreach notice either.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look forward to a good discussion regarding the city’s
proposal.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
222
From:Richard Schmidt <
Sent:Friday, July 21, 2023 10:17 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Public Comment: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
The city has solicited, then refused to receive, my input on the “redesign” of Emerson Park.
Which would be remarkable were it not so typical of the disrespectful way the city today pretends to seek, and then manipulate to
effect its preferred outcome, public input on nearly every subject on which it pretends to seek input.
The Parks department is especially good at this sort of manipulated input survey, in which basic decisions appear to have already
been made and the “public” is invited to comment on what’s already been decided by our bureaucratic betters. In other words, the
notion that public input begins with the public is replaced by the notion public input means choosing between item A and item B,
both items having been selected by bureaucrats, not the public.
And so it is with the Emerson park “survey.” This survey isn’t soliciting actual public input about the park, it’s soliciting public
choices among a limited number of already determined options. My sin was simple: the “input” demanded was choosing between
two park layouts. I didn’t like either, so I refused to select one over the other. Had there been a way to state that I’d have been
able to make my input clear (though I doubt anyone on the receiving end would have cared or even read it), but there was no way
to offer that input, not even a place at the end for “additional comments.”
After filling out the whole survey, it was rejected because “no answer” to preferring one plan over the other was an unacceptable
response! And so the city manipulates the “survey” to reach its pre-determined outcomes.
What this means is the city’s seeking input is posturing, not serious. It’s bread and circuses for the masses, useful only if the
masses remain docile and go along with the game.
I said above this is typical of the way the Parks operation takes “input.” Another extraordinary example was the much-ballyhooed
“public workshop” for the North Broad park. “We want your input on the design for North Broad Street neighborhood park,” the
mailed flyer said.
The “workshop” was held in a commercial parking lot where anyone who happened by could join the “invited” neighbors, and
consisted – I kid you not! – of a bunch of easels with pictures on them. Each “participant” was handed stick-on dots and told to
express preferences between competing features by placing a dot next to the preferred item. We were allowed to choose between
a compost bin and a sandbox, between a swing set and a slide, etc. This was insulting to anyone who’d come to offer actual input.
223
It also was a pointless exercise. There’s already a kiddie play lot a few blocks away, so there was no need for more play
equipment. The park site, a dreadful choice but the only one the city would consider despite a neighborhood residents’
committee’s having submitted a list of many better sites (notice this: actual public input rejected!), was a much-loved community
garden and contained the confluence of two major creeks with rich undisturbed riparian habitat (both now destroyed by the
parkifiers bulldozers and chain saws). It is a heavily polluted, noisy site on a freeway onramp, a dangerously flood-prone piece of
land, the last place in town a decent city bureaucracy would choose for a “neighborhood park.”
Nonetheless, given this lemon the same residents’ committee had ideas for what could be done with this land without destroying
what good qualities it had. So I was pretty upset at the “workshop” format, and sought out how to provide actual input. A Parks’
gladhander listened for a moment and said I’d need to talk to the “park designer,” who it turned out wasn’t a city employee but a
young man from Canon Design who quickly made clear he didn’t give a crap about any ideas the stupid residents had because he
was the designer and it was all up to him. Notice again: actual public input rejected!
Today, our city has no good will towards public input. It is taken when deemed useful for furthering the bureaucracy’s desires,
rejected or excluded most of the time. It amounts to what one friend calls meaningless gestures of respect.
This isn’t public input, it’s posturing by the city. Real public input begins with the public. Our city used to know how to do this, and
did it in a manner that not only respected residents but empowered them and strengthened the city edifice because it fostered
community rather than faction conflict, which is what the current practice does.
When the city in the late 1980s set out to revise its historic 1977 General Plan, it didn’t start with the sort of constipated
manipulative process used today for ersatz input. It went for the real thing, in a process fostered by our brilliant young Community
Development Director Mike Multari. In addition to initial inputs from planning commissioners and planning staff, Mike sought direct
public input via neighborhood workshops that started with a basic question: what do you want your city to become? The meetings
were held at neighborhood schools. After a brief introduction about the nature of a general plan, the meetings turned to disc ussion
of likes, dislikes, new ideas, old ideas, and became amazing community brain-storming sessions. Butcher paper was spread on
tables, and groups gathered round to sketch out their ideas. All of this was taken back to city hall, sorted by staff, and carefully
considered. This input was at the BEGINNING of the process, and shaped where the process went; it wasn’t the back-end sort of
public input, offered after major decisions had been made by bureaucrats, that we pretend today is “public input.”
As for my opinions about Emerson Park, they’re simple. The basic park as it exists – community gardens, playing fields, kids’
playground – is good. Why sacrifice that for niche-group stuff like dog parks that are better elsewhere, or for anything else that
breaks things for the sake of breaking things? Had your survey cared about input from people who think the way I think, it would
have offered us that opportunity. That it did not just reinforces the obvious fact that the act of seeking input was itself
disingenuous.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
To: "
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 06:55:42 PM PDT
Subject: Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
224
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the conceptual
layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.A picture of San Luis Obispo's Emerson Park playground
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to
parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood park in downtown
San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and lighting, a
new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new educational section of
the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop, fencing and landscaping, and new
public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation
Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old basketball court,
community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old backstop, and new exercise
equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of
San Luis Obispo on social media.
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios
del Parque Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las comodidades
mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para proporcionar
comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18 de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para ayudar a
crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para revitalizar Emerson
Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de sombra e
iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas las edades y
habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso multipropósito) renovada y
ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
225
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los diseños
conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar comentarios a través de lo
siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-
recreation-commission.
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas principal
del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de bochas, una vieja
cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque infantil, mesas de picnic,
área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
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226
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Thursday, July 20, 2023 1:43 PM
To:Avakian, Greg
Subject:FW: Emerson Park Beautification Project - Information
BCC: PRC
Good afternoon, I didn’t realize that the City Clerk’s initial email reply included the PRC as a notification.
Please see the reply and accompanying communications regarding the Public Records Request and email form Ms.
Pinard.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 4:07 PM
To: Peg <
Cc: CityClerk <CityClerk@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Beautification Project - Information
BCC: Council
Ms. Pinard:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding obtaining more information on the Emerson Park Beautification project that the
City is currently conducting and the records request. This email contains both the formal link to supporting requested
documents following the Public Records request procedures, as well as the body of the email that addresses the
additional questions and concerns that you proposed via the email communications with both me and Council.
07-17-2023 PRR23203 Pinard - Emerson Park Outreach (slocity.org)
Please note:
1. There are two folders of material for the supporting documents that occurred in 2021 and more recent in 2022-
2023 respectfully.
2. The State grant application occurred via an on-line portal which required individual forms to be uploaded.
Folder 2021 contains the individual documents.
For the appropriate context to your inquiry, I have included the email communications that occurred between you and
me beginning on your initial inquiry on July 7, 2023, and my reply that same day. As stated in my initial reply to your
email on July 7, the process to organize and provide Public Record requests takes Staff resources to accurately
provide the requestor the appropriate materials. As Assistant City Manager Stanwyck stated on July 17, the Parks
227
and Recreation Staff are extremely busy during the summer season providing the community with a variety of
programs, services, and facilities and I appreciate your patience on my reply.
The City and the Parks and Recreation Department emphasize that parks are for all community members and there’s
always a balance with the amenities contained at the current 23+ City managed parks. Certain parks are classified as
Neighborhood Parks and others are Community Parks which provide larger scope of activities and variety of
amenities. Regarding your statement about the staff parking lot at Emerson, the current lot is designed to support the
Parks & Recreation Dept headquarters. Department is made up of seven divisions and 26 full-time as well as 4-8
supplemental staff and/or interns who are housed at this location. The classification of Emerson Park as a
neighborhood park is to truly support the surrounding community who would take advantage of the park location by
walking, biking, rolling, as well as utilize street parking (same as Mitchell Park, North Broad Park, Vista Lago, Laguna
Hills, Anholm, DeVaul Park, Stoneridge Park)
In review of the original outreach plan conducted in winter and spring 2021, Staff utilize the Public Engagement
Notification (PEN) Manual for best practices. To include the neighboring community of Emerson Park, Staff expanded
notifications outside the traditional block radius (300 feet) of the park location boundaries to include the 700 blocks of
Buchon and Islay streets, along with approximately a 3-block radius of the park (see mailing list documents in
link). The traditional boundary is Broad Street (reference City’s General Plan map Appendix B-2). The original 2021
communications included the five on-line (Zoom format) community workshops, as well as a 30-day community
survey. The five Zoom formatted workshops were conducted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions of
community in-person gatherings. These workshops were held on different days and times to accommodate a variety
of neighbor and community schedules on January 9, 13, 20, 21, and 26. Results from the survey and workshops
provided the content of amenities for the grant submittal (which included feedback for a dog park amenity consistently
ranking in the top 2).
Upon reflection, Staff did not formally conduct outreach specifically to a representative of the “Old Town Neighborhood
Association” or the “Residents for Quality Neighborhoods” specific to the Emerson Park grant application process, nor
during the recent June 19, 2023, community forum. This opportunity was missed by the Staff, however the significant
outreach mailings and timelines for feedback in January 2021 for the grant application, subsequent PRC meetings and
the Council meeting opportunities over the past two years, along with the recent promotions through local media, City
email distributions, City social media avenues, and PRC meetings did provide ample opportunities for community
insight and feedback.
Along with the Staff conducted community outreach, the grant and park amenities were included in PRC meetings on
March 3, 2021 (and Staff updates on the timing of the project throughout 2022) and at Council with the original
submission of the grant in early spring 2021 and the grant award (December 2021). With the award of the grant in
December 2021, the City produced a public service announcement for local media and promotions through City social
media outlets. The same approach was taken in June 2023 with the neighborhood mailings (utilizing the same mailing
list as 2021), promotion through City emails, website announcements, and social media outreach promoting the June
19 in-person workshop held at Emerson Park, as well as the 30-day on-line survey (June 19 through July 18, 2023).
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021 – 2041(master plan and general element) was
completed and endorsed by PRC and City Council in July 2021. The community feedback and consultant inventory list
showed that a few key facilities and programs were identified on the short-term opportunities, this included dog parks,
bike pump tracks, updated playgrounds, and more.
You mentioned that the reconfiguration of the grass area would impact thousands of neighborhood children who use it
for a variety of sport activities. The current grass area is not to regulation for any sport programs. The grass area is
used for overflow practice spots for some youth activities, adult use for off-season rugby conditioning, and informal
use by the community, as well as programming by Parks & Recreation staff. The field is not safe or functional for
baseball or softball due to the size and proximity to the adjacent streets and homes. The current groups of children
and adults that play sports and recreate on the lawn area at Emerson are very familiar to our Staff as they reserve the
area through the Parks and Recreation Department. The footprint of the lawn is approximately 1-acre, and the
proposed updated amenities would reduce the informal space to approximately .5-acre (~21,1700 sf) which will allow
for younger ages and small group skills practices, social gatherings (family, friends, clubs and faith groups, etc.),
fitness classes, and both active and passive lawn activities. The timing of the Emerson Park project also ties in well
with the timing of the upcoming Righetti Ranch park system that will include a full-size regulation adult and youth field
are for sports, along with the Avila Ranch park system including sport fields (diamond and rectangular fields). These
228
upcoming field projects are designed to safely and appropriately provide additional sport fields to meet the needs
outlined in the Parks & Recreation Blueprint (master plan) for the community.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides programs and activities for all ages ranging from as young as
18 months to 99+ years of age at a variety of parks and facilities. The Emerson Park project will provide recreational
opportunities through the youth all-ages playground equipment, the Fitness Court, full and half court basketball court,
large blacktop area for ‘school style’ games and roller skate/scooter activities and younger age biking, the community
gardens, bocce ball courts (all ages), the ½ acre lawn and the ½ acre fenced dog area, the picnic table area, and the
addition of restrooms.
I hope that this provides more information on the process and expectations for the Emerson Park Beautification project
and the upgrades to support the neighborhood community. We all agree that the park is a vital part of this community
and Staff are excited to provide the upgrades with the awarded State Parks grant. For the most current list of park
projects, please visit https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:07 AM
To: Peg <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Ms. Pinard and Council Via the BCC –
Thank you for your email regarding the Emerson Park Grant Funded Project.
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Avakian, with whom you have been corresponding, will be providing you with a
full response and documents as requested. Given the volume of work the Department experiences in summer due to
programming, and as he has indicated to you, it will take him some time to gather this information.
Best,
Shelly Stanwyck
pronouns she/her/hers
Assistant City Manager Community Services
City Administration
919 palm street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
229
E sstanwyck@slocity.org
T 805.781.7294
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:48 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Dave Congalton < ; Sandy Rowley
< ; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com;
Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried answering the survey, once I
found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has. And, if you don’t respond th e way
they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 1:41 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Peg,
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design concepts for Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key city staff, so that they can take
note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks and Rec Department staff. Also, I note that the public survey
to provide feedback on the design concepts is still open for two more days on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18 th, so
you still have a few more days to give feedback there. Here’s the link:
https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?active_issue_id=8158&phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily <EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy
<apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
230
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only playing field within
walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age groups and many of the areas youth soccer
teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’,
when the city received feedback that some residents would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from
the one sector of our community that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now as we are
seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the bottling-up of emotions and the
rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to
responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting
out’ what are you going to say? "Well, we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even
though we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids
was a good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the number of
people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation areas are supposed to
serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was closed and yet, since then our
neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and that is that you
didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO
PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment
would be left "could accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc.". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of
the whole age spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in any
recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have at
Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from the kids who
play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the park. Please note that the city
also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is supposed to serve.* I live only a block from
Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The
city also avoided noticing the neighborhood organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the
city’s neighborhood liason person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take away the one
playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-play area for
teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be a
primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably
by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its
thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant recipients are coming in
over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also (and especially)
from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Go ahead and
improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop
off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
231
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in reviewing proposed
public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents and property owners and holding
meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 5:19 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Greg,
Actually I am very disappointed that you weren’t able to provide the most basic information in a timely manner. After all, this
should all have been easily documented as part of the information distrubution and evaluation process. Your email suggesting a
much later date feels more like a bureaucratic delaying tactic. We have neighborhood associations and supposedly a staff
neighborhood laison person - and I haven’t seen any effort to make sure that the provisions of the General Plan were followed.
The list I have heard about for your initial input did not appear to include the most obvious people affected by the design.
As a Parks and Rec. director, I am shocked that you would not adhere to the National and State standards for active recreation
space for the number of people this neighborhood and for the full range of ages that recreation areas are supposed to serve. We
were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was closed and our population has more than doubled since then.
There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and that is from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and
active play. There would be NO PLACE in our neighborhood for kids to be active. Your description that this proposed "little
fragment" could accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc. is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities you mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park. Teens need space for vigorous actitiies, team
participations and free play. Should this plan proceed as you have led it, then this should go down as a disgrace to your
profession. No where, in any recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
You have Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have at Emerson for our
children to run around. I have dogs of my own, but I would never even suggest that they are more important than our
children….besides, there’s always Laguna. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
When you asked what people ‘wanted’, where did you tell them that you were then going to have to take away the one playing
field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine
year olds can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog
park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing
room for parking each of its cars than it does for each of its thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of sanity?
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now as we see the fallout
of the years of isolation from covid. Talk about bottling up emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have
resulted….and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the
next school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? Will you say... "Well, it was
a good idea to take away their playing area, after all, even though we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking the
only playing field space away from local kids was the responsbile thing to do!”?
232
State Parks says this is in your ballpark (pardon the pun, because... oh yes, you are planning to do away with our ballpark!). She
said that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that nearly every recipient is coming in over-bid. She also said
that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also especially from additional input that a local agency
might not have had before.
Look, I’m very unhappy with how this has played out but you could redeem it. You could do the right thing by our kids and leave
our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Spend the money to improve the field’s grounds, drainage and add fencing in
order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Peg
On Jul 14, 2023, at 12:10 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg:
Thanks for the additional questions and inquiries regarding the Emerson Park grant project. I am anticipating in
having answers to your questions and the documents you have requested by the middle to end of next week. We can
then identify a time that works best for both schedules to meet.
Thank you and hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
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From: Peg <
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 8:30 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Sandy Rowley <
Subject: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Greg,
I will be very interested in meeting with you and welcome the information and documents from you.
I have a request though. The city is well aware that we have an Old Town Neighborhood Association and the Residents for
Quality Neighborhoods. When, and by what means, did the city work through these organizations that were established
specifically for neighborhoods and neighborhood impacts? What did the city’s neighborhood liaison staff person specifically do
to ensure residents were aware of the pros and cons of different ideas?
Any questionnaire (especially one on-line) asking people what they ‘want' doesn’t let people know what compromises might
have to be made if their ‘wants’ were to be implemented. People 'want' lots of things but, as they say, when ‘push comes to
shove’, what they may have to give up in order to get it becomes quite another matter Where were people told that the only
available playing field for children and families within walking distance would be on the chopping block? The field at Emerson is
a very heavily used field for soccer by all age groups - so much so, that the goal posts are even left in place for everyone to
use. It is the only such field within walking distance for thousands and thousands of children and families.
233
I’m not hearing or seeing evidence of the disclosures of the compromises that would need to be made. It appears to be a huge
omission! In fact, the single biggest reaction I am receiving when I’ve asked neighbors if they knew about this development, is
that they overwhelming say that they did not know about the city’s plans. Too, I haven’t met anyone who understood that the
developments presented eliminated the ability for children and families to run and play as they are currently doing. I spoke with
long time resident, Adian Lenc, who she lives directly across from our neighborhood park. Being immediatly adjacent
to Emerson, she did receive a postcard but it did not contain any information about what was at stake. She attended the
meeting at Emerson Park and said that it was primarily city staff and consultants.
Most families have working parents impacted with all the effects of covid and these hard economic times. What means, other
than by those who spend their time monitoring the city on computer, did the city reach out to residents living within walking
distance to the park? While you said that you sent out mailers, I would very much like to know ‘to whom’? since I did not
receive one nor did my neighbors. I am also concerned that the responses you have received via the on-line survey may: #1, not
be from this neighborhood, and #2 they may not include the disclosure that the children and families of this heavily used field
will be eliminated.
As you are surely aware, it is in this city’s General Plan, it’s Consitution, and it is required that when issues involve
a neighborhood that meetings SHALL BE HELD IN the affected neighborhoods first. (Page 1-51 (E). It is part of the
“Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan” - as well as “Appendix B)
I understand that covid affected the ability for actual "in person” meetings but was there at least a letter to every residence
explaining these issues?
Describing the project with words like "we’re going to ‘improve' the park” discloses nothing about what is at stake, and that
could be seen as a way of diverting residents from even becoming involved - especially if local families still trusted that the city
was truly working for the neighborhood childrens' and families’ best interests.
The General Plan was specifically designed to maximize neighborhood awareness and input. It is the single most reliable method
to make sure that residents are able to have confidence in their city’s governance. When that doesn’t happen, you get feedback
like: “we didn’t even know about this!” and a lot of anger from all those who trusted that the city was acting in good faith.
