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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/02/2008, C4 - APPROVAL OF A 12-MONTH PILOT SLACKLINING PROGRAM IN MEADOW PARK Meeay D.e / pI/ 00 __— council -- - j acEnaa Repout CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO FROM: Betsy Kiser, Parks and Recreation Directoo SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A 12-MONTH PILOT SLACKLINING PROGRAM IN MEADOW PARK CAO RECOMMENDATION As recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Approve a 12-month pilot program to allow slacklining to take place in a designated area of Meadow Park subject to established City rules and regulations; and 2. Adopt a resolution that temporarily suspends enforcement of Section 12.24.130 (Protection of Trees) of the Municipal Code when such apparent violation stems from slacklining activity occurring in the specifically designated area in Meadow Park. DISCUSSION Slacklining—A Definition "Slacklining, the act of balancing and walking on a semi-loose suspended line, first emerged in the early 1980's among rock climbers in Yosemite National Park. Using one-inch wide nylon webbing suspended between a pair of trees, "slackers," as they call themselves, practice walking tightrope style (though the line is slack) back and forth on the line. They also perform spins, jumps and yoga poses, and even surf the line, balancing as it swings like a pendulum."] Originally used as a cross training method for climbing, today, athletes enjoy slacklining for a variety of benefits, including balance, relaxation, mental focus, and recreation. Its meditative quality is engaging and avid slackers say the emerging sport builds patience and a greater sense of mind-body awareness that can be used in other sports such as climbing, snowboarding, skiing and gymnastics or.as a stand-alone recreation activity. It is said to be challenging and addictive. The sport is appealing also because it requires very little gear. With minimal investment, a slacker can get started with five carabiners, webbing, runners, a pulley system, and "tree friendlies" to protect the trees (see Attachment 1 for article on Slacklining). Anders,Mark."The Jedi Gym: Give your sports performance a boost with slackline crosstraining." ACE Fitness Matters November/December 2004:5-7 it 12-Month Pilot Slacklining Program Page 2 Present Situation In January 2008, the City Attorney received a query from Mr. Jerry Miszewski, a Cal Poly student, regarding him being prohibited by City staff from participating in slacklining in our City parks. He indicated that he was barred from the activity due to issues related to liability and possible damage to trees. The City Attorney asked that the Parks and Recreation Department look into the matter and respond to Mr. Miszewski's request. Staff initially discussed slacklining with the City Arborist, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, Risk Manager, and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority' (CJPIA) and reviewed existing City policies in order to develop a temporary policy to guide the activity until a more thorough investigation could be conducted and a permanent policy established. The Parks and Recreation Director ultimately established a temporary policy banning slacklining in City parks based on the following concerns: 1. CJPIA recommended against allowing the activity, unless the City designated a specific area for slacklining. 2. Section 12.24.130 (Protection of Trees) of the Municipal Code states that no person shall post any sign on any tree, tree stake or guard, or fasten any guy wire, cable or rope to any tree, tree-stake or guard. Subsequently, Mr. Miszewski was informed of the temporary policy and invited to attend a Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting to express his interest in slacklining and request further consideration of the activity by the Commission. On March 5 and again on April 2, 2008, Mr. Miszewski spoke to the PRC during Public Comment about the sport of slacklining and requested that the Commission agendize the item to determine its appropriateness for inclusion in City parks. The PRC reviewed Mr. Miszewski's request for slacklining at its June 4, 2008 meeting and appointed a sub-committee to review information on slacklining and return to the Commission with a recommendation for action. The sub-committee consisted of Commissioners Havas, Hensinger, and Kincaid, stakeholders Jerry Miszewski and John Knight, and staff from the City parks maintenance, urban forest, and recreation divisions. The PRC also agreed to a slacklining demonstration at Meadow Park during the July 9, 2008 annual park tour and invited sub-committee members to attend. Slacklining Demonstration During Annual Park Tour Several "slackers" provided a slacklining demonstration to the PRC, sub-committee and City staff at Meadow Park during the annual park tour. Three lines were anchored to trees at varying heights and distances, and "slackers" demonstrated slacklining skills ranging from basic to advanced. Information on proper anchoring and protection systems for the trees, acceptable tree size and bark 2 The City is self-insured through CJPIA for general liability coverage. CJPIA is an insurance pool of more than 120 member agencies,including over 100 cities,based in Southern California.CJPIA Risk consultants advise member agencies on risk avoidance,claims control,and transfer of risk in order to eliminate or reduce exposures. cy �?