I look forward to receiving the information soon and will then call for an appointment,
Thanks for your timely response.
Peg
On Jul 7, 2023, at 12:09 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon, Peg Pinard:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your interest and questions on the City’s upcoming improvements for
Emerson Park.
It will take a few days to fully gather all the information you requested, and I can provide a more thorough reply by the
end of next week. It may be best to schedule a time to meet in person or conduct a phone call to share more about
the process the City and community have participated in over the past two years and the next steps with the project.
In the meantime, I can provide some general content in my reply:
The City Parks and Recreation Staff had the opportunity in Winter of 2021 to apply for a State Parks Prop 68 Grant to
support upgrading Emerson Park. As you know, Emerson Park was originally a school site, as well as currently
supports the downtown neighborhood as a park and community garden. It is also the home of the Parks and
Recreation Department staff offices.
As part of the grant application requirements, Staff conducted five (5) different dates of public outreach in January and
February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic, these community forums were held virtually
234
through Zoom, as well as Staff conducted an on-line survey. Staff sent out mailers to the surrounding neighborhood
advertising these opportunities, as well as promoted through social media and webpages. I will have the time next
week to gather the actual scope of how many mailers and locations. I can speak that we had community virtually
attend the different web forums from addresses on Buchon, Islay, Pismo, as well as Carmel. I will also be able to
confirm the number of community members who participated in both the different web forums as well as number of
survey respondents.
Based on the feedback and comments gathered from the five web forums and the on-line survey results, the park
amenities were submitted within the Prop 68 Grant application. The City was honored to receive notification from the
State Parks Department in December 2021 that we successfully were the only agency in SLO County to be awarded a
grant.
Due to the COVID-19 impacts on City resources and priorities, the process of initiating the grant project was delayed
until this spring. The City conducted an RFP for a design firm with SSA successfully being awarded the project. The
next step was that the City Staff and SSA representative met to discuss the project and continue with community
outreach. The first in-person outreach occurred on June 19 at Emerson Park. Mailers were sent out to the
surrounding neighborhood, promotion through social media, PSA through City email notifications and local media, as
well as website promotions. Staff interacted with over 50 residents that evening at the park. Additionally, a 30-day on-
line community survey is currently being promoted to gather additional community feedback through July 18 (as of
July 7 the survey shows over 200 responses).
The next steps will be for Staff to review all the survey results from the community, debrief with SSA representatives,
and obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation Commission in August to move forward with direction for initial
designs.
I would like to state that the City Staff and SSA are in full recognition of the history of Emerson Park and that the
design will be heavily focused on children and family amenities. The expanded all-ages playground upgraded black
top to honor and associate the previous school site are all key elements to the re-design. The lawn area is planned to
be approximately 50% fenced dog park, and the remaining 50% (approximately half acre) to remain as open lawn for
social gathering activities (frisbee, picnics, yoga, art classes, and younger age recreational activities). Again, the goal
of the project is to provide the community an upgraded park for the surrounding neighborhood that maintains the
history in design and feel to honor the original school.
As stated, some of the items you requested in your email will take staff a few days to gather as the Parks and
Recreation staff are extremely busy providing full summer programming for our community.
If you have any additional questions or clarification based on the content I provided, please feel free to reach back out
to me.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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-----Original Message-----
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 12:38 AM
235
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Cit's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
_______________________________
Parks and Recreation Administration
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr Avakian,
My name is Peg Pinard and I am the former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as Chairperson of the San Luis Obispo
County Board of Supervisors. I am also the founder of the Old Town Neighborhood Association, founder of the Old Town
Historic District - as well as a long time resident who lives just a block from Emerson Park.
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park and how it will affect the thousands and
thousands of children and families who rely so heavily on what is already an underserved neighborhood for its children’s and
families’ recreational needs.
In order to get ‘up to speed’ on the plan, which I just learned about a few days ago, I would like to request a copy of the city’s
proposal to the state for the grant, a copy of the RFP that went out for a consultant and the mailing list the city used to inform
the neighborhood of its grant request. I would also like a description of the city’s early meetings with neighborhood residents to
determine what the needs may have been for any park improvements that eventually comprised the city’s grant request.
As I stated, I live just a block from the park and didn’t hear, nor receive any mailing or notification that the city was engaged in
such an undertaking. I checked with most of my neighbors and they hadn’t receivied any outreach notice either.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look forward to a good discussion regarding the city’s proposal.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
256
From:City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
Sent:Monday, July 17, 2023 6:56 PM
To:Andrews, Jeff
Subject:Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Last Chance: Take the Emerson Park Upgrades Survey
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 07/17/2023 3:59 PM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the
conceptual layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of
this picture from the Internet.A picture of San Luis Obispo's Emerson Park playground
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better
access to parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood
park in downtown San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and
lighting, a new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new
educational section of the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop,
fencing and landscaping, and new public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of
the park. San Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and
Recreation Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old
basketball court, community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old
backstop, and new exercise equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or
follow the City of San Luis Obispo on social media.
257
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios del Parque
Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las
comodidades mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para
proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18
de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para
ayudar a crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para
revitalizar Emerson Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de
sombra e iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas
las edades y habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso
multipropósito) renovada y ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte
público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los
diseños conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar
comentarios a través de lo siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en
www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-
minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission.
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas
principal del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de
bochas, una vieja cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque
infantil, mesas de picnic, área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
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259
From:Colunga-Lopez, Andrea
Sent:Monday, July 17, 2023 9:19 AM
Cc:CityClerk
Subject:FW: Save the Emerson Ball Field
BCC: PRC Members & Staff
Hello,
Please see the non-agenda correspondence received for the next Parks and Rec Meeting. The agenda for this
meeting will be published soon and this correspondence will be moved to the agenda correspondence folder with the
appropriate item number at that time.
- Pinard, non-agenda correspondence
Best,
Andrea Colunga-Lopez
pronouns she/her/hers
Administrative Assistant II
City Administration
990 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E AColunga@slocity.org
T 805.781.7105
slocity.org
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From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2023 9:07 AM
To: Peg <
Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Ms. Pinard and Council Via the BCC –
Thank you for your email regarding the Emerson Park Grant Funded Project.
Parks and Recreation Director, Greg Avakian, with whom you have been corresponding, will be providing you with a
full response and documents as requested. Given the volume of work the Department experiences in summer due to
programming, and as he has indicated to you, it will take him some time to gather this information.
Best,
Shelly Stanwyck
pronouns she/her/hers
Assistant City Manager Community Services
260
City Administration
919 palm street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E sstanwyck@slocity.org
T 805.781.7294
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:48 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Dave Congalton < ; Sandy Rowley
< ; Tribune <newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com;
Dave Congalton <dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried answering the survey, once I
found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has. And, if you don’t respond th e way
they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 1:41 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Peg,
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design concepts for
Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key city staff, so that
they can take note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks and Rec Department staff. Also,
I note that the public survey to provide feedback on the design concepts is still open for two more days
on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18th, so you still have a few more days to give feedback
there. Here’s the link:
https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?active_issue_id=8158&
phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
<image001.png>
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
261
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From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily
<EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only
playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age groups
and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather
unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents
would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community
that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right
now as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the
bottling-up of emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take
away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next
school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well,
we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big
dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids was a
good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the
number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation
areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and yet, since then our neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap
in the feedback you got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that
field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of
our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment would be left "could accommodate
Art classes, yoga, etc". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in
any recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
262
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you
have at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is
the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from
the kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the
park. Please note that the city also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is
supposed to serve.* I live only a block from Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my
neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood
organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason
person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take
away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and
spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I
thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at
Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares
more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids.
Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant recipients
are coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of
funds, but also (and especially) from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the
mix. Go ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add
fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own
General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in
reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents
and property owners and holding meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
263
268
From:Shoresman, Michelle
Sent:Sunday, July 16, 2023 5:28 PM
To:Peg
Subject:RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Thanks. I just went through the survey myself, and I see what you mean. It does ask several questions about the
amenities people want to see in the playground, but also those in the dog park portion and others. It allows you to
prioritize your preferences of the amenities in general. But, still, I understand your frustration.
I would also recommend you look at the Parks Blueprint document. There was a LOT of community feedback
processes that went into developing that and it outlines the amenities people wanted at each park location into the
future. That document can be found here:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/29503/637690273249070000 . Page 124 talks about Emerson
Park, in particular.
I will also look forward to the Parks Director’s response to your email. Once key staff have the email (by sending it to
the emailcouncil address), they usually respond.
Again, thanks for making your voice heard in this process. Have a good evening.
Michelle
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 4:46 PM
To: Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Subject: Re: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Michelle,
That survey basically only asks what kind of play equipment one wants for the toddlers. I tried answering the survey, once I
found out about it and wasn’t able to give any input.
Both designs that the city presents take away most of the field. That’s the only choice one has. And, if you don’t respond th e way
they want, you can’t ‘submit’ any survey.
Peg
On Jul 16, 2023, at 2:27 PM, Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org> wrote:
Hi again,
I wanted to reach back out once more to encourage you to share the survey link with all your neighbors
and friends, especially those that use the park. It looks like we have had about 218 responses, but if
you feel like the true interests of the neighborhood have not been represented, so please encourage
others to “weigh in.”
There is also, as you know, the Parks and Rec Commission. I know you are well aware that you can
speak at one of their meetings, if you desire. Also, I am hoping with my last cc that the Parks and Rec
Director will give us a response as to know the initial concepts were created. I know that in the last few
years, there has been a feeling that we need to have additional spaces other than Laguna, for people to
recreate with their dogs, that people/dogs can also walk to. Unfortunately, that might mean cutting back
on some of the space for other uses.
269
It’s hard to make a small park like Emerson be all things to all residents, but I hope that between the
Parks and Rec Department, Parks and Rec Commission, and council, we can do our best to hear all
the voices and use the space as best we can.
Thanks again,
Michelle
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily
<EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only
playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age groups
and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather
unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents
would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community
that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right
now as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the
bottling-up of emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take
away the one area for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next
school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well,
we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big
dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids was a
good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the
number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation
areas are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was
closed and yet, since then our neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap
in the feedback you got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that
field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of
our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment would be left "could accommodate
Art classes, yoga, etc". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age
spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in
any recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
270
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you
have at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is
the ONLY PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from
the kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the
park. Please note that the city also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is
supposed to serve.* I live only a block from Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my
neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood
organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason
person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take
away the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and
spontaneous free-play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I
thought that walkability was supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at
Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares
more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids.
Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant recipients
are coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of
funds, but also (and especially) from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the
mix. Go ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add
fencing in order to keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own
General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in
reviewing proposed public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents
and property owners and holding meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
271
275
From:Shoresman, Michelle
Sent:Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:42 PM
To:Peg; E-mail Council Website
Cc:Dave Congalton; Sandra Rowley; Tribune; KSBY TV; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
Subject:RE: Save the Emerson Ball Field
Good afternoon Peg,
Thank you for providing this feedback to council, sharing your thoughts on the design concepts for Emerson Park.
With this email I am copying the all-council email address that also includes many key city staff, so that they can take
note of your letter and direct your thoughts to the Parks and Rec Department staff. Also, I note that the public survey
to provide feedback on the design concepts is still open for two more days on Open City Hall. It closes on the 18 th, so
you still have a few more days to give feedback there. Here’s the link:
https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/sanluisobispoca/forum_home?active_issue_id=8158&phase=Open
Thank you again,
Michelle Shoresman
pronouns she/her/hers
Council Member
Office of the City Council
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mshoresm@slocity.org
C 805.888.1973
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Marx, Jan <jmarx@slocity.org>; Francis, Emily <EFrancis@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy
<apease@slocity.org>; Shoresman, Michelle <mshoresm@slocity.org>
Cc: Dave Congalton < ; Sandra Rowley < ; Tribune
<newsroom@thetribunenews.com>; KSBY TV <news@ksby.com>; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
<dave@920kvec.com>
Subject: Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
276
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only playing field within
walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age groups and many of the areas youth soccer
teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’,
when the city received feedback that some residents would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from
the one sector of our community that needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now as we are
seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the bottling-up of emotions and the
rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take away the one area for thousands of kids to
responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and people wonder why kids are ‘acting
out’ what are you going to say? "Well, we thought it was a good idea to take away their only field running area? Even
though we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought taking away the only playing field space from local kids
was a good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the number of
people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation areas are supposed to
serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was closed and yet, since then our
neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap in the feedback you got - and that is that you
didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and active play. There would be NO
PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of our kids to be active. The city's description that, what little fragment
would be left "could accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc". is an abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of
the whole age spectrum. Besides, the activities the city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is
no ball field). Teens need space for vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in any
recreation guideline does it say to put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have at
Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is the ONLY PLAYING FIELD
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from the kids who play
with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the park. Please note that the city also
did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is supposed to serve.* I live only a block from
Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my neighbors - and I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The
city also avoided noticing the neighborhood organizations specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the
city’s neighborhood liason person did to help the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take away the one
playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-play area for
teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was supposed to be a
primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn parking lot! Which, noticeably
by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for parking each of its vehicles than it does for each of its
thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of honesty or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant recipients are coming in
over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but also (and especially)
from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
277
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Go ahead and
improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add fencing in order to keep the dog poop
off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in reviewing proposed
public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents and property owners and holding
meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
278
From:Peg <
Sent:Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:09 PM
To:Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan; Francis, Emily; Pease, Andy; Shoresman, Michelle
Cc:Dave Congalton; Sandra Rowley; Tribune; KSBY TV; news@newtimesslo.com; Dave Congalton
Subject:Save the Emerson Ball Field
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
July 16, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park’s Field. This is the only
playing field within walking distance for our older neighborhoods. It serves thousands of kids in all age groups
and many of the areas youth soccer teams. Local teens also play rugby and softball there. What is rather
unbelievable is that, due to the limited nature of ‘input’, when the city received feedback that some residents
would like a dog park, that the city staff chose to take the room away from the one sector of our community that
needs room to run the most!
The physical and mental health of our teens is critical and should be a primary focus - especially right now
as we are seeing the fallout of the years of isolation from covid. We have been witnessing the bottling-up of
emotions and the rather fragile mental states that have resulted - and you want to take away the one area
for thousands of kids to responsibly interact and ‘run it off’? So, when the next school shooting occurs and
people wonder why kids are ‘acting out’ what are you going to say? "Well, we thought it was a good idea to
take away their only field running area? Even though we have a big dog park at Laguna Lake we thought
taking away the only playing field space from local kids was a good thing to do?”!
This plan does not adhere to any of the National or State Park Standards for recreational space for the
number of people in this neighborhood (and for the full range of ages) that neighborhood recreation areas
are supposed to serve. We were designated severely ‘under-served’ when the school was closed and yet,
since then our neighborhood population has more than doubled! There is a huge gap in the feedback you
got - and that is that you didn’t hear from the thousands of youngsters who use that field for vigorous and
active play. There would be NO PLACE left in our neighborhood for all ages of our kids to be active. The
city's description that, what little fragment would be left "could accommodate Art classes, yoga, etc". is an
abregation of your responsibility to meet the needs of the whole age spectrum. Besides, the activities the
city mentioned could all be done at Mitchell Park (where there is no ball field). Teens need space for
vigorous activities, team participations and free play. No where, in any recreation guideline does it say to
put the needs of all ages of children dead last.
The city has Laguna Lake dog park - that already has more room in it for dogs to run around than you have
at Emerson for our children to run. Our kids don’t drive…they don’t have that option…this is the ONLY
PLAYING FIELD WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FOR OUR KIDS.
The city’s carefully selected ‘input’ was mostly to those who monitor the city’s website - and not from the
kids who play with the various teams (or their parents and coaches) or kids who actually use the park.
Please note that the city also did not send any notice to the entire neighborhood that this park is supposed
to serve.* I live only a block from Emerson and did not receive any notice nor did any of my neighbors - and
I’ve checked with quite a few of them. The city also avoided noticing the neighborhood organizations
279
specifically formed to ‘get the word out’. I’ve asked what the city’s neighborhood liason person did to help
the neighborhood understand the issues, but received no answer.
When your surveys asked what people ‘wanted’, where did the city disclose that it would need to take away
the one playing field available for all of our young soccer, rugby, and baseball players and spontaneous free-
play area for teens? Eight and nine year olds, etc. can walk to Emerson - and I thought that walkability was
supposed to be a primary goal of the city?! If you want a dog park at Emerson, then take up the damn
parking lot! Which, noticeably by the way, shows that the city cares more for allowing room for parking
each of its vehicles than it does for each of its thousands of kids. Where is there any semblance of honesty
or sanity here?
State Parks staff says that you could amend your plan, especially in light of the fact that grant recipients are
coming in over-bid. She also said that there are often revisions to plans due not only to lack of funds, but
also (and especially) from additional input that a local agency might not have had before.
You can still do the right thing by our kids and leave our neighborhood’s only ballfield out of the mix. Go
ahead and improve the tot-lot area, but also improve the field’s exisitng grounds, and add fencing in order to
keep the dog poop off where kids are supposed to play.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
Former Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
Founder, Old Town Neighborhood Association
...and very concerned parent and grandparent for our kids’ future
* Apparently only people immediately adjacent to the park received any notice. The city did not follow its own
General Plan.
The city’s General Plan requires: "2.15 Neighborhood Wellness Action Plans
To help residents preserve and enhance their neighborhoods, the City will:... Involve residents early in reviewing proposed
public and private projects that could have neighborhood impacts, by notifying residents and property owners and holding
meetings at convenient times and places within the neighborhoods.”
280
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Friday, July 14, 2023 12:10 PM
To:Peg
Cc:Sandy Rowley
Subject:RE: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Good afternoon, Peg:
Thanks for the additional questions and inquiries regarding the Emerson Park grant project. I am anticipating in
having answers to your questions and the documents you have requested by the middle to end of next week. We can
then identify a time that works best for both schedules to meet.
Thank you and hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Peg <
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2023 8:30 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Sandy Rowley <
Subject: City's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Neighborhood Park
Greg,
I will be very interested in meeting with you and welcome the information and documents from you.
I have a request though. The city is well aware that we have an Old Town Neighborhood Association and the
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. When, and by what means, did the city work through these organizations
that were established specifically for neighborhoods and neighborhood impacts? What did the city’s
281
neighborhood liaison staff person specifically do to ensure residents were aware of the pros and cons of
different ideas?
Any questionnaire (especially one on-line) asking people what they ‘want' doesn’t let people know what
compromises might have to be made if their ‘wants’ were to be implemented. People 'want' lots of things but,
as they say, when ‘push comes to shove’, what they may have to give up in order to get it becomes quite
another matter Where were people told that the only available playing field for children and families within
walking distance would be on the chopping block? The field at Emerson is a very heavily used field for soccer by
all age groups - so much so, that the goal posts are even left in place for everyone to use. It is the only such field
within walking distance for thousands and thousands of children and families.
I’m not hearing or seeing evidence of the disclosures of the compromises that would need to be made. It
appears to be a huge omission! In fact, the single biggest reaction I am receiving when I’ve asked neighbors if
they knew about this development, is that they overwhelming say that they did not know about the city’s
plans. Too, I haven’t met anyone who understood that the developments presented eliminated the ability for
children and families to run and play as they are currently doing. I spoke with long time resident, Adian Lenc,
who she lives directly across from our neighborhood park. Being immediatly adjacent to Emerson, she
did receive a postcard but it did not contain any information about what was at stake. She attended the meeting
at Emerson Park and said that it was primarily city staff and consultants.
Most families have working parents impacted with all the effects of covid and these hard economic times. What
means, other than by those who spend their time monitoring the city on computer, did the city reach out to
residents living within walking distance to the park? While you said that you sent out mailers, I would very much
like to know ‘to whom’? since I did not receive one nor did my neighbors. I am also concerned that the
responses you have received via the on-line survey may: #1, not be from this neighborhood, and #2 they may
not include the disclosure that the children and families of this heavily used field will be eliminated.
As you are surely aware, it is in this city’s General Plan, it’s Consitution, and it is required that when issues
involve a neighborhood that meetings SHALL BE HELD IN the affected neighborhoods first. (Page 1-51 (E). It is
part of the “Neighborhood Wellness Action Plan” - as well as “Appendix B)
I understand that covid affected the ability for actual "in person” meetings but was there at least a letter to
every residence explaining these issues?
Describing the project with words like "we’re going to ‘improve' the park” discloses nothing about what is at
stake, and that could be seen as a way of diverting residents from even becoming involved - especially if local
families still trusted that the city was truly working for the neighborhood childrens' and families’ best interests.
The General Plan was specifically designed to maximize neighborhood awareness and input. It is the single most
reliable method to make sure that residents are able to have confidence in their city’s governance. When that
doesn’t happen, you get feedback like: “we didn’t even know about this!” and a lot of anger from all those who
trusted that the city was acting in good faith.
I look forward to receiving the information soon and will then call for an appointment,
Thanks for your timely response.
Peg
On Jul 7, 2023, at 12:09 PM, Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> wrote:
282
Good afternoon, Peg Pinard:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your interest and questions on the City’s
upcoming improvements for Emerson Park.
It will take a few days to fully gather all the information you requested, and I can provide
a more thorough reply by the end of next week. It may be best to schedule a time to
meet in person or conduct a phone call to share more about the process the City and
community have participated in over the past two years and the next steps with the
project.
In the meantime, I can provide some general content in my reply:
The City Parks and Recreation Staff had the opportunity in Winter of 2021 to apply for a
State Parks Prop 68 Grant to support upgrading Emerson Park. As you know, Emerson
Park was originally a school site, as well as currently supports the downtown
neighborhood as a park and community garden. It is also the home of the Parks and
Recreation Department staff offices.
As part of the grant application requirements, Staff conducted five (5) different dates of
public outreach in January and February 2021. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19
Pandemic, these community forums were held virtually through Zoom, as well as Staff
conducted an on-line survey. Staff sent out mailers to the surrounding neighborhood
advertising these opportunities, as well as promoted through social media and
webpages. I will have the time next week to gather the actual scope of how many
mailers and locations. I can speak that we had community virtually attend the different
web forums from addresses on Buchon, Islay, Pismo, as well as Carmel. I will also be
able to confirm the number of community members who participated in both the different
web forums as well as number of survey respondents.
Based on the feedback and comments gathered from the five web forums and the on-
line survey results, the park amenities were submitted within the Prop 68 Grant
application. The City was honored to receive notification from the State Parks
Department in December 2021 that we successfully were the only agency in SLO
County to be awarded a grant.
Due to the COVID-19 impacts on City resources and priorities, the process of initiating
the grant project was delayed until this spring. The City conducted an RFP for a design
firm with SSA successfully being awarded the project. The next step was that the City
Staff and SSA representative met to discuss the project and continue with community
outreach. The first in-person outreach occurred on June 19 at Emerson Park. Mailers
were sent out to the surrounding neighborhood, promotion through social media, PSA
through City email notifications and local media, as well as website promotions. Staff
interacted with over 50 residents that evening at the park. Additionally, a 30-day on-line
community survey is currently being promoted to gather additional community feedback
through July 18 (as of July 7 the survey shows over 200 responses).
The next steps will be for Staff to review all the survey results from the community,
debrief with SSA representatives, and obtain feedback from the Parks & Recreation
Commission in August to move forward with direction for initial designs.
I would like to state that the City Staff and SSA are in full recognition of the history of
Emerson Park and that the design will be heavily focused on children and family
amenities. The expanded all-ages playground upgraded black top to honor and
associate the previous school site are all key elements to the re-design. The lawn area
is planned to be approximately 50% fenced dog park, and the remaining 50%
(approximately half acre) to remain as open lawn for social gathering activities (frisbee,
picnics, yoga, art classes, and younger age recreational activities). Again, the goal of
283
the project is to provide the community an upgraded park for the surrounding
neighborhood that maintains the history in design and feel to honor the original school.
As stated, some of the items you requested in your email will take staff a few days to
gather as the Parks and Recreation staff are extremely busy providing full summer
programming for our community.
If you have any additional questions or clarification based on the content I provided,
please feel free to reach back out to me.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
<image001.png>
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
<image002.png><image003.png><image004.png>
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
-----Original Message-----
From: Peg <
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 12:38 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Cit's Proposed Development Plan for Emerson Park
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click
links, or respond.
________________________________
Parks and Recreation Administration
City of San Luis Obispo
Dear Mr Avakian,
My name is Peg Pinard and I am the former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo as well as
Chairperson of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. I am also the founder of the
Old Town Neighborhood Association, founder of the Old Town Historic District - as well as a
long time resident who lives just a block from Emerson Park.
I am very concerned about the city’s proposed development plans for Emerson Park and how it
will affect the thousands and thousands of children and families who rely so heavily on what is
already an underserved neighborhood for its children’s and families’ recreational needs.
In order to get ‘up to speed’ on the plan, which I just learned about a few days ago, I would like
to request a copy of the city’s proposal to the state for the grant, a copy of the RFP that went
out for a consultant and the mailing list the city used to inform the neighborhood of its grant
request. I would also like a description of the city’s early meetings with neighborhood residents
284
to determine what the needs may have been for any park improvements that eventually
comprised the city’s grant request.
As I stated, I live just a block from the park and didn’t hear, nor receive any mailing or
notification that the city was engaged in such an undertaking. I checked with most of my
neighbors and they hadn’t receivied any outreach notice either.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look forward to a good discussion
regarding the city’s proposal.
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
290
From:Hyfield, Devin
Sent:Thursday, June 29, 2023 4:55 PM
To:jksmama@aol.com
Cc:Clegg, Hadley; Woods, Chris; Burger, Meghan
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Grant
Good Afternoon, Janet Santacqua:
The City was fortunate to receive a $2.81 Million dollar California State Parks Grant to provide upgraded amenities
and beautification to the historic nearly 3-acre downtown park.
The qualifiers for the grant were based on meeting conditional requirements, which the City and the Parks and
Recreation Commission conducted initial outreach with five (5) separate community forums, along with a survey in
January and February 2021. This included numerous potential upgrades ranging from an expanded playground area,
addition of restroom facilities, safety lighting, expansion of the basketball court, on-site restrooms and a dog park
area. Modification to the community garden area are not currently a part of this project, but the City intends to feature
an educational garden on near the community garden.
We encourage you to review the initial concept renderings and provide any additional feedback through the survey
which is open until July 18 on the City Parks and Recreation Department “Current Projects” webpage:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
(please click on the Emerson Park Updates tab to be directed to additional information and the survey (and we
encourage you to view the other three current projects listed as well)
The next in person opportunity for public comment will be at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in August
where the survey results and concept layouts will be discussed with recommendations for next steps.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Devin Hyfield
Recreation Manager
T 805.781.7295
From:
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 4:21 PM
To: Clegg, Hadley <hclegg@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Grant
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Good Afternoon
I very recently saw on my KSBY app information about the 2.81 million grant that was awarded in
December of 2021. I was aware of this grant but had heard nothing about it since I e-mailed you back in
May, 2022, requesting more information and was told by you that it would be forthcoming. Apparently KSBY
got the latest information from a Tribune article. I know four gardeners
at Emerson Garden that do not take the Tribune and would have missed the article. Then, I find out there
was a meeting on June 19 to encourage input regarding the project. I have not received any information
regarding the meeting or any update from you and I have a feeling no other gardeners have either. Why
haven't we received an update and an invitation to attend a meeting?
291
We have ideas for improving the garden area. Is it possible for you to meet with us and hear our comments
?
Hoping to hear from you. Thanks.
Janet Santacqua
Plot 35A
292
From:City of San Luis Obispo <webmaster@slocity.org>
Sent:Friday, June 23, 2023 8:32 AM
To:Hendricks, Jeff
Subject:Provide Feedback on the Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & Beautification Project
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Provide Feedback on the Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & Beautification Project
Community members are invited to provide feedback on conceptual layouts for the grant funded upgraded amenities
and beautification of Emerson Park through July 18.
Post Date: 06/23/2023 8:00 AM
En Español
The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to complete the online survey to provide feedback on the
conceptual layouts of Emerson Park. The survey will be open through July 18.
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of
this picture from the Internet.A picture of San Luis Obispo's Emerson Park playground
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68 grant of $2.81 million to help create better
access to parks for people of all abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre neighborhood
park in downtown San Luis Obispo.
When this project is complete, the park will feature new and upgraded amenities including the addition of shade and
lighting, a new dog park, upgraded and expanded playgrounds for children of all ages and abilities, a restroom, a new
educational section of the community garden, a renovated and expanded multipurpose courts, an upgraded blacktop,
fencing and landscaping, and new public art installations.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for feedback on the conceptual layouts of
the park. San Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) through July 18 at www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the agenda information here:
www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Emerson Park is in the downtown core of San Luis Obispo at 1341 Nipomo Street, adjacent to the Parks and
Recreation Department main office building. Current amenities at Emerson Park include two bocce ball courts, an old
basketball court, community garden plots, a weathered black top, playground, picnic tables, turf area with an old
backstop, and new exercise equipment.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or
follow the City of San Luis Obispo on social media.
293
Media Contact: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director, gavakian@slocity.org, 805.781.7120
Proporcione comentarios sobre el proyecto de mejoras y embellecimiento de servicios del Parque
Emerson
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales para las
comodidades mejoradas financiadas por la subvención y el embellecimiento del Parque Emerson.
La ciudad de San Luis Obispo invita a los miembros de la comunidad a completar la encuesta en línea para
proporcionar comentarios sobre los diseños conceptuales del Parque Emerson. La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 18
de julio.
En diciembre de 2021, la Ciudad recibió una subvención de Parques Estatales de California de $2.81 millones para
ayudar a crear un mejor acceso a los parques para personas de todas las habilidades y niveles de ingresos y para
revitalizar Emerson Park, un parque de barrio de tres acres en el centro de San Luis Obispo.
Cuando se complete este proyecto, el parque contará con servicios nuevos y mejorados que incluyen la adición de
sombra e iluminación, un nuevo parque para perros, parques infantiles mejorados y ampliados para niños de todas
las edades y habilidades, un baño, una nueva sección educativa del jardín comunitario, una cancha (de uso
multipropósito) renovada y ampliada, un blacktop mejorado, esgrima y paisajismo, y nuevas instalaciones de arte
público.
Oportunidades de retroalimentación:
La Ciudad valora el aporte de la comunidad y ha organizado varias oportunidades para recibir comentarios sobre los
diseños conceptuales del parque. Los miembros de la comunidad de San Luis Obispo pueden proporcionar
comentarios a través de lo siguiente:
Tomen la encuesta en Open City Hall (en línea) que estara abierta hasta el 18 de julio en
www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
Asista a la junta de la Comisión de Parques y Recreación en agosto.
Obtenga la información de la agenda aquí: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-
minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission.
Emerson Park se encuentra en el centro de San Luis Obispo, en 1341 la Calle Nipomo, adyacente al edificio de oficinas
principal del Departamento de Parques y Recreación. Los servicios actuales en Emerson Park incluyen dos canchas de
bochas, una vieja cancha de baloncesto, parcelas de jardín comunitario, una parte superior negra desgastada, parque
infantil, mesas de picnic, área de césped con un viejo tope trasero, y nuevo equipo de ejercicio.
Para recibir actualizaciones de la Ciudad, regístrese en City News a través de notificaciones electrónicas en
www.slocity.org/subscribe o siga a la Ciudad de San Luis Obispo en las redes sociales.
Click here for more information
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From:San Luis Obispo <support@opengov.com>
Sent:Friday, June 23, 2023 4:01 AM
To:Hernandez, Matt
Subject:Announcements from the City of San Luis Obispo for 06/23/2023
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Updates from the City of San Luis Obispo
about Open City Hall
Announcements from the City of San Luis
Obispo
Provide Feedback on the Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and
Beautification Project
Jun 22, 2023 11:36 am | The City of San Luis Obispo
Take our survey to provide feedback on the conceptual layouts of the Emerson
Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification Project.
The City of San Luis Obispo is revitalizing Emerson Park with new and
improved features, including shade and lighting, a new dog park, upgraded and
expanded playgrounds for children of all abilities, and more. We want the
community’s feedback on the concept options and theme.
Feedback Opportunities
The City values community input and has organized several opportunities for
feedback on the proposed amenities and conceptual layouts of the park. San
Luis Obispo community members can provide feedback via the following:
Take the Open City Hall survey (online) June 19 – July 18 at
www.slocity.org/OpenCityHall
296
Attend the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting in August. Get the
agenda information here: www.slocity.org/government/advisory-
bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
In December 2021, the City was awarded a California State Parks Prop 68
grant of $2.81 million to help create better access to parks for people of all
abilities and income levels and to revitalize Emerson Park, a three-acre
neighborhood park in downtown San Luis Obispo.
To receive updates from the City, please register for City News via e-
notifications at www.slocity.org/subscribe or follow the City of San Luis Obispo
on social media.
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From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Wednesday, June 21, 2023 3:07 PM
To:
Cc:CityClerk; Long, Erica; Hyfield, Devin; Burger, Meghan
Subject:RE: Feedback for City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Good afternoon, Carol Weiser:
Thank you for providing feedback to the City Parks and Recreation Department regarding the upcoming Emerson Park
revitalization project. The City was fortunate to receive a $2.81 Million dollar California State Parks Grant to provide
upgraded amenities and beautification to the historic nearly 3-acre downtown park.
The qualifiers for the grant were based on meeting conditional requirements, which the City and the Parks and
Recreation Commission conducted initial outreach with five (5) separate community forums, along with a survey in
January and February 2021. This included numerous potential upgrades ranging from an expanded playground area,
addition of restroom facilities, safety lighting, expansion of the basketball court, and a dog park area. The current
concept plans outline that approximately 50-60% of the current 1-acre grass area will be converted to support
community members who are dog owners, and the remaining percentage of the lawn area remain for general play,
fitness and recreation (e.g., yoga), social gatherings, birthday celebrations, etc.
As a neighboring resident we encourage you to review the initial concept renderings and provide any additional
feedback through the survey which is open until July 18 on the City Parks and Recreation Department “Current
Projects” webpage:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/parks-and-recreation/current-projects
please click on the Emerson Park Updates tab to be directed to additional information and the survey (and we
encourage you to view the other three current projects listed as well)
Thank you!
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: City of San Luis Obispo, CA <slocitywebmaster@enotify.visioninternet.com>
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2023 7:20 PM
To: Feedback <feedback@slocity.org>
Subject: Feedback for City of San Luis Obispo, CA
298
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
You have received this feedback from carol weiser < > for the following page:
https://www.slocity.org/services/how-do-i/contact/staff-directory
6/19Online Survey for Emerson Park "beautification": Saw your plans today. Big disappointment re: prioritizing dog toilet and
feces collection /dog runs, over people who pay taxes .children and youth activities and exposure to clean grass in this SMALL
park area so close to Luna Lake Park dog facilities. I do not pay taxes for Parks and Recreation to cater for or clean up after
animals who have owners or create a public health crises during hot weather in summer. Small children could be adversely
affected.
299
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Tuesday, June 20, 2023 11:07 AM
To:Long, Erica; Moore, Shelsie; Hyfield, Devin
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Survey Preview - Goes Live June 19th
Thanks for the update and no issue on the timing.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 11:01 AM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>; Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Survey Preview - Goes Live June 19th
Hi Greg,
There was a technical issue last night, but I was able to update the order of the questions this morning. I am going to
unhide the survey so that it will be live today.
Whitney reached out this morning and she would like to promote the survey later this week to avoid conflicting with the
Economic Development Strategic Plan survey. We will time out an announcement to go out on Open City Hall along
with a press release.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
300
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2023 3:48 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Survey Preview - Goes Live June 19th
Erica-
I was able to do a very quick review of the survey and I believe all is covered (as lighting is addressed within the grant
award). However, I noticed that some of the dog park features were placed in-between the playground related
questions. Can we move and consolidate all playground related questions together and same for dog park before
tonight?
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2023 3:35 PM
To: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>; Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Survey Preview - Goes Live June 19th
Importance: High
Good afternoon,
There have been a few additions to the survey per request from SSA. Please let me know if you see anything that needs
to be changed before I have the survey go live today.
I have also created a SLIDO for tonight’s event. Let me know if you want anything changed on that as well.
Slido - Audience Interaction Made Easy
Code: #
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 3:51 PM
301
To: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>; Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Survey Preview - Goes Live June 19th
Hi Team,
Here is a preview of the Emerson Park Survey. Once we received the concept layouts they will be added to the survey.
Just a reminder the survey will go live on Monday, June 19.
Open City Hall - Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & Beautification Project - Issue (opengov.com)
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
307
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Friday, June 16, 2023 3:25 PM
To:Iriarte, Juanita; Szentesi, Whitney
Cc:Moore, Shelsie
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Survey - ADA Photo Language
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept-A.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-B.pdf
Here are the layouts!
-Erica
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2023 3:08 PM
To: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>; Szentesi, Whitney <wszentes@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Survey - ADA Photo Language
Hi Juanita,
Here is the ADA language for the Emerson Park layouts and the playground and dog park options. The layouts are
coming shortly!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Plan A:
Illustration one is the Emerson Park Master Plan A located on Nipomo Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo between
Pismo Street and Pacific Street next to the Parks and Recreation Office. The layout is oriented with Nipomo Street on
the right-hand side of the page, Beach Street on the left-hand side, Pacific Street at the top of the page and Pismo
Street at the bottom of the page.
Plan A shows the existing Parks and Recreation building at the top right-hand corner of the page, the existing parking
lot underneath, and the existing community garden at the bottom right-hand corner. There is a pathway going from
the top of the existing parking lot with a bike rack at the entrance. The path leads to a diamond shaped concrete
plaza area with a tree in the center. This plaza leads to a picnic area (bottom right), benches and trees (top), a new
the restroom (top right), playgrounds for 1-5 age playground area and 5-12 playground area (top left) and the
entrance to the blacktop area featuring game markings such as hopscotch (bottom left). The blacktop area features
two new relocated bocce courts, an existing fitness area and two new ping pong tables on either side of a new tree
all to the left of the community garden. On the left-hand side of the black top area is a multi-sport court (below the
playground area) and a half multi-sport court below the full court. On the bottom left-hand side is a bioswale area and
above it is the dog park. The dog park is broken into two areas for small and large dogs, a double gate, and a shade
sail. At the top left-hand corner is a multipurpose field.
Plan B:
Illustration one is the Emerson Park Master Plan B located on Nipomo Street in Downtown San Luis Obispo between
Pismo Street and Pacific Street next to the Parks and Recreation Office. The layout is oriented with Nipomo Street on
the right-hand side of the page, Beach Street on the left-hand side, Pacific Street at the top of the page and Pismo
Street at the bottom of the page.
Plan B shows the existing Parks and Recreation building at the top right-hand corner of the page, the existing parking
lot underneath, compost area and the existing community garden at the bottom right-hand corner. There is a
pathway going from the top of the existing parking lot towards the center of the park. Below the path is a picnic area
with a bike rack, picnic tables, and restroom. Below the picnic area is a learning garden and two new relocated
bocce courts and below that is the existing fitness area. The concrete pathway ends and leads to blacktop game
308
markings such as hopscotch and the playground area in an L shape. Below the playground area on the layout is a
shade structure with rainwater catchment demonstration and below that are two trees. On the right side of the black
top area is a multi-sport court (below the playground area) and a half multi-sport court below the full court. On the
bottom left-hand side is the dog park and a bioswale area between the dog park and blacktop. The dog park is
broken into two areas for small and large dogs, a double gate, and a shade structure. At the top left-hand corner is a
multipurpose field.
Free-play
1. Five children playing on teeter totter.
2. Eight children playing spinning platform.
3. One child playing a music feature in a park.
Swings
1. Two children playing on large saucer swing.
2. A child swinging on ADA adaptive swing.
3. Two children playing on tandem swing.
Slides
1. A play structure with two spiral tunnel slides.
2. A child on a roller slide.
3. A series of embankment slides.
Climb
1. A child playing on net structure.
2. Three children playing on an obstacle course feature climbing chain net.
3. A child hopping on playground steppers.
Courses
1. A dog running through weave posts.
2. A dog jumping through a hoop jump.
3. A dog running on triangular platform adventure peak.
Amenities
1. A dog park with a shade sail.
2. A park with a shade structure.
3. A dog waster station at a park.
4. A dog park with black welded wire fence.
5. A dog park with hog wire fencing.
6. A hydration station with a dog bowl feature.
Surfacing
1. Three dogs running on mulch.
2. Multiple dogs running on turf.
3. Two dogs running on sand.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
309
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN A
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN B
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
310
From:Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent:Friday, June 16, 2023 3:13 PM
To:Long, Erica
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept-B.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-A.pdf; Emerson Park Concept - Garden
Theme.pdf
Hi Erica,
AƩached are ½ of the presentaƟon boards. I will send the other half in a second email due to file size.
AddiƟonally, these have been reduced for emailing. If the resoluƟon is problemaƟc, we can send you the full sized files via
sharefile.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2023 2:34 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Taste is one of my favorites! Their seasonal specials are always fun to try out.
Looking forward to getting the boards.
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
311
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2023 2:28 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
Nice speaking with you. My Cell number is
The restaurant I was referring to is called Taste CraŌ Eatery.
It’s on Broad Street near the corner of South Street.
I’ll send PDF’s of our boards over shortly.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2023 2:26 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Here is my cell phone number incase you need to get ahold of me.
-Erica
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:33 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Awesome, we’ll plot away. We can further this theme during design development should it be chosen.
312
ChrisƟan
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:24 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Looks great!
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:21 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
We did a quick switch to the school house theme. Please see the aƩached image boards for comment.
Thanks,
313
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:32 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Christian,
Thanks for sending over your comments.
Do you happen to have the name/descriptors for the playground photo options so I can make sure we are ADA
compliant?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
These quesƟons look great. A few comments below:
The ‘If any, what are the ages of the children in your household? Check all that apply’ ques Ɵon does not allow you to
check all that apply.
I for instance have a 5 (very soon to be 6) year old and an 18 year old. It doesn’t appear that either op Ɵon is checked.
We will only have two concepts so you can delete the Seven Sisters/California state theme. We will relabel as
Schoolhouse.
Perhaps add the following quesƟons:
o ‘Which elements would you like to see in the playground: A – Free Play; B – Swings; C – Slides; D – Climbing
features
o Do you have a preference for which type of swing, slide or feature indicated? Choose op Ɵon 1, 2 or 3 in each
category above.
o Do you have a preference for a parƟcular type of dog park amenity shown? Choose opƟon 1, 2 or 3 for each
category indicated.
The quesƟons above could probably be stated more eloquently, but the idea is for example, ‘would you like to see climbing
structures in the playground and if so is there a type of climbing structure shown you would prefer.’
314
Not sure if this is confusing and feel free to give me a call to discuss.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:16 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Thanks for letting me know.
Here is the survey that will go live on Monday (possibly earlier if it is ready to go on Friday afternoon).
I still need to write the ADA language and they will add the conceptual layouts once they are completed.
Open City Hall - Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & BeauƟficaƟon Project - Issue (opengov.com)
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:52 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
315
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
Comments received and we will label the shade structures accordingly. AddiƟonally, we’ve added a shade structure to the
playground area on Concept B to be sure we address grant requirements.
We were anƟcipaƟng built in shade structures to the playground equipment, but thought it was best to add this in so it’s
covered no maƩer what equipment is ulƟmately chosen.
Thanks!
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:47 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Christian,
Here are my comments on the draft boards.
Plan A: 04 - needs to be moved on the shade triangle in the dog park (currently it is below it in the large dog area)
Plan B: Shade Structure in the dog park is not labeled.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
316
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:07 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park Draft Boards
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, draŌ boards for Monday’s community meeƟng. These will come in to emails due to file size. We s Ɵll
have some minor graphic tweaking to do to the concept plans themselves, color to add to the basketball courts, etc…but this is
very close to what we are proposing.
We’ve also reduced file size for emailing so the finished boards will be slightly sharper.
I know this is a bit of a rush, but if you could provide any comments to us as quickly as possible that would be appreciated. These
boards will be mounted Friday and we need a li Ʃle Ɵme to pick up changes.
Let us know what you think!
Thanks,
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN A
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
EMERSON PARK | MASTER PLAN B
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
346
From:Iriarte, Juanita
Sent:Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:21 PM
To:Long, Erica
Cc:Szentesi, Whitney
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
I agree that the Select All That Apply questions is deceiving. People have to shift-click to choose multiple answers. So
I changed it to look like the other multiple choice questions.
Questions about suggestions:
1. Is this a select all that apply question?
Which elements would you like to see in the playground: A – Free Play; B – Swings; C – Slides; D – Climbing
features
2. Are these one-answer questions (pick one)?
Do you have a preference for which type of swing, slide or feature indicated? Choose option 1, 2 or 3 in each
category above.
Do you have a preference for a particular type of dog park amenity shown? Choose option 1, 2 or 3 for each
category indicated.
All the best,
Juanita Iriarte
pronouns she/her/hers
Communications Coordinator
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E jiriarte@slocity.org
T 805.781.7446
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:44 PM
To: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Juanita,
Please see the consultant’s comments on the survey below. I responded back to him to see if I can get descriptions of
the photos so I can make it ADA compliant.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
347
(805) 783-7758
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
These quesƟons look great. A few comments below:
The ‘If any, what are the ages of the children in your household? Check all that apply’ ques Ɵon does not allow you to
check all that apply.
I for instance have a 5 (very soon to be 6) year old and an 18 year old. It doesn’t appear that either op Ɵon is checked.
We will only have two concepts so you can delete the Seven Sisters/California state theme. We will relabel as
Schoolhouse.
Perhaps add the following quesƟons:
o ‘Which elements would you like to see in the playground: A – Free Play; B – Swings; C – Slides; D – Climbing
features
o Do you have a preference for which type of swing, slide or feature indicated? Choose op Ɵon 1, 2 or 3 in each
category above.
o Do you have a preference for a parƟcular type of dog park amenity shown? Choose opƟon 1, 2 or 3 for each
category indicated.
The quesƟons above could probably be stated more eloquently, but the idea is for example, ‘would you like to see climbing
structures in the playground and if so is there a type of climbing structure shown you would prefer.’
Not sure if this is confusing and feel free to give me a call to discuss.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:16 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
348
Thanks for letting me know.
Here is the survey that will go live on Monday (possibly earlier if it is ready to go on Friday afternoon).
I still need to write the ADA language and they will add the conceptual layouts once they are completed.
Open City Hall - Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & BeauƟficaƟon Project - Issue (opengov.com)
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
349
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:44 PM
To:Iriarte, Juanita
Subject:FW: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept-Playground and Dog Park Options - Copy.pdf
Hi Juanita,
Please see the consultant’s comments on the survey below. I responded back to him to see if I can get descriptions of
the photos so I can make it ADA compliant.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
These quesƟons look great. A few comments below:
The ‘If any, what are the ages of the children in your household? Check all that apply’ ques Ɵon does not allow you to
check all that apply.
I for instance have a 5 (very soon to be 6) year old and an 18 year old. It doesn’t appear that either op Ɵon is checked.
We will only have two concepts so you can delete the Seven Sisters/California state theme. We will relabel as
Schoolhouse.
Perhaps add the following quesƟons:
o ‘Which elements would you like to see in the playground: A – Free Play; B – Swings; C – Slides; D – Climbing
features
o Do you have a preference for which type of swing, slide or feature indicated? Choose op Ɵon 1, 2 or 3 in each
category above.
o Do you have a preference for a parƟcular type of dog park amenity shown? Choose opƟon 1, 2 or 3 for each
category indicated.
The quesƟons above could probably be stated more eloquently, but the idea is for example, ‘would you like to see climbing
structures in the playground and if so is there a type of climbing structure shown you would prefer.’
Not sure if this is confusing and feel free to give me a call to discuss.
Thanks,
350
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:16 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Thanks for letting me know.
Here is the survey that will go live on Monday (possibly earlier if it is ready to go on Friday afternoon).
I still need to write the ADA language and they will add the conceptual layouts once they are completed.
Open City Hall - Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & BeauƟficaƟon Project - Issue (opengov.com)
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
FREE-PLAY SWINGS SLIDES CLIMB
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
COURSES AMENITIES AMENITIES SURFACING
1
3
4 1
2
6
5 2
3
1
2
3
DOG PARK OPTIONS
351
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:32 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept-Playground and Dog Park Options - Copy.pdf
Hi Christian,
Thanks for sending over your comments.
Do you happen to have the name/descriptors for the playground photo options so I can make sure we are ADA
compliant?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:10 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
These quesƟons look great. A few comments below:
The ‘If any, what are the ages of the children in your household? Check all that apply’ ques Ɵon does not allow you to
check all that apply.
I for instance have a 5 (very soon to be 6) year old and an 18 year old. It doesn’t appear that either op Ɵon is checked.
We will only have two concepts so you can delete the Seven Sisters/California state theme. We will relabel as
Schoolhouse.
Perhaps add the following quesƟons:
o ‘Which elements would you like to see in the playground: A – Free Play; B – Swings; C – Slides; D – Climbing
features
o Do you have a preference for which type of swing, slide or feature indicated? Choose op Ɵon 1, 2 or 3 in each
category above.
352
o Do you have a preference for a parƟcular type of dog park amenity shown? Choose opƟon 1, 2 or 3 for each
category indicated.
The quesƟons above could probably be stated more eloquently, but the idea is for example, ‘would you like to see climbing
structures in the playground and if so is there a type of climbing structure shown you would prefer.’
Not sure if this is confusing and feel free to give me a call to discuss.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:16 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Thanks for letting me know.
Here is the survey that will go live on Monday (possibly earlier if it is ready to go on Friday afternoon).
I still need to write the ADA language and they will add the conceptual layouts once they are completed.
Open City Hall - Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades & BeauƟficaƟon Project - Issue (opengov.com)
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
353
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:52 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
Comments received and we will label the shade structures accordingly. AddiƟonally, we’ve added a shade structure to the
playground area on Concept B to be sure we address grant requirements.
We were anƟcipaƟng built in shade structures to the playground equipment, but thought it was best to add this in so it’s
covered no maƩer what equipment is ulƟmately chosen.
Thanks!
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:47 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Christian,
Here are my comments on the draft boards.
Plan A: 04 - needs to be moved on the shade triangle in the dog park (currently it is below it in the large dog area)
Plan B: Shade Structure in the dog park is not labeled.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
354
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:07 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park Draft Boards
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, draŌ boards for Monday’s community meeƟng. These will come in to emails due to file size. We s Ɵll
have some minor graphic tweaking to do to the concept plans themselves, color to add to the basketball courts, etc…but this is
very close to what we are proposing.
We’ve also reduced file size for emailing so the finished boards will be slightly sharper.
I know this is a bit of a rush, but if you could provide any comments to us as quickly as possible that would be appreciated. These
boards will be mounted Friday and we need a li Ʃle Ɵme to pick up changes.
Let us know what you think!
Thanks,
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
FREE-PLAY SWINGS SLIDES CLIMB
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
COURSES AMENITIES AMENITIES SURFACING
1
3
4 1
2
6
5 2
3
1
2
3
DOG PARK OPTIONS
357
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:12 PM
To:Moore, Shelsie
Subject:FW: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept - Garden Theme.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-Cerro San Luis Obispo
Theme.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-Playground and Dog Park Options - Copy.pdf
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Completed
FYI…
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:08 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Erica,
AƩached are the remaining boards for comment.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:07 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
358
Please see the aƩached, draŌ boards for Monday’s community meeƟng. These will come in to emails due to file size. We s Ɵll
have some minor graphic tweaking to do to the concept plans themselves, color to add to the basketball courts, etc…but this is
very close to what we are proposing.
We’ve also reduced file size for emailing so the finished boards will be slightly sharper.
I know this is a bit of a rush, but if you could provide any comments to us as quickly as possible that would be appreciated. These
boards will be mounted Friday and we need a li Ʃle Ɵme to pick up changes.
Let us know what you think!
Thanks,
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
FREE-PLAY SWINGS SLIDES CLIMB
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
COURSES AMENITIES AMENITIES SURFACING
1
3
4 1
2
6
5 2
3
1
2
3
DOG PARK OPTIONS
359
From:Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:08 PM
To:Long, Erica
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Attachments:Emerson Park Concept - Garden Theme.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-Cerro San Luis Obispo
Theme.pdf; Emerson Park Concept-Playground and Dog Park Options - Copy.pdf
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Erica,
AƩached are the remaining boards for comment.
Best,
From: Christian Harris
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:07 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: Emerson Park Draft Boards
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, draŌ boards for Monday’s community meeƟng. These will come in to emails due to file size. We s Ɵll
have some minor graphic tweaking to do to the concept plans themselves, color to add to the basketball courts, etc…but this is
very close to what we are proposing.
We’ve also reduced file size for emailing so the finished boards will be slightly sharper.
I know this is a bit of a rush, but if you could provide any comments to us as quickly as possible that would be appreciated. These
boards will be mounted Friday and we need a li Ʃle Ɵme to pick up changes.
Let us know what you think!
Thanks,
360
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
GARDEN THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
PARK ACTIVITY
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
PLAYGROUND
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
CERRO SAN LUIS OBISPO THEME
SITE FURNISHINGS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
FREE-PLAY SWINGS SLIDES CLIMB
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
PLAYGROUND OPTIONS
EMERSON PARK
San Luis Obispo, CA
June 19, 2023LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
SSASSA
COURSES AMENITIES AMENITIES SURFACING
1
3
4 1
2
6
5 2
3
1
2
3
DOG PARK OPTIONS
366
From:Christian, Kevin
Sent:Friday, June 2, 2023 10:54 AM
To:Russell, Lisa
Cc:Wilbanks, Megan
Subject:RE: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
Lisa,
Just following up to our conversation yesterday. I also changed the website calendar for July 5 to indicate that it is
cancelled. But be sure to send out the e-notification for that when you post the cancellation.
Kevin
From: Russell, Lisa <lrussell@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 9:06 AM
To: Christian, Kevin <kchristi@slocity.org>; Wilbanks, Megan <mwilbanks@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
Good morning Kevin and Megan,
Keeping you in the loop on these changes in case Greg did not sent this to you. Next week I will publish the meeting
information.
Thank you!
Lisa
From: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 4:59 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Cc: Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>; Burger, Meghan <mburger@slocity.org>; Pringle, Brendan <bpringle@slocity.org>;
Russell, Lisa <lrussell@slocity.org>; Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>; Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
BCC: PRC
Good evening, PRC:
Thank you for your quick responses regarding adjusting the next couple Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
dates. These adjusted dates will be helpful in meeting deadlines and staying on track with the projects that are in
motion and upcoming. Very appreciative of your flexibility!
Updated Meeting Schedule:
June 14: 5:30pm @ Ludwick Community Center
July 5: CANCELED
August 2 or 9: pending and will confirm at June 14 meeting to select best date
Potential agenda items and goals for June 14 meeting:
- Expecting to share updated Concept Plan for Righetti Park system (all three park layouts)
- Share and discuss budget impacts to the proposed Laguna Lake Dog Park project
- Status of Emerson Park project (potential for an initial concept plan… fingers crossed)
- Summer Program updates
367
- *if time allows, discussion on how staff and planning is utilizing the philosophy and data from the Level of
Service (LOS) ratio inventory (amenities) from Blueprint for park planning and upgrades.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
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From: Avakian, Greg
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 4:41 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
BCC: PRC
Good afternoon, PRC:
Staff are trying to confirm availability, as well as pending updated materials from RRM on final concept designs,
budgetary estimates for LLP Dog Park, initial concepts for Emerson Park.
Staff recommending the following PRC Meeting date changes:
1. Move June 7 to June 14
2. Cancel July 5
3. Hold August 2 or potentially move to August 9 to accommodate PRC and Staff (schools start that
week).
Please reply to me as soon as able on your individual availability in order to formalize the upcoming meeting
schedules.
Thanks,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
368
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
369
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Thursday, June 1, 2023 4:50 PM
To:Christian Harris
Cc:Jessica Benet
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Attachments:Emerson-Plan A-modified.docx; Emerson-Plan B-modified.docx
Hi Christian and Jessica,
I sent the draft concepts over to Parks and Recreation. Please see the attached documents for their feedback. Feel
free to give me a call tomorrow to discuss.
Also, it looks like we will be posting an online survey with the layouts and I wanted to see if either of you want anything
included. I will send you a link to the survey questions on the City’s SharePoint site.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
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From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 2:08 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
Please see the aƩached, draŌ concepts for sharing with your team. We’ve added some quick color to be Ʃer highlight spaces.
Plans and renderings will be further developed prior to our public mee Ɵng, but this is geƫng closer.
Take a look and let us know if you have any ques Ɵons or comments.
Best regards,
370
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2023 11:44 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
I ran by the June 19th date by Parks and Recreation and they are on board.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:31 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Sorry, I will send out a meeƟng invite shortly.
Best,
371
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:26 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
10:30am on Thursday works for me.
Have you seen the two concepts yet?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:09 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
How about Thursday morning at 10:30am?
Thanks,
372
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 12:47 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
I am working until 11:30am on Thursday and will be headed out of town for the weekend.
Is there any other time this week that works for you?
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Jessica Benet <jessica@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
I wanted to circle back around on a check-in meeƟng.
Are you available this Thursday aŌernoon, anyƟme from 2:30PM through the end of the day?
Thanks,
373
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:12 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
I hope that you make a quick recovery, and your wife and family feels better soon too. We can touch base later this
week to set something up for when you are feeling up to it.
We are so excited to see both concepts. Also, I appreciate the additional information on the backfill.
Feel better and get some rest!
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:00 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
It happens and I apologize if I’m being a pain. I haven’t seen anything regarding addiƟon fees from the Geotech as of yet. Per
the Geotech “borings for our field invesƟgaƟon have been backfilled with a 1-sack sand-cement slurry at the City’s request. The
two borings we had in asphalt surfaces have been capped with a fast se ƫng concrete mix. The borings in the grass were filled
374
with slurry to approximately 2-feet below grade, capped with naƟve material and the small secƟons of turf grass that were
removed prior to drilling”
Regarding a teams meeƟng, perhaps at the back half of the week. I’m home sick today and will hopefully be feeling be Ʃer as the
week progresses. We’ve had it run through the whole house and my wife has pneumonia. I somehow avoided it un Ɵl today. If
we can’t do it this week let’s absolutely set it up for early next week. I have staff working on the concepts and should have both
concepts on my desk for review at some point this week.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 4:51 PM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
Thank you for letting me know and I apologize for the inconvenience. I have reached out to the inspector to get more
information to improve the process going forward.
Do you have time this week for a Teams call to get a status update on the project?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
375
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 9:35 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Montoya, Chase <cmontoya@slocity.org>; LaFreniere, Matt <mlafreni@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
Our Geotechnical Engineer arrived on site this morning to perform their inves ƟgaƟon and was told borings needed to be
backfilled with slurry or the invesƟgaƟon would need to be called off.
In the email chain below, we clearly state the backfill would be conducted using uncompacted onsite material. No concern was
raised with this unƟl our subconsultant was mobilized and onsite.
Thankfully our subconsultant was able to arrange for the slurry to be delivered, however there will be an addi Ɵonal charge for
this backfill material. This charge would be similar in cost or less expensive than having to abandon the drilling and remobilize. I
will forward the cost for your review once received.
AddiƟonally, the top porƟon of the slurry cap will likely need to be removed to facilitate the proposed improvements. We’ll have
a beƩer idea of what that looks like and the depth of removal required as plans are developed.
I wanted you to be aware of the situaƟon out there and the addiƟonal cost that will be required. Our subconsultant esƟmated
this to be approximately $500.
Thank you,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2023 9:21 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Montoya, Chase <cmontoya@slocity.org>; LaFreniere, Matt <mlafreni@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
Thank you for the information. Please let us know when you get confirmation.
Our permit technician, Matt LaFreniere would like to know the following:
Who would be the permittee, SSA Landscape Architects or their geotech? I’d need the permittee to provide the
required insurance documents (COI plus a CG 2012 additional insured endorsement page) and two water pollution
376
control plan forms. Please reference the Encroachment Permit Checklist and other information at
www.slocity.org/encroachment.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 9:12 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Montoya, Chase <cmontoya@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
AƩached is the boring map showing specific core locaƟons. The one caveat is the percolaƟon tesƟng locaƟon which I need to
confirm with our Civil. He has been out of the office but will be back in today.
Our Geotechnical consultant is proposing backfill with uncompacted on-site material.
Please let us know if you have any quesƟons or concerns.
Thanks,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2023 8:14 AM
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Cc: Montoya, Chase <cmontoya@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
377
Good morning Christian,
One of our inspectors has several questions regarding the work before we can issue the permit. We would also like to
make sure that they backfilled per City Standards.
How deep are the cores?
What are they backfilling with?
Are there specific locations for the cores?
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 6:59 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Erica,
Thank you for the heads up on the permit. We’ll look for the informaƟon as it arrives.
Best,
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2023 5:18 PM
378
To: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
Hi Christian,
Thank you for letting me know. You will need a no fee encroachment permit. I have reached out to the appropriate
groups at the City to issue the permit.
Please let me know if you hear anything from them. If they send it to me, I will forward it to you.
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Christian Harris <christian@ssala.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 3:59 PM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Geotechnical Investigation
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Erica,
Our Geotech is looking to drill the site either this Friday or shortly thereaŌer if possible. I am checking with Civil to see if they
know where they’d like to see the percolaƟon tesƟng performed and will likely hear back from them tomorrow.
Is this okay with the City and is there anything special they need to do? If it doesn’t work this Friday I will let you know an
alternaƟve Ɵme.
Thanks,
379
Relocated bocce
Painted blacktop acƟviƟes Relocated bocce
Relocate ½ court
385
From:Pringle, Brendan
Sent:Tuesday, May 30, 2023 1:58 PM
To:Glaudel, Kevin@Parks
Cc:maria.olmos@parks.ca.gov
Subject:FW: Completed: Complete with DocuSign: Emerson Park Status Report.2023.05.pdf
Attachments:Emerson Park Status Report.2023.06.pdf
Hi Kevin,
Please find attached the current Emerson Park status report.
Thanks!
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bpringle@slocity.org
slocity.org
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State of California • Natural Resources Agency Gavin Newsom, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Armando Quintero, Director
P.O. Box 942896 • Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
(916) 653-7423
5/2/2023
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization - SW-40-002
Emerson Neighborhood Park Revitalization
Dear Brendan Pringle:
Enclosed is a Status Report for the above referenced project administered by the
Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). These Status Reports are sent every
six months, and if they are not returned within thirty days, no payments can be
processed for this project.
Take a moment to review the scope as described in the attached report and provide
detailed, accurate, and up-to-date responses to the information requested. The
information you provide allows OGALS to assist your agency in completing the
project on time, on budget, and according to scope.
Return the completed Status Report within thirty days to your Project Officer Kevin
Glaudel at Kevin.Glaudel@parks.ca.gov. You may also contact Kevin Glaudel at
(619) 902-8778 or if you have any questions or if you would like an electronic copy
of this report.
OGALS appreciates your attention to this matter and looks forward to our continued
partnership to improve the quality of life for communities throughout California .
Enclosure
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67848663-9B47-4DE4-A206-44FD99EB6FBF
2
State of California • Natural Resources Agency Gavin Newsom, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Armando Quintero, Director
P.O. Box 942896 • Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
ATTENTION: Kevin Glaudel
Status Report
Grantee: City of San Luis Obispo
Project Number: SW-40-002 2018 Parks Bond Act, Statewide Park Development and Community
Revitalization
Project Name: Emerson Neighborhood Park Revitalization
Project Scope: Renovate Emerson Park in the City of San Luis Obispo. Construct a dog park with
lighting and shade, playground (5-12 yo) with shade, shade existing exercise equipment, so lar pathway
lighting, educational garden, public art mural, public art mosaic, and restroom with solar roof.
Renovate bocce ball courts, basketball/multi-purpose court, blacktop, decorative perimeter fencing,
and landscaping throughout the park.
These project deliverables must be completed before the final grant payment can be approved. They were established by
your agency’s response to the Project Selection Criteria, which was ranked against all statewide applications through an
extremely competitive process. The integrity of the statewide competitive process is maintained by completing these
project deliverables.
Required Project Deliverables:
Design of Recreation Features:
• Educational garden
• Restroom
• Lit dog park
• Shade structures
• Drought resistant/low cost landscaping
• Hydration stations (including one for dogs)
• Updated perimeter fencing
• Expansion/renovation of the playground
• Multi-purpose court with lighting
Location of Features in the Park:
• Restroom location near the playground
• The shade structures were chosen to be placed near the dog park, the playground, and exercise
equipment.
• The dog park was identified to be located on the opposite section of the park from the playground as an
additional safety measure.
• Bocce courts moved adjacent to the exercise equipment shade structure.
Safe Public Use:
• Safety path lighting will be installed around the restroom, and along main pathways and lighting will be
added to the multi-purpose court and dog park.
• The public wanted updated perimeter fencing
Park Beautification/Public Art:
• Educational garden
• Drought tolerant landscaping
• Art installation on restroom and black top mural
• Neighborhood youth participation in designing art mosaic tiles to incorporate into concrete surfaces and
benches
• Colorful and artistic shaped shade structures.
• Artistic dog park equipment.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67848663-9B47-4DE4-A206-44FD99EB6FBF
3
Employment or volunteer opportunities to be included in the project are:
• There will be an opportunity for residents and/or corps members to help with renovating the current
landscaping at the park through the planting of drought tolerant plants, and dog park fencing.
• Public Art is to be installed at the park (mural on restroom and black top). In addition to community
youth work in designing mosaic tiles incorporated in concrete surfaces.
Partnerships for the project’s design or construction will include:
• San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden - will assist with designing and implementing the new children’s
educational gardens and determine the appropriate drought resistant plants to be included. They will help
oversee the installation of the garden. All work will be on a volunteer basis.
• Arts Council - will coordinate the public art for the park which includes a mural on the restroom and
blacktop. All work will be on a volunteer basis.
• County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department - will help design the renovated fitness equipment
area. County is contributing staff hours to the project.
• Friends of SLO City Dog Parks - The members of the community organization will assist with building
the Dog Park and donating specific features/amenities.
The project will include these sustainable techniques:
• Bio-Swales/Grading - In constructing the new restrooms, stormwater will be captured for infiltration or
irrigation, where applicable, through the use o f bio-swales, grading, and rain barrels. Permeable material will
be used for children’s garden pathways. The design incorporates rain barrels for stormwater runoff from the
restrooms to use in watering landscaping and garden areas. In addition a bio -swale will be built near the dog
park to capture storm water.
•Water efficient irrigation system - The park already incorporates sustainable landscape and irrigation features
(Calsense, flow sensing, ET technology and rain sensors). The revitalization activitie s will augment current
features and update irrigation to switch sprinklers and MP rotator sprinklers to provide more water/energy
efficient irrigation.
• Recycled Materials - Project will use recycled materials for the ground covering present in the dog p ark,
community and educational gardens.
• Use of drought tolerant/climate appropriate non-invasive native turf, shrubs, plants and ground cover -
The gardens and general landscaping of the park will include drought tolerant plants. Invasive species will n ot
be used in the park. Fertilizer is only applied for turf renovation, which happens once a year, and the turf area
is closed for public use at that time.
• Safety Path Solar Lighting - Utilizing solar energy for foot lighting.
• Additional hydration station - The project will include a new hydration station adjacent to the new
restroom and the existing water fountain at the park will be updated to a hydratio n station. These hydration
stations will provide safe reliable drinking water to visitors and allow them to fill their own bottle, so they can
stay hydrated throughout the park.
• Additional compost bin in Educational Children’s Garden - Establish an additional bin in the educational
children’s garden.
• Solar Panel Installation - Solar panels will be installed on top of the restrooms.
• Water Runoff Collection - Water barrel near restrooms to collect rain water runoff.
• Reduced natural Turf - Reduced fertilizer and irrigation needs
• Additional Buffer/Landscape Strip - Bio swale creation through additional buffer/landscape strip.
Project Phase: X Pre-Construction/Pre-Acquisition □ Acquisition and/or Construction
When will you submit your next payment request 6/1/2023 For how much? $31,473.53
Estimated date of project completion: 12/31/2024
Potential obstacles affecting completion: Lead time for construction materials
Is the project: On Time? Yes Within Budget? Yes Within Scope? Yes If no, explain:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67848663-9B47-4DE4-A206-44FD99EB6FBF
4
Describe grant-funded work completed since last status report submitted on 7/14/2022:
• Kick-off meeting held March 2023 with SSA Landscape Architects, who the City hired for
design and construction documents for the project
• Engineering Surveying is complete, geotechnical investigation initiated in mid -May 2023
• Consultant preparing draft of initial concept layouts
Are CCC or certified local corps working on this project? No
Provide photos showing work completed since 7/14/2022 - n/a
Describe grant-funded work expected to be completed by 10/29/2023
• Finalization of initial concept layouts
• Plans at 50%
If there have been any changes to the proposed funding for this project, attach a revised Funding
Sources Form.
Provide information on payments to be submitted over the next three years:
Between
7/1/22
and
12/31/22
Between
1/1/23
and
6/30/23
Between
7/1/23
and
12/31/23
Between
1/1/24
and
6/30/24
Between
7/1/24 and
12/31/24
Between
1/1/25
and
6/30/25
After
7/1/25
$0 $31,474 $31,399 $311,201 $2,435,926 $0 $0
The purpose of this data is to help the State estimate borrowing needs; you will not be held to these
estimates.
As a reminder, OGALS considers advance payments a privilege, not a right. For
approved advance payments, a Grant Expenditure Form documenting use of the
funds must be received within six months from receipt of the advance. For more
information about advance payments, refer to the Grant Payment Section in the
Prop. 84 Grant Administration Guide.
Advances to date without documentation (attach a Grant Expenditure Form documenting expenditure
of the balance, if applicable):
N/A
If a portion of the advanced funds have not been spent, and more than six months have passed since the
grantee received the advanced funds, the balance must be spent on eligible costs or returned to OGALS within
60 days from receipt of this form.
I represent and warrant that I have full authority to execute this Grant Progress Status Report on
behalf of the Grantee. I declare under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California, that
this status report, and any accompanying documents, for the above -mentioned Grant is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge.
______________________________ _______________________ _____________
Authorized Representative* Title Date
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67848663-9B47-4DE4-A206-44FD99EB6FBF
5/30/2023 | 1:09 PM PDTAssistant City Manager
5
(*Certification to above information requires a signature by a person authorized in the resolution)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 67848663-9B47-4DE4-A206-44FD99EB6FBF
386
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Tuesday, May 30, 2023 11:15 AM
To:Szentesi, Whitney
Cc:Iriarte, Juanita; Hyfield, Devin
Subject:RE: Emerson Park Postcard
Attachments:Required Project Deliverables - Emerson Park.docx
All the amenities we are adding/replacing are requirements of the grant. I attached a list of the Prop 68
State Park grant amenity requirements for this project.
We are just showing two different design concepts with the set list of amenities. We will be looking at
feedback for things like the theme of the playground equipment. The final concept layout will most likely be
a mixture of each layout.
I know Parks and Recreation did multiple workshops to get community input for the grant application a few
years ago.
Do you think we will still need an online survey?
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Szentesi, Whitney <wszentes@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:54 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Postcard
Okay. Question: Are we just hoping to inform people of the options, or are we hoping for feedback on the options that
we can use to finalize the plans?
If the former, totally fine to not have a survey. If the latter, we need to do an Open City Hall survey and get people to
provide formal feedback on the proposed options.
Thanks,
Whit
--
Whitney Szentesi
pronouns she/her/hers
Public Communications Manager
C 805.440.5446
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:52 AM
To: Szentesi, Whitney <wszentes@slocity.org>
Cc: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Postcard
387
There will not be an online survey since that was done in the grant application process.
We will need social media promotion and the project added to the Parks and Recreation Current Project
page.
There will only be two outreach events; the Monday meet-up and the PRC meeting. I think we will want to
utilize SLIDO for the Monday Meet-up at the park.
Thank you,
Erica Long
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Works, CIP Engineering
(805) 783-7758
From: Szentesi, Whitney <wszentes@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:46 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Cc: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park Postcard
Thanks! Are we going to do a similar survey and promotions for that as well?
--
Whitney Szentesi
pronouns she/her/hers
Public Communications Manager
C 805.440.5446
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:45 AM
To: Szentesi, Whitney <wszentes@slocity.org>
Cc: Iriarte, Juanita <jiriarte@slocity.org>; Hyfield, Devin <DHyfield@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park Postcard
Hi Whitney,
I am getting ready to submit a kbox ticket to your team for a postcard request for Emerson Park. Since it is going out
to a different area of SLO I think it could have a very similar layout to the Righetti parks postcard.
Parks and Recreation has a Monday Meet-up event at Emerson Park on June 19th that we want to utilize to show the
concept layouts to the community.
I am working with Parks and Recreation to have them review the information in the folder below and the mailing list.
Currently, I have 768 addresses on my list for the postcards (but this might get cut down).
Please let me know if there is any other information that you will need.
Emerson Park - Postcard Info
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
388
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
Emerson Park Amenity Updates and Beautification Project
Prop 68 Grant Amenity Requirements
Required Project Deliverables:
Design of Recreation Features:
• Educational garden
• Restroom
• Lit dog park
• Shade structures
• Drought resistant/low cost landscaping
• Hydration stations (including one for dogs)
• Updated perimeter fencing
• Expansion/renovation of the playground
• Multi-purpose court with lighting
Location of Features in the Park:
• Restroom location near the playground
• The shade structures were chosen to be placed near the dog park, the playground, and
exercise equipment.
• The dog park was identified to be located on the opposite section of the park from the
playground as an additional safety measure.
• Bocce courts moved adjacent to the exercise equipment shade structure.
Safe Public Use:
• Safety path lighting will be installed around the restroom, and along main pathways and
lighting will be added to the multi-purpose court and dog park.
• The public wanted updated perimeter fencing
Park Beautification/Public Art:
• Educational garden
• Drought tolerant landscaping
• Art installation on restroom and black top mural
• Neighborhood youth participation in designing art mosaic tiles to incorporate into
concrete surfaces and benches
• Colorful and artistic shaped shade structures.
• Artistic dog park equipment.
Employment or volunteer opportunities to be included in the project are:
• There will be an opportunity for residents and/or corps members to help with renovating
the current landscaping at the park through the planting of drought tolerant plants, and dog park
fencing.
• Public Art is to be installed at the park (mural on restroom and black top). In addition to
community youth work in designing mosaic tiles incorporated in concrete surfaces.
Partnerships for the project’s design or construction will include:
• San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden - will assist with designing and implementing the
new children’s educational gardens and determine the appropriate drought resistant plants to be
included. They will help oversee the installation of the garden. All work will be on a volunteer
basis.
• Arts Council - will coordinate the public art for the park which includes a mural on the
restroom and blacktop. All work will be on a volunteer basis.
Emerson Park Amenity Updates and Beautification Project
Prop 68 Grant Amenity Requirements
• County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department - will help design the renovated
fitness equipment area. County is contributing staff hours to the project.
• Friends of SLO City Dog Parks - The members of the community organization will assist
with building the Dog Park and donating specific features/amenities.
The project will include these sustainable techniques:
• Bio-Swales/Grading - In constructing the new restrooms, stormwater will be captured for
infiltration or irrigation, where applicable, through the use of bio-swales, grading, and rain
barrels. Permeable material will be used for children’s garden pathways. The design
incorporates rain barrels for stormwater runoff from the restrooms to use in watering
landscaping and garden areas. In addition a bio-swale will be built near the dog park to capture
storm water.
•Water efficient irrigation system - The park already incorporates sustainable landscape and
irrigation features (Calsense, flow sensing, ET technology and rain sensors). The revitalization
activities will augment current features and update irrigation to switch sprinklers and MP rotator
sprinklers to provide more water/energy efficient irrigation.
• Recycled Materials - Project will use recycled materials for the ground covering present
in the dog park, community and educational gardens.
• Use of drought tolerant/climate appropriate non-invasive native turf, shrubs, plants and
ground cover - The gardens and general landscaping of the park will include drought tolerant
plants. Invasive species will not be used in the park. Fertilizer is only applied for turf renovation,
which happens once a year, and the turf area is closed for public use at that time.
• Safety Path Solar Lighting - Utilizing solar energy for foot lighting.
• Additional hydration station - The project will include a new hydration station adjacent to
the new restroom and the existing water fountain at the park will be updated to a hydration
station. These hydration stations will provide safe reliable drinking water to visitors and allow
them to fill their own bottle, so they can stay hydrated throughout the park.
• Additional compost bin in Educational Children’s Garden - Establish an additional bin in
the educational children’s garden.
• Solar Panel Installation - Solar panels will be installed on top of the restrooms.
• Water Runoff Collection - Water barrel near restrooms to collect rain water runoff.
• Reduced natural Turf - Reduced fertilizer and irrigation needs
• Additional Buffer/Landscape Strip - Bio swale creation through additional
buffer/landscape strip.
399
From:Avakian, Greg
Sent:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 4:59 PM
To:Avakian, Greg
Cc:Hyfield, Devin; Burger, Meghan; Pringle, Brendan; Russell, Lisa; Long, Erica; Moore, Shelsie
Subject:RE: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
BCC: PRC
Good evening, PRC:
Thank you for your quick responses regarding adjusting the next couple Parks & Recreation Commission meeting
dates. These adjusted dates will be helpful in meeting deadlines and staying on track with the projects that are in
motion and upcoming. Very appreciative of your flexibility!
Updated Meeting Schedule:
June 14: 5:30pm @ Ludwick Community Center
July 5: CANCELED
August 2 or 9: pending and will confirm at June 14 meeting to select best date
Potential agenda items and goals for June 14 meeting:
- Expecting to share updated Concept Plan for Righetti Park system (all three park layouts)
- Share and discuss budget impacts to the proposed Laguna Lake Dog Park project
- Status of Emerson Park project (potential for an initial concept plan… fingers crossed)
- Summer Program updates
- *if time allows, discussion on how staff and planning is utilizing the philosophy and data from the Level of
Service (LOS) ratio inventory (amenities) from Blueprint for park planning and upgrades.
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Avakian, Greg
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 4:41 PM
To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org>
Subject: PRC Meeting change? 6/7 v. 6/14
BCC: PRC
Good afternoon, PRC:
400
Staff are trying to confirm availability, as well as pending updated materials from RRM on final concept designs,
budgetary estimates for LLP Dog Park, initial concepts for Emerson Park.
Staff recommending the following PRC Meeting date changes:
1. Move June 7 to June 14
2. Cancel July 5
3. Hold August 2 or potentially move to August 9 to accommodate PRC and Staff (schools start that
week).
Please reply to me as soon as able on your individual availability in order to formalize the upcoming meeting
schedules.
Thanks,
-Greg
Greg Avakian
pronouns he/him/his
Director of Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3934
E gavakian@slocity.org
T 805.781.7120
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
403
From:Long, Erica
Sent:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 2:34 PM
To:Pringle, Brendan
Subject:RE: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Attachments:Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification Proposal.pdf
Hi Brendan,
By 10/29/23 we should have 50% plans.
Are the estimates below for how much we are planning to bill on the grant? If so, I would break down the
purchase order to pay the consultant for design and construction documents. We should be going into
construction in the summer of 2024, so most of the design contract will be spent minus the amount for
construction management.
Feel free to call if you have any questions.
404
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Pringle, Brendan <bpringle@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 11:33 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Hi Erica,
Just wanted to follow up on these 2 questions. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate, so tomorrow is fine too.
Thanks,
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bpringle@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Pringle, Brendan
Sent: Monday, May 22, 2023 1:17 PM
To: Long, Erica <ELong@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Hi Erica,
Thanks for sending this.
Aside from initial concept layouts, is there anything else expected to be completed by 10/29/23 for Emerson?
Would you be able to fill in your best estimates in this table?
405
Between
7/1/22 and
12/31/22
Between
1/1/23 and
6/30/23
Between
7/1/23 and
12/31/23
Between
1/1/24 and
6/30/24
Between
7/1/24
and
12/31/24
Between
1/1/25
and
6/30/25
After
7/1/25
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Thanks!
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bpringle@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 3:26 PM
To: Pringle, Brendan <bpringle@slocity.org>
Cc: Moore, Shelsie <smoore@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Hi Brendan,
Thank you for following up. I have processed the two attached invoices for this project for total expenditures of
$31,473.53. I just processed the latest invoice this week, and I am not sure if both invoices should show up under
‘invoices’ in Oracle. This project is currently on time and on budget. It should be completed in the last quarter of 2024.
We had a kickoff meeting in March 2023 with the consultant, SSA Landscape Architects, who the City hired for design
and construction documents for the project. Surveying is done, the geotechnical investigation started last week, and
the consultant is finishing up the initial concept layouts.
I don’t have any photos of work completed. I will start cc’ing you when I process the invoices. It would be great if you
could start requesting reimbursement.
Please let me know if you need any other information.
406
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Pringle, Brendan <bpringle@slocity.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 11:28 AM
To: Long, Erica <elong@slocity.org>
Subject: FW: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Just wanted to make sure you received, since the deadline to submit is EOM. If this should be filled out by a different
contact, please let me know.
Thanks!
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bpringle@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Pringle, Brendan
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 3:19 PM
To: Long, Erica <ELong@slocity.org>
Subject: Emerson Park - Status Report SW-40-002
Hi Erica,
Hope you’re having a great Monday.
Attached is the Status Report document for the Emerson Park Grant. Would you be the best person to help fill this
out?
Please let me know. The due date is June 1.
407
Also, just a note that we can begin requesting reimbursements, and I am more than happy to manage that part of it.
Please keep me posted as payments are made.
Thanks!
Brendan Pringle
Administrative Analyst
Parks & Recreation
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E bpringle@slocity.org
slocity.org
Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications
From: Glaudel, Kevin@Parks <Kevin.Glaudel@parks.ca.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 9:59 AM
To: Pringle, Brendan <bpringle@slocity.org>
Subject: Status Report SW-40-002
This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond.
Hi Brendan!
Per our conversation, please see the attached project status report for Emerson Neighborhood park due to me in 30 days.
Thank you!
Kevin Glaudel
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR EMERSON PARK AMENITY
UPGRADES AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT – CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO REV. 1
January 31, 2023
Erica Long – Project Manager II
City of San Luis Obispo
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401‐3218
A. PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
The scope of work contained herein is based on the Request for Proposal for the Emerson Park Amenity
Upgrades and Beautification project for the City of San Luis Obispo. This Request for Proposal was has
been presented to SSA Landscape Architects. Inc. as part of the City’s On‐Call Landscape Architectural
Services contract, Specification No. 50410.2018LA. This project includes the design of a ½ acre dog park,
prefabricated self‐cleaning restroom, drought tolerant landscaping, shade structures, bocce court
renovation and/or relocation, renovation and expansion of existing basketball courts, new playgrounds
for both the 2‐5 and 5‐12 age groups, replacement of existing perimeter fencing, replacement of an
existing drinking fountain and inclusion of an educational garden. A public mosaic will be included as
either part of the restroom building facade or placed elsewhere in the park.
SSA will serve as the prime consultant leading, collaborating, and managing the design and engineering
work of consultants hired by SSA. Anticipated consultants include a Geotechnical Engineer to document
existing soil conditions and provide recommendations sufficient for project consultants to design their
respective project components; a Civil Engineer will provide rough and fine grading of all elements,
sanitary sewer and water utilities for the proposed restroom structure, and stormwater management
services; an Electrical Engineer will provide design of court and site lighting sufficient for night time use as
well as power to the prefabricated restroom building; and a Structural Engineer will provide direction for
footing design for the restroom foundation, light fixtures, and shade structures. An allowance for an
Arborist, who will survey all trees in the area of work and provide guidance in relation to tree disposition
and potential construction impacts, has been included as an optional service.
The scope of work for the project is as follows:
PHASE ONE – CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
a.Data Collection: Collect and review all available existing conditions information from the CITY,
including as‐built plans, title reports, recorded easements, site reports, and any other existing
topographic survey information available.
b.Execute contracts and initiate topographic and geotechnic surveys and execute with
respective subconsultants.
c.Project Kick‐off: Attend a kick‐off meeting with the CITY to review the program, project goals,
project schedule and existing conditions. This meeting will establish communication protocol
and design review protocol by the CITY.
d. Site Analysis – Visit the site with the topographic survey to assess features, site access and
circulation, drainage and utilities, and identify opportunities and constraints.
e. Prepare and submit (2) Schematic Design concepts for amenities noted above based on the
Attachment B Site Plan. The Conceptual Plans will include material option concepts.
f. Prepare an initial estimate of probable construction costs for each concept.
g. Meet with the CITY via video conferencing to review the Schematic Design concepts.
h. Attend public meeting at Park to review proposed site designs. City to facilitate meeting, SSA
will prepare concept boards and presentation material, present concepts, and solicit
feedback during meeting.
i. Prepare presentation and present concepts and community meeting findings and input to the
Parks and Recreation Committee
j. Refine preferred concept per Parks and Recreation Committee comments for final concept
approval.
k. Coordinate with consultants, vendors and CITY via emails and phone calls throughout this
phase of work.
PHASE ONE DELIVERABLES
(2) Park Concepts
(1) Final Approved Concept
Preliminary Cost Estimate for each concept
(1) City Review Meeting
(1) Public Meeting
(1) PRC Meeting
PHASE TWO – DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
a. Based on the approved Conceptual Design, prepare base files for Design Development set
and subconsultant use.
b. Prepare and submit the 50% Design Development level plan set for the preferred design to
the CITY for approval. The plan set will include the following information which may be
consolidated to reduce sheet quantity where feasible. Additional consultant sheets for Civil
and Electrical scope of work will be incorporated into the plan set:
i. Existing Conditions and Demolition Plan
ii. Site Plan
iii. Accessibility Plan
iv. Architectural Floor Plan (for restroom building)
v. Layout Plan
vi. Irrigation Plan
vii. Planting Plan
viii. Construction Details and Sections
ix. Landscape Details
x. Outline Technical Specifications
xi. Update Opinion of Probable Construction Cost.
xii. Civil Plans
xiii. Structural Plans
xiv. Electrical Plans
c. Publish (1) electronic copy of 50% CD’s and submit for CITY review.
d. Meet with the CITY via video conferencing to review 50% CD comments
e. Allow for up to (2) meetings via video conferencing with project team to collaborate,
coordinate or review project issues.
f. Coordinate with Utility companies and submit NOI to construct at the park site.
g. Coordinate with CITY, design team, and vendors via emails and phone calls throughout this
phase of work.
PHASE TWO DELIVERABLES
50% PS&E
(1) City DD review meeting
(2) Design coordination meetings
PHASE THREE – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
a. Incorporate comments from previous submittal to prepare and submit the 90% Construction
Documents. CITY to coordinate Building Permit submittal (including printing sets, delivery,
completing forms, general submittal administration):
i. Existing Conditions and Demolition Plan
ii. Site Plan
iii. Accessibility Plan
iv. Architectural Floor Plan (restroom building)
v. Layout Plan
vi. Irrigation Plan
vii. Planting Plan
viii. Construction Details and Sections
ix. Landscape Details
x. Draft Technical Specifications
xi. Update Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
xii. Civil Plans
xiii. Structural Plans
xiv. Electrical Plans
xv. Itemized Building Review comment response letter
b. Publish (1) electronic copy of 90% PS&E and submit for CITY review.
c. Meet with the CITY to review 90% comments at CITY offices.
d. Walk site with 90% plans to confirm assumptions and identify potential conflicts.
e. Conduct in‐house plan check of SSA and consultant drawing sets prior to submittal and
incorporate revisions and CITY feedback into draft 100% CD’s to meet all applicable laws,
regulations, CITY standards, and other applicable requirements.
f. Prepare 100% estimate of probable construction costs.
g. Prepare 100% Technical Specifications in CSI format. Coordinate with CITY front end
specifications.
h. Publish (1) electronic copy of draft 100% CD’s and submit for CITY review.
i. Collect feedback from CITY and finalize/compile Bid Set Package.
j. Allow for up to (2) meetings via video conferencing with project design team for this phase of
work to collaborate, coordinate or review design, construction, budget or schedule.
k. Coordinate with CITY, design team, and vendors via emails and phone calls throughout this
phase of work.
PHASE THREE DELIVERABLES
90% PS&E
100% PS&E
Bid Set
(1) CITY document review meeting
(2) Design coordination meetings
PHASE FOUR – BID PHASE COORDINATION
a. Attend one pre‐bid meeting and walk‐through with bidding contractors and CITY.
b. Provide clarification and addenda throughout bid period as required.
c. Assist CITY with review and evaluation of bids.
d. Coordinate with CITY on the execution of a contract for construction with successful bidder.
PHASE FIVE – CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
a. Attend one Pre‐Construction Meeting to answer contractor questions and walk the site with
contractors.
b. Provide plan clarification and responses to contractor RFI’s throughout the construction
period as requested by the CITY.
c. Construction Meetings & Field Observations – attend up to (3) construction meetings to
review progress in the field as necessary. Provide site observation notes from each field
review.
d. Submittals – Review submittals, shop drawings and provide written approval, rejection or
correction directives. Review proposed substitutions for conformance to drawings and
technical specs, if any.
e. CCO’s – Review and make recommendations to the CITY if necessary. Change Order
preparation and management by others.
f. Perform one pre‐final acceptance walk‐through and prepare punch list.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
SSA may provide additional services, as requested in advance by CITY. Additional services will be
negotiated separately based on the billing rates contained in the “SSA Rate Schedule”. Additional services
may include, but are not limited to:
a. Cost estimating or value engineering services beyond those included above.
b. Revisions or re‐submittals beyond those included above.
c. Procurement of Biological Consultant.
d. CEQA coordination.
e. Unforeseen changes in the scope of work, design program, budget or schedule.
f. 3D modeling or renderings.
g. Submitting drawings for or any fees associated with permitting unless noted in scope above.
h. Additive or deductive alternates beyond what is included above, and any other service not
described within this Scope of Work.
FEE PROPOSAL
The fees for the above Scope of Work phases are as follows:
Phase One – Conceptual Design $73,408.00
Phase Two – Design Development $75,434.00
Phase Three – Construction Documents $169,046.00
Phase Four – Bid Phase Coordination $8,424.00
Phase Five – Construction Administration $31,399.00
Estimated Reimbursable Expenses $5,363.00
Allowance for Arborist $2,750.00
Allowance for Solar Design and Application $8,250.00
Total Proposed Fees $374,074.00
These services are proposed to be provided on an Hourly Not to Exceed basis. Fees will be billed monthly
based on the actual effort and expense in each phase.
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CITY
1. All Project related drawings, surveys and reports, including, but not limited to, those
requested in this Scope of Work
2. CITY review, comment and directives as requested by SSA
3. Procurement of any subconsultant that may be identified as necessary during the Project
4. Submittal to any necessary agencies for review and approval, including to the OWNER
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
Included in the FEE PROPOSAL is an allowance for expenses such as mileage at current federal rates,
plotting, printing and reproduction, shipping and postage. Billings for reimbursable expenses will be
submitted on or around the 25th of each month based on the actual cost for the previous month, per the
attached “SSA Rate Schedule”.
a.Data collection 6 4 4
b.Execute contracts and initiate surveys 8 8
c.Project kick-off meeting 2 2
d.Site Analysis 6 6
e.Prepare (2) design concepts 20 32 24
f.Prepare initial construction estimate 6 12
g.Meet with CITY to review concepts 2 2
h.Prepare materials and attend public meeting at park 16 24 24
i.Prepare presentation for concepts and present to PRC 8 8
j.Prepare final concept plan 6 8 8
k.Coordinate with consultants via email, phone 12 4
0 92 0 0 0 82 0 0 80 8 $45,204
$7,540 $8,294
$18,100 $19,910
$25,640 $28,204
$73,408
a.Prepare base files for DD set and subconsultant use 2 8
b.Submit 50% Design level plan set
i. Existing conditions 248
ii. Site Plan 4 16 24
iii. Accessibility Plan 2 2 6
iv. Architectural Floor Plan (Restroom) 2 4 8
v. Layout Plan 2 4 8
vi. Irrigation Plan 2 8 16
vii. Planting Plan 2 12 16
viii. Construction Details 8 20 24
ix. Landscape Details 2 2 4
x. Outline Tech Specs 2 6
xi. Update probable construction cost 2 2 4
xii. Civil Plan Review 4
xiii. Structural Plan Review 4
xiv. Electrical Plan Review 4
c.Submit 50% CD's to CITY 223
d.Meet with CITY to review 50% set 2 2
e.Allow up to (2) meetings with project team for review 4 4
f.Coordinate with utility and submit NOI for park 2 2 4
g.Coordinate with CITY, design team 12 4
0 66 0 0 0 94 0 0 133 0 $47,725
$5,860 $6,446
$19,330 21263
$25,190 $27,709
$75,434
a.Incorporate comments from CITY and prepare 90%CDs
i. Existing conditions 2812
ii. Site Plan 12 12 16
iii. Accessibility Plan 1 2 4
iv. Architectural Floor Plan (Restroom) 2 6 8
v. Layout Plan 1 12 16
vi. Irrigation Plan 6 16 20
vii. Planting Plan 4 16 20
viii. Construction Details 16 20 24
ix. Landscape Details 2 4 6
x. Draft Tech Specs 8 8
xi. Update probable construction cost 3 6
xii. Civil Plan Review 4
xiii. Structural Plan Review 4
xiv. Electrical Plan Review 4
xv. Itemized Building Review response letter 2 3
b.Submit 90% CD's to CITY 2 3
c.Meet with CITY to review 90% set 8 2
d.Conduct in-house plan check and prepare 100% CD's 12 24 32
e.Walk site with 90% plans to identify conflicts 3 6
Proposal No. P22056.00 Rev. 1
Date: 01-31-23
Director of DesignLandscape Designer l/AutoCAD TechSub Consultants
Multiplier 1.10
Consultant Subtotal
Sub Consultants
GeoSolutions
Phase Two SSA Subtotal
Phase One: Conceptual Design Senior Project ManagerPrincipalProject ManagerLandscape Architect lLandscape Designer ll/AutoCAD TechDetailed Breakdown of Landscape Architectural Services
for
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades
for
City of San Luis Obispo
MME
Consultant Subtotal
Aurum Consulting Engineers
MME
Phase Two: Design Development
Phase Three: Construction Documents
Phase One Total
Phase Two Total Administrative AssistantBASIC SERVICES
Associate PrincipalPhase One SSA Subtotal
Multipler 1.10Job Captain/Landscape Architect llSSA Landscape Architects, Inc.
Project Name
Proposal Number
1/31/2023
Page 1 of 2
Director of DesignLandscape Designer l/AutoCAD TechSenior Project ManagerPrincipalProject ManagerLandscape Architect lLandscape Designer ll/AutoCAD TechAdministrative AssistantBASIC SERVICES
Associate PrincipalJob Captain/Landscape Architect llf.Prepare 100% cost estimate 2 4 6
g.Prepare 100% technical specs 12
h.Submit 100% CD's to CITY 2 3
i.Prepare and submit bid set package 8 12 16
j. Allow up to (2) meetings for review with Design Team 4 4
k.Coordinate with CITY, design team 12 6
0 136 0 0 0 156 0 0 201 0 $82,377
$17,660 $19,426
$61,130 67243
$78,790 $86,669
$169,046
a.Attend on pre-bid meeting 8
b.Provide plan clarification and RFI responses 8 16.0
c.Assist CITY with review of bids 4
d.Coordinate with CITY - execution of construction contract 4
024000000160$7,520
$822 $904
0
$822 $904
$8,424
a.Attend on Pre-Construction meeting 8
b.Provide Plan Clarification and RFI responses 16 12
c.Attend up to (3) Construction Meetings 24
d.Review submittals 24 24
e.Review Change orders 12
f.One prefinal walk through - prepare punch list 8 3
092000039000$26,274
$4,659 $5,125
$6,490 7139
$4,659 $5,125
$31,399
Hours: 0 410 0 0 0 332 39 0 430 8
Rate: $241 $222 $218 $215 $178 $158 $150 $146 $137 $108
Extension: $0 $91,020 $0 $0 $0 $52,456 $5,850 $0 $58,910 $864
209100 $357,711
Estimated Reimbursable Expenses $2,000
MME Reimbursable Expenses $2,875
Allowance for Arborist $2,500
Allowance for Solar Design and Application $7,500
$14,875 Multiplier 1.10 $16,363
$374,074
Consultant Subtotal
Consultant Subtotal
Consultant Subtotal
Sub Consultants
Aurum Consulting Engineers
Phase Four SSA Subtotal
Phase Five SSA Subtotal
MME
Multiplier 1.10
Mulitplier 1.10
Mulitplier 1.10
Sub Consultants
MME
Sub Consultants
Aurum Consulting Engineers
Phase Three SSA Subtotal
The above breakdown represents our best estimate at this time and may change subject to future developments during the project. It is possible that some of the estimated manpower requirements for specific
task items may increase, while others may not require the entire anticipated effort. This provides us a greater degree of confidence in the overall project estimate, rather than in any given task.
Project Totals for In-house Staff
Reimbursable Expenses
Phase Three Total
Phase Four Total
Phase Four: Bid Phase Coordination
Phase Five: Construction Administration
Phase Five Total
Total Project Compensation
Subtotal Project Fees for Services
Aurum Consulting Engineers
MME
SSA Landscape Architects, Inc.
Project Name
Proposal Number
1/31/2023
Page 2 of 2
EXHIBIT B
STANDARD BILLING RATE SCHEDULE
Effective through December 31, 2023
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Principal Landscape Architect $248.00/Hour
Associate Principal $233.00/Hour
Senior Project Manager $225.00/Hour
Project Manager II $209.00/Hour
Project Manager I $185.00/Hour
Job Captain/Landscape Architect II $164.00/Hour
Landscape Architect I $156.00/Hour
Landscape Designer III $152.00/Hour
Landscape Designer II/AutoCAD Technician $149.00/Hour
Landscape Designer I $142.00/Hour
Staff Clerical/Administrative $111.00/Hour
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
Subconsultants Direct Billing x 1.10
In-House Office Services: As listed below x 1.10
Plotting:
Color Bond $4.65/sf
Black & White Bond $2.95/sf
Vellum $4.55/sf
Mylar $10.50/sf
Transparencies:
Color $3.25/each
Black and White $2.25/each
Color Laser Prints:
8.5 x 11 $.65/each
11 x 17 $.95/each
Blueprints:
24 x 36 $2.00/each
30 x 42 $2.50/each
Black & White Laser Prints:
8.5 x 11 $.10/each
11 x 17 $.15/each
CD Media:
CDR $6.00/each
Outside Reimbursable Expenses:
Reproduction, photography, shipping and postage,
miscellaneous expenses Direct Cost x 1.10
Travel:
Mileage Round Trip from SSA office Current IRS Rate
Other travel expenses Direct Cost x 1.10
January 5, 2023
Mr. Christian Harris
SSA Landscape Architects, Inc.
303 Potrero Street, Suite 40 - C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Re: Emerson Park
San Luis Obispo, CA
Aurum Project. 23-001.00
Dear Christian,
We are pleased to have this opportunity to provide a proposal for the electrical construction documents
design portion for the referenced project. Our fee proposal is based on the information emailed to us
on January 2nd, 2022 for the electrical design to provide power to pre-fabricated restroom building, Solar
Powered pole lights around the park and recreational lighting for basketball/multi-sport area.
We make the following proposal for consulting services:
50% Construction Documents
a. Review preliminary project design plans.
b. Review and coordinate comments from DD drawings.
c. Site visit to establish existing conditions.
d. Load calculations.
e. *Coordination with utility companies.
f. *Electrical service design.
g. Electrical service distribution.
h. Power and Lighting plans.
i. Equipment cut sheets and product literature.
j. Opinion of probable costs.
k. (2) web-based meetings with design team.
90% Construction Documents
a. Review and coordinate comments from 50% drawings.
b. Power and Lighting plans.
c. Electrical specifications.
d. Opinion of probable costs.
e. (2) web-based meetings with design team.
100% Construction Documents
a. Review and coordinate comments from 90% drawings.
b. Power and Lighting plans.
c. Electrical specifications.
d. Title 24 Calculations and documentation.
e. Opinion of probable costs.
f. Review and respond to City comments.
g. Provide 100% biddable construction documents.
h. (2) web-based meetings with design team.
Bidding & Construction Administration
a. Respond top bidder’s inquiries and request for clarifications.
b. Incorporate addenda bid documents into construction set of plans and specifications.
c. Review of submittals.
d. Review proposed substitutions.
e. Responding to questions from the field.
f. Review change orders.
g. (2) On site review of the Contractor’s work upon request.
h. Final walk through observation report of the completed work.
i. Prepared Record Drawings from redlines provided by contractor.
Our total fee for the services outlined above is as follows:
50% Construction Documents $5,860
90% Construction Documents $5,400
100% Construction Documents $4,400
Bidding & Construction Administration $5,481
Total fee $21,141*/**
*PG&E Application/Coordination/New Service (if Necessary): $7,860.
**Solar Photovoltaic System Design/Grid-Interconnection/Application/Process: Assumed by Others
Construction support includes review of submittals, responding to questions from the field, one on site
review of the Contractor’s work upon request and a final walk through observation report of the
completed work. Regularly scheduled job meetings during construction or periodic on-site inspections
are not included in our scope of work (weekly or bi-weekly meetings).
Not included in our basic scope of work:
a. Electrical Utility Design (power, telephone & cable TV) beyond the Project property lines.
b. Upgrade of existing on-site utilities (power, telephone & cable TV).
c. Fire Alarm System Design.
d. Electrical Service or Distribution Design.
e. Street lighting or control.
f. Data Cabling (or active electronics).
g. CATV System Design.
h. Telephone Cabling (or telephone switch design).
i. Title 24 Commissioning.
j. Title 24 certification, testing and documentation.
k. Green Building Code (Cal Green) voluntary measures.
l. Mechanical controls.
m. Emergency Generator Design.
n. Fire Pump Design.
o. Photovoltaic System Design.
p. Intrusion/Security System Design.
q. CCTV System Design.
r. As – built Drawings.
s. Power Coordination Study etc.
t. Preparation or review of energy rebate applications.
u. LEED Certification.
v. Value Engineering Reviews.
w. Design using Revit or other BIM software.
x. Structural Calculations.
2023 Hourly Rate Schedule
Engineering Director $ 217.00/hr.
Senior Project Manager $ 194.00/hr.
Project Manager $ 188.00/hr.
Electrical Designer $ 178.00/hr.
CADD Manager/ Drafter $ 139.00/hr.
Drafter $ 119.00/hr.
All drawings, details, specifications, reports, calculations and etc. are the property of Aurum Consulting
Engineers Monterey Bay, Inc. Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay, Inc. grants a one-time non-
exclusive license for one time use on this specific project for the engineering work covered by this
agreement and may not be used by the Client for any other endeavor without written consent.
The above proposed fee does not include fees assessed by agencies as a result of obtaining information,
plans, existing conditions, etc. in order to accomplish our Scope of Work. These will be considered out-
sourced expenses should they occur.
Additional compensation will be requested when:
• Revisions are requested after the substantial completion of the documents.
• It is necessary to review change orders not initiated by or as a result of our design.
• When additional work not in the scope of work listed above (included services) is requested.
Agreement Terms
An invoice for Aurum Consulting Engineers services will be submitted monthly. Invoices are payable
within 30 days after the invoice date.
Accounts unpaid 60 days after the invoice date may be subject to a monthly service charge of 1.5% (or
the legal rate) on the then unpaid balance. In the event any portion or all of an account remains unpaid
90 days after billing, the Client shall pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
If the client objects to any portion of the invoice, the Client shall notify Aurum Consulting Engineers in
writing within ten calendar days of receipt of invoice. The Client shall identify the specific cause of the
disagreement and shall pay when due that portion of the invoice not in dispute.
Any claims or disputes arising between Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc. and the Client
shall be submitted to non-binding mediation. The Client shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
indemnify and hold harmless Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc., Aurum Consulting
Engineers Monterey Bay Inc.’s officers, directors, employees, agents and sub consultants from and
against all damage, liability and costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees and defense costs, arising
out of or in any way connected with the performance by any of the parties above named of the services
under this agreement, excepting only those damages, liabilities, or costs attributed to the sole
negligence or willful misconduct of Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc.
In recognition of the relative risks, rewards and benefits of the project to both Aurum Consulting
Engineers Monterey Bay Inc. and the Client, the risks have been allocated such that the Client agrees
that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc.’s total
liability to the Client for any and all injuries, claims, losses, expenses, damages or claim expenses arising
out of this agreement from any cause or causes, shall not exceed Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey
Bay Inc. Insurance coverage in effect on the contract date. Such causes include, but are not limited to,
Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc. negligence, errors, omissions, strict liability, breach of
contract or breach of warranty.
This agreement may be terminated upon giving written notice by the Client or Aurum Consulting
Engineers Monterey Bay Inc. should the other fail to perform its obligation hereunder. In the event of
termination, the Client shall pay Aurum Consulting Engineers Monterey Bay Inc. for all services rendered
to the date of termination, all reimbursable expenses, and reimbursable termination expenses. Any
litigation between the parties shall be adjudicated in the County of Monterey, California.
Payment of invoices is in no case subject to unilateral discounting or set-offs by the Client and payment
is due regardless of suspension or termination of the Agreement by either party.
We trust that the above is in agreement with your understanding of our participation in this project and
meets with your approval. We are most interested in your input and if there is something about our
proposal which needs further explanation or if you would like to make adjustments in the scope-of-work
please contact us.
Please acknowledge your acceptance of this proposal by signing this letter below and returning a copy
to us. This Proposal and pricing will expire in 90 days if written agreement is not received.
Sincerely,
Najib Anwary, P.E., LEED AP (BD+C)
Sr. Project Manager
Accepted:
Signature: __________________________ Title: ____________________________
Name: _____________________________ Date: ____________________________
PROPOSAL FOR GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES
Dear Mr. Harris:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
GeoSolutions, Inc. presents this proposal to provide geotechnical services for the
proposed Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification project to be located at
Emerson Park, 1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo California. SSA Landscape
Architects, Inc. will hereafter be referred to as the client.
This proposal presents our project understanding, proposed scope of services,
preliminary schedule, and estimated costs associated with providing the following
project deliverables:
Soils Engineering Report
All work listed in this proposal shall be in accordance with the standard specifications
of the City of San Luis Obispo, the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), and/or
industry standard practices.
2.0 PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
Our project understanding is based on the RFP for the project, which was provided by
the City of San Luis Obispo. The proposed project will consist of renovating existing
facilities and constructing new facilities within the existing park. New facilities are to
include a restroom, play structure, and shade structures. Retaining walls may be
constructed as part of the proposed improvements. See Figure 1: Site Plan (provided
by the City of San Luis Obispo).
Figure 1: Site Plan (provided by City of San Luis Obispo)
DATE
January 6, 2023
PROJECT NUMBER
GS00320-1
CLIENT
SSA Landscape
Architects, Inc.
Attn: Christian Harris
303 Potrero St, Suite 40-C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
PROJECT NAME
Emerson Park Amenity
Upgrades and
Beautification Project
1341 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo
California
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
January 6, 2023 Project GS00320-1
2
The proposed structures are to be located throughout Emerson Park. The site is generally level, sloping
gradually downward to the southwest. This area is mapped as being underlain by Surficial Sediments (Qa).
Geotechnical information is requested for design and construction of foundations for the proposed
structures..
3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES
Based on our understanding of the project needs we propose the following scope of services.
3.1 Field Investigation
The proposed field
investigation will consist of
advancing five exploratory
borings to a maximum depth
of 15 feet (bgs). Anticipated
exploration locations are
provided in Figure 2:
Proposed Exploration Plan.
Actual exploration locations
will be based on drill rig
access, utility clearance, and
our understanding of the
project needs.
The explorations will be used
to determine the general site
suitability for the proposed
construction. The Project
Engineer will observe the
boring operations and record
the sub-surface soils and/or
bedrock conditions in Boring
Logs. During the field
investigation, sampling will
be performed at approximate
2.5 to 5.0-foot intervals. Bulk
and relatively undisturbed
soil/bedrock samples will be obtained in the field for classification and laboratory testing. The exploratory
borings will be backfilled, but not compacted, with on-site material.
Repair of damaged landscape will not be the responsibility of GeoSolutions, Inc. Prior to the field
investigation, pertinent published and unpublished geotechnical studies and literature of the subject project
area will be reviewed under the direction of the Project Engineer. A predrill site visit will be performed in
order to coordinate proposed exploration locations with the project team and/or mark for utility clearance
(USA Dig Alert). We assume no site access restrictions apply for our field investigation and that no permits
are required for our fieldwork.
3.2 Laboratory Testing
Selected soil samples that are considered to be representative of site conditions will be tested in our
laboratory, or an equivalent laboratory, in order to ascertain or derive relevant engineering properties.
Anticipated testing for the project may include:
Figure 2: Proposed Exploration Plan
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
January 6, 2023 Project GS00320-1
3
Soil Classification (ASTM D2487, D2488)
Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index (ASTM D4318)
Expansion Index (ASTM D4829)
Soil Particle Size Analysis (ASTM D422)
Laboratory Maximum Density (ASTM D1557)
Direct Shear (ASTM D3080)
3.3 Geotechnical Analysis and Report Preparation
Geotechnical engineering analyses will be performed using the data obtained during our literature review,
field investigation, and laboratory testing. The analyses will be used to help form our Soils Engineering
Report for the project providing geotechnical recommendations pertaining to:
Location and depth to bedrock, if encountered
Depth to groundwater, if encountered
Grading requirements
Processing of soils and depth of over-excavation
Drainage and erosion
Preliminary pedestrian pavement structural section
Bearing capacity
Minimum foundation depth and width parameters
Lateral earth pressures (active, at-rest, and passive resistance) and sliding resistance parameters
for the design of retaining walls and footings
Seismic design considerations including seismic lateral earth pressures
A digital copy (pdf) of this report will be emailed to the client and/or client representative.
4.0 SCHEDULE
Receipt of the signed agreement for professional services signifies the start of the schedule. Please note
this schedule is only approximate and is subject to change; weather and site access can affect the
schedule time frame.
Field investigation: within approximately four to five weeks of receiving signed agreement.
Laboratory analysis: within approximately two to three weeks of field investigation.
Report preparation: within approximately two weeks of laboratory analysis.
The report(s) will be submitted within approximately eight to ten weeks of receipt of your written
authorization to proceed.
To initiate the proposed services, please sign and return a copy of the included Agreement for
Professional Services. Upon receipt of the signed copies of the Agreement for Professional
Services, we will promptly schedule the fieldwork for the proposed scope of services and return a
counter-signed Agreement for Professional Services. Any alterations to the original Agreement for
Professional Services may result in a delay of the proposed services or our inability to execute
those services.
Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
January 6, 2023 Project GS00320-1
4
5.0 FEE ESTIMATE
Our fees for the proposed geotechnical services include a Soils Engineering Report (field investigation,
laboratory testing, and report). We understand this is a prevailing wage project. A breakdown of costs
associated with performing our proposed work scope is provided. Our fees are based on a flat rate and are
as follows:
Soils Engineering Report
Field Investigation $ 3,640.00
Laboratory Testing $ 1,900.00
Report Preparation $ 2,000.00
TOTAL: $ 7,540.00
We will not incur expenditures above $ 7,540.00 without your prior authorization.
6.0 TERMINATION OF SERVICES
This contract may be terminated by either party. Any fees accrued by GeoSolutions, Inc. after receipt of the
signed Agreement for Professional Services and retainer will be deducted from said retainer and the
remainder returned to the issuer of the retainer.
7.0 ADDITIONAL GEOTECHNICAL AND INSPECTION SERVICES
GeoSolutions, Inc. assumes that it will be retained to provide additional services during future phases of
the proposed project. These services would be provided by GeoSolutions, Inc. as required by the City of
San Luis Obispo, the 2022 CBC, and/or industry standard practices. These services would be in addition
to those included in this document.
8.0 PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
It is the responsibility of the Client and/or the Client Representative to provide access to the project site for
our testing equipment. The locating of any underground utility within the property limits is the responsibility
of the Client and/or the Client Representative. If the Client/Client Representative is uncertain about the
locations of underground utilities, you should hire a professional locating service.
We will contact Underground Service Alert (USA) to locate utilities in the public right of away and exercise
caution during field investigation. If paint is used to mark utility locations, GeoSolutions, Inc. will not remove
paint marks. GeoSolutions, Inc. will not be liable for damage or injury arising from damage to existing
utilities.
It should be noted when drilling on or near developed properties, we will attempt to minimize damage to the
existing landscape, hardscape, and/or pavement areas. GeoSolutions, Inc. will not be liable for damage to
existing landscape, hardscape, and pavements.
If available, topographic maps and a preliminary layout should be provided to us. Any change in the layout
could necessitate additional work. Review of subsequent plan changes and/or other project requirements
would be charged as additional cost in accordance with our fee schedule. We request that any previous
geologic or geotechnical reports conducted for the site be submitted to us.
9.0 CLOSURE
This proposal, including, but not limited to, the terms of payment, proposed services, and schedule for
proposed services, is valid for 90 days from the proposed date.
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Project Description: Provide geotechnical services associated with a Soils Engineering Report
in accordance with this proposal dated January 6, 2023
This Agreement is entered into by and between GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. and the CLIENT as follows:
1. GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. agrees to perform professional services at the Project name described to the left, or elsewhere
as appropriate, the scope of which services is briefly described above. Client acknowledges that the “Exhibit A” applicable
to project and date listed above is hereby made part of this Agreement for Professional Services.
2. Unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing, GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. services shall be performed on a fixed fee and/or
time and materials basis in accordance with the proposal and/or fee schedule attached to this Agreement. Any estimate
of the total cost for the scope of work described herein is provided in good faith, but is intended as an estimate only in
recognition of the many variables that may affect the execution of professional services (including, without limitation,
conditions in the field, coordination with other trades, field change orders, and the like).
3. All fees and other charges attributable to this Agreement shall be invoiced at completion of services. Release of work
product to Client is contingent upon receipt of client payment in full to GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. unless otherwise specifically
agreed to in writing by both parties. Invoices are due and payable upon receipt. After thirty (30) days, late charges shall
accrue on invoices at the rate of 1% per month. Should Client dispute any fee or charge, written notice of such dispute
must be provided to GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. within thirty (30) days after invoice date; otherwise, invoiced items and
amounts shall be conclusively presumed correct. If it becomes necessary for GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. to file suit to collect
any sum due for professional fees or costs, the prevailing party in such collection action shall be entitled to reasonable
attorney's fees and costs incurred therein.
4. Any change order or expansion or modification of the scope of work, or additional services to be provided by
GEOSOLUTIONS, INC., shall be agreed upon in writing, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable to do so, and such
modified or additional work shall be governed by each and every provision of this Agreement; provided, however, that
Client's acceptance of the work as modified or enlarged shall be deemed a waiver of any requirement of a written change
order associated therewith.
5. To the fullest extent permitted by law, and not withstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the total liability, in
the aggregate, of GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. and GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.’S officers, directors, partners, employees, agents
and subconsultants, and any of them, to the Client and anyone claiming by, through or under the Client, for any and all
claims, losses, costs or damages of any nature whatsoever arising out of, resulting from or in any way related to the Project
or the Agreement from any cause or causes, including but not limited to the negligence, professional errors or omissions,
strict liability, breach of contract or warranty, express or implied, of GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. or GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.’S
officers, directors, employees, agents or subconsultants, or any of them, shall not exceed the total compensation received
by GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. under this Agreement, or the total amount of $35,000 whichever is greater.
6. GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. shall perform professional services hereunder in accordance with generally accepted
professional practice in its fields of specialty. No other warranty or representation of quality or result, either express or
implied, is included or intended in our proposal, agreements or reports. Any and all reports or other findings, conclusions
or recommendations provided to Client by GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. shall be strictly subject to the conditions and limitations
stated therein. Any material departure from such conditions or limitations by Client shall relieve GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.
of any liability which would otherwise arise in connection with such reports or recommendations.
7. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.
from any and all liability, costs, loss, damages, or judgments arising directly or indirectly out of the conduct of Client, its
employees, subcontractors, design professionals, agents, suppliers, and representatives, regardless of whether or not the
active or passive fault of GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. contributed to the claim, loss, damage or liability.
8. In the event that Client requests termination of the services contemplated by this Agreement prior to the completion
thereof, GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. reserves the right to complete such analyses, records, and reports as may be necessary
to place its file in order and reasonably to protect its reputation for professional competence. All files, drawings, samples,
field notes, and reports, including the authorized submission of final reports to public agencies, shall remain the property
of GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. until GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. has received payment in full for fees and costs billed hereunder.
The actual or threatened use of any such material in contravention of GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.'S ownership rights hereunder
shall be grounds for appropriate injunctive relief.
9. GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. will diligently proceed to complete the professional services described in this Agreement in a
timely manner. However, it is expressly agreed that GEOSOLUTIONS, INC. shall not be held responsible for delays in
performance occasioned by factors beyond GEOSOLUTIONS, INC.'S control.
Client:
SSA Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Signature: _______________________
Date:
DATE
January 6, 2023
PROJECT NUMBER
GS00320-1
CLIENT
SSA Landscape
Architects, Inc.
Attn: Christian Harris
303 Potrero St, Suite 40-C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
PROJECT NAME
Emerson Park Amenity
Upgrades and
Beautification Project
1341 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo
California
GeoSolutions, Inc.
Kelly Robinson, GE 3118
Signature: _______________________
Date:
January 11, 2023
Christian Harris
Associate Principal
SSA Landscape Architects, Inc.
303 Potrero Street, Suite 40-C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Re: Proposal to Provide Civil and Structural Engineering Services
for Emerson Park Amenity Upgrades and Beautification
MME Project No: 22162
Dear Christian,
Thank you for asking MME to provide your engineering services, accordingly we have
prepared the following proposal for your review. We have over 30 years of local civil
and structural engineering experience and look forward to working with you.
Project Understanding
This project consists of the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing amenities at
Emerson Park in San Luis Obispo, California. These improvements primarily include a
new fully accessible pre-fabricated public restroom, improvements to the dog park,
relocated bocce courts, expanded basketball court, new playground, new fencing,
improved solar safety lighting, site lighting, fencing, and (3) new shade structures at
the dog park, playground, and exercise equipment. We understand that a major goal
of the project is to utilize rain barrels to collect storm water for use at the community
garden.
We anticipate that the added and replaced impervious area for this project will be less
than 22,500 SF. With the added/replaced impervious areas greater than 15,000 SF
and less than 22,500 SF, the project will need to provide performance requirements 1,
2, & 3 in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Adopted Post Construction
Requirements (Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board), dated July 12,
2013. These requirements include site design and runoff reduction, water quality
treatment, and runoff retention.
We understand that the project is being funded by Proposition 68 State Parks grant
funding and will therefore need to comply with recent Prop 68 requirements. The
approximate project budget is $2.8 million.
Our work will generally include the civil engineering (CE) services to prepare
construction documents including plans, specifications and estimates for use in
competitive bidding and construction of this project.
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 2 of 7
Scope of Proposed Services
The scope of our services is based on a review of the conceptual drawings,
observations made during a visit to the site, and discussions with you. Based on this
information, we intend to provide the following services:
Design Phase Services
Phase One – Conceptual Design
1. Participate in correspondence with you and members of the design team as
may be required to accomplish the tasks identified during this phase.
2. Prepare a topographic field survey of the site to provide a base map for design.
Contact utilities companies to request maps of utilities in the project area and
surrounding streets. We will survey ground features such as fences, slopes,
pavements, building corners, driveways, major trees, and visible improvements
or utilities at ground level. We will prepare a topographic map at about 10 scale
with 2’ contours and elevations of ground features deliverable in AutoCAD and
PDF. Survey will be an Engineering Survey based on local assumed datum
and basis of bearings and will not be a Boundary Survey and will not include
historical research, deeds, easements, legal descriptions, reconciliation of
maps, filing records of survey, setting corners or determining property
boundaries.
Develop a scope of services and subcontract to provide underground utility
location markings at the site and surrounding street (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Site overview map from RFP
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 3 of 7
3. Review the Geotechnical Investigation from the City.
4. Prepare structural design of foundations for prefabricated restroom, three shade
structures, large playground structures, site light poles, and fencing.
5. Prepare and deliver one set of Schematic Design (SD) civil and structural
engineering drawings of the selected alternative with sufficient detail to fix and
describe the character of the systems contemplated for use on this project. SD
drawings will be about 50% complete when compared to the final drawings.
Drawings will include:
i) Impervious area plan with drainage area calculations and
mitigation areas
ii) Site grading and drainage plan with inlets, outlets, pipes for storm
drainage and preliminary ADA grading scheme
iii) Utility Plan for prefabricated restroom sewer and water
connections, and possibly replacement water fountain
connections if needed
iv) Foundation plan for prefabricated restroom, shade structures, and
playground structures
v) Key Structural Details
6. Prepare an opinion of estimated construction costs for the portions of the
project represented by our drawings.
7. Provide the administrative support necessary for us to perform these services.
Phase Two – Final Design
1. Participate in correspondence with you and members of the design team as
may be required to accomplish the tasks identified during this phase.
2. Attend a meeting with you and other members of the design team to review and
discuss the previously submitted schematic drawings and to resolve any
identified conflicts between the various disciplines.
3. Prepare a Drainage Memo.
4. Prepare and deliver 90% engineering drawings sufficiently detailed for
competitive bidding and for guidance of a qualified, experienced contractor
during construction of the proposed improvements. These Drawings will be
submitted for the Building Permit Application. Drawings to be furnished will
include:
i) Cover
ii) Site grading plan
iii) Site drainage plan with inlets, outlets, pipe sizes and lengths for
storm drainage and restroom sewer lateral
iv) Storm Water Control Plan with impervious areas
v) Utility Plan
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 4 of 7
vi) Erosion control plan
vii) Site Details
viii) Foundation plan for prefabricated restroom, shade structures, and
playground structures
ix) Key Structural Details
5. Prepare and deliver a preliminary set of technical specifications in MS Word.
6. Prepare an opinion of estimated construction costs for the portions of the
project represented by our drawings.
7. Assist in obtaining approval of our parts of the project by the Building Official by
responding to one set of plan check comments.
8. Complete the design and preparation of 100% level drawings incorporating
Building Permit submittal comments and revisions.
9. Complete the preparation of 100% level technical specifications incorporating
Building Permit submittal comments and revisions.
10. Update the final 100% opinion of estimated construction costs for the portions
of the project represented by our drawings.
11. Prepare final civil engineering calculations for earthwork volumes, storm and
sanitary sewer systems, and other portions of the civil site improvements.
12. Prepare final structural engineering calculations for foundations.
13. Revise Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate as requested by City Engineer,
for use in bidding and construction of the project.
14. Provide the administrative support necessary for us to perform these services.
Phase Three – Construction Administration
1. Participate in correspondence with you and members of the design team as
may be required to accomplish the tasks identified during this phase.
2. Participate in a pre-construction meeting to answer questions about design
intent or about interpretation of the documents prior to work at the site.
3. Prepare and issue bulletins in response to RFI’s during construction, if needed,
for clarification of our drawings or specifications.
4. Review submittals and shop drawings, submitted through and checked by the
General Contractor, for general compliance with the intent and requirements of
our Construction Documents. Re-review of any submittals more than two
resubmittals would be considered Additional Services.
5. Provide the administrative support necessary for us to perform these services.
Additional Services
Additional Services are those items which are not specifically mentioned under the
scope of proposed Design Phase services outlined above and/or those items which
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 5 of 7
arise as a result of unforeseen circumstances during the design or construction
phases of the project. Any Additional Services and compensation shall be authorized
by the Client in advance and in writing or acknowleged and confirmed by email.
Because the remodeling and/or rehabilitation of an existing building or infrastructure
requires that certain assumptions be made regarding existing conditions, all the
construction details can seldom be precisely shown on the drawings before the work of
construction begins. Therefore, unforeseen field conditions will generate a certain
amount of Additional Services work and expense due to no fault of anyone and we
recommend the Owner carry a bigger contingency for additional design fee and
additional construction cost to address unknown existing conditions.
The following is a partial list of work excluded from this scope of services: Existing
Underground Utility Location, Irrigation, Geotechnical Engineering, Caltrans
Encroachment Permits, Environmental Assessments or Permits, Hazardous Materials
Services, Architecture or Waterproofing, Mechanical, Electrical or Traffic Engineering,
Pumps and Hydromodification Analysis, FEMA studies, Arborists Reports, Tree
Protection Plans, Traffic Control Plan, Construction Staging Plans, SWPPP, Signalized
Intersections and Crosswalks, Bid Alternates, Value Engineering, Construction
Inspection, Front End Specifications, Expedited Schedule, Demolition Plans and
Construction Contracts.
Deliverables
At the following points in the design process, we will furnish the following deliverables
to you for your use, review and comment:
Topographic Survey – AutoCAD format and PDF format
Schematic Design 50% – Two conceptual plans, one set of plans (with selected
alternative), and cost estimate in electronic PDF format
Design Development 90% – One set of plans, one cost estimate, and one
preliminary drainage memo in electronic PDF format, and one set of preliminary
technical specifications in MS Word format.
Construction Documents 100% – One set of plans, one cost estimate, one set of
calculations in electronic PDF format, and one set of technical specifications in MS
Word format.
Final Construction Documents– One set of signed plans on bond paper, three sets
of signed calculations, one cost estimate, and one final drainage memo in
electronic PDF format and one set of signed technical specifications in MS Word
format.
Time Schedule
Based on our present workload, we could begin work on this project within two weeks
of receiving a signed copy of this proposal. The work will be completed pursuant to a
mutually agreed upon schedule.
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 6 of 7
Compensation for Services
Compensation for all services rendered in connection with this project will be based on
time and expenses charged in accordance with our Schedule of Standard Billing
Rates. Based on information available to us at this time, it is our opinion the estimated
cost of our services will be Hourly Not To Exceed the amount shown in the attached
Engineering Fee Estimate.
Thank you for the opportunity to prepare this proposal. Should you have any questions
please call me. We look forward to working together with you.
Respectfully yours,
Rodney Cahill, P.E.
Principal
Engineering Fee Estimate
prepared for SSA
CE and SE Services for Emerson Park
Mesiti-Miller Engineering, Inc.
MME Project Number: 22162
1/11/2023
Item Task Description Total
Principal Engineer Engineer Engineer Engineer Engineer Admin Fee
Engineer V IV III II I Assist
$230 $220 $200 $170 $150 $130 $95
Phase One - Conceptual Design
1 Correspondence 4 1 1 2 $1,590
2 Topographic Survey 16 80 $15,680
3 Review Geotechnical 1 4 $830
4SDs $0
i. Impervious Area Plan 1 4 4 $1,510
ii. Grading and Drainage Plan 8 8 16 $5,600
iii. Utility Plan 4 8 16 $4,680
iv. Foundation Plans 1 16 $3,430
v. Key Structural Details 1 8 $1,830
5 Cost Estimate 1 4 2 2 $1,670
6 Administration 1 4 $610
Subtotals: 38 0 29 23 124 0 4 $37,430
Phase Two - Final Design
1 Correspondence 4 1 1 1 $1,440
2 Meeting 2 2 $760
3 Drainage Memo 2 16 4 $3,780
4 90% Plans $0
i. Cover 2 $300
ii. Grading Plan 2 24 6 $5,440
iii. Drainage Plan 2 4 16 $3,540
iv. SWCP 2 12 4 $3,100
v. Utility Plan 1 12 4 $2,870
vi. Erosion Control Plan 1 2 4 $1,170
vii. Site Details 1 2 4 $1,170
viii. Foundation Plan 1 32 $6,630
ix. Key Structural Details 1 12 $2,630
5 90% Tech Specs 4 24 4 24 $10,000
6 90% Cost Estimate 1 8 2 8 $3,370
7 Plan Check 1 2 1 4 $1,400
8 100% Plans 2 8 4 16 $5,140
9 100% Tech Specs 2 4 2 4 $2,200
10 100% Cost Estimate 1 2 2 $930
11 CE Calculations 1 6 $1,130
12 SE Calculations 1 6 $1,430
13 Revise Final PS&E 4 4 $1,400
14 Administration 4 4 $1,300
Subtotals: 36 0 103 86 115 0 4 $61,130
Personnel and Hourly Billing Rates
Phase Three - Construction Administration
1 Correspondence 1 1 1 $580
2 Pre-con Meeting 2 2 $800
3 RFI Response 2 4 8 $2,460
4 Review Submittals 1 4 8 $2,230
5 Administration 1 2 $420
Subtotals: 70921702 $6,490
Services Subtotal: $105,050
Reimbursable Expenses
1 Plotting and Delivery $0
2 Mileage 200 0.625 $125
3 Subconsultant Utility Markings Allowance (x 1.10)2500 1.1 $2,750
Subtotals: $2,875
Services and Expenses Subtotal: $107,925
This is our estimate based on currently available information. We may redistribute compensation between phases to be consistent with the
hours of services provided, but shall not exceed the total unless approved by the Client. This estimate is based on hourly rates effective through
December 2023.
Proposal for Emerson Park
MME Project No: 22162
January 11, 2023
Page 7 of 7
Schedule of Standard Billing Rates
Effective through December 31, 2023
Professional Services
Engineer I $ 130 / hour
Engineer II $ 150 / hour
Engineer III $ 170 / hour
Engineer IV $ 200 / hour
Engineer V $ 220 / hour
Principal Engineer $ 230 / hour
Expert Witness Services $ 380 / hour
Deposition, court appearance and preparation
Administrative Assistant $ 95 / hour
CAD Technician I $ 90 / hour
CAD Technician II $ 110 / hour
Field Technician I $ 115 / hour
Field Technician II $ 140 / hour
Minimum Consultation Fee $ 1,000
Field Survey (Prevailing Wage)
Chief of Party $235 / hour
Instrumentman $225 / hour
Chainman / Rodman $215 / hour
Flagperson / Pedestrian Monitor $170 / hour
Reimbursable Expenses
Sub-Consultants Direct Billing x 1.10
Outside Services Direct Cost x 1.15
Printing, delivery, equipment rental and other direct project expenses
In-House Services
Photocopies $ 0.10 sheet
Plotting -internal check plots / plots on bond $ 2.00 sheet
-final plots on mylar $ 10.00 sheet
Travel
Automobile mileage $ 0.625 mile
Airfare, Car Rental, etc. Direct Cost x 1.15
Per Diem Allowance (varies by location) $ 197/day
\\svr2016\projects\22162 ssa - emerson park\proposal\proposal or soq work docs\22162_emerson park_proposal.docx
1
Subject:PRC Presentation: Emerson Park Concept Layouts
Location:995 Palm St (995 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, California 93401)
Start:Wed 8/16/2023 5:30 PM
End:Wed 8/16/2023 7:00 PM
Recurrence:(none)
Meeting Status:Accepted
Organizer:Long, Erica
Required Attendees:Moore, Shelsie; Christian Harris; Jessica Benet
Optional Attendees:Hyfield, Devin; Avakian, Greg
Call Handling Mode 2:2
8/15/23 – Updating the meeting location to the Library Community Room at 995 Palm Street. -Erica
8/11/23 – I have added an excel version of the survey data where you can see the write-in feedback on each
layout. I am almost done with the PowerPoint and will share that with everyone soon for review. - Erica
Good morning,
The meeting agenda for the August 16th Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting will be posted by the end of
today. https://www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Attached is the online survey data from Open City Hall. The PowerPoint presentation is coming soon.
https://www.slocity.org/government/advisory-bodies/agendas-and-minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission
Thank you,
Erica Long
Project Manager II
Public Works
919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E elong@slocity.org
T 805-783-7758
slocity.org
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