- 12-Month Pilot Slacklining Program Page 3 texture, and gratifying and challenging course elements were shared and discussed. Attendees were encouraged to try slacklining with the assistance of spotters. Recommendations of the Sub-Committee to the PRC On July 16, 2008,the sub-committee met to determine the feasibility of accommodating slacklining in City parks. Of most concern during the discussion was the ability to: 1) properly protect trees over time; and 2) effectively monitor the program for compliance with established rules. 1. Trees vs. Bollards. Park maintenance and urban forest staff expressed a serious concern about the possibility of slacklining damaging the park trees and preferred instead to use bollards placed in two or three locations within a specified area of Meadow Park. However, the consensus of the sub- committee was to recommend a 12-month monitored pilot program using trees identified by the City Arborist.The rationale for using trees rather than bollards was based on the following: a. Limited empirical data on the incidence of tree damage caused by slacklining, especially with appropriate tree protection; b. Front-end costs associated with the installation and on-going maintenance of bollards, given that the program is proposed as a pilot program with periodic reviews of tree impacts and no assurance of program continuance beyond a year. c. Limited ability to create a challenging course that "slackers" would want to return to using bollards. 2. Effective Monitoring of the Program. City staff also expressed concern for their ability to effectively monitor a new program given existing workloads. A recommendation was made for the Ranger Service division to partner with Parks Maintenance division to assure day-to-day compliance with rules and regulations. The rangers will take the lead role in patrolling the area and enforcing rules. However, on-site parks maintenance staff will support the rangers by reporting observed abuses to Ranger Service for follow-up or requesting compliance of the users if they feel comfortable in doing so. As with other enforcement issues in our parks, police officers are always available as back-up on weekends. 3. Proposed Program_ After much discussion and careful consideration of all concerns expressed during the meeting, the sub-committee developed a recommendation to accommodate a pilot slacklining program in a select City park. On August 6, 2008, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and approved the recommendations of the sub-committee for final action by the City Council (see Attachment 2 for PRC minutes). Program recommendations include the following: a. Establish a 12-month pilot slacklining program, so that the slacklining activities can be monitored and the effects on City's parks, particularly the effects on park trees, can be evaluated. b. For the pilot program, designate a specific slacklining area in Meadow Park only. Identify and flag trees that are appropriate for the activity (in size, bark thickness, location, etc.). (Meadow Park was chosen over other parks because it best met the objectives of the City arborist and parks maintenance staff; it lends itself well to the e`11 _19 12- Month Pilot Slacklining Program Page 4 monitoring program; and it has the meditative ambiance "slackers" strive for when slacklining.) c. Implement and post a tree anchor and protection system that has been approved by the City Arborist. d. Approve and post rules for slacklining, including: 1. Adequate tree/anchor protection must be used at all times. 2. Lines shall not exceed five feet in height. 3. Lines shall not block or cross walkways or sidewalks. 4. Lines shall be tied only to trees designated for use (no playground apparatus, alder and other soft-barked trees). 5. Lines shall not be left unattended or left up overnight (may be up only when in use) 6. Slacklining may occur only during daylight hours. All lines must be removed at sundown. e. Develop a monitoring program. Work with the Ranger Service Program and Parks Maintenance to assure day-to-day compliance with rules. Work with parks maintenance staff, the City Arborist and recreation staff to provide a 3-month, 6-month and 1-year review of the program and report findings to the Parks and Recreation Commission. City Liability The City's Risk Manager consulted with the CJP1A on the proposed slacklining program. The City was the first member agency to contact CJPIA about slacklining in City parks. The recommendation from CJPIA was that if the City were to allow this activity, it should be within a designated area, as proposed by the PRC. Since this would not be a directly supervised activity it would not be feasible to get participant waivers for this activity. Slacklining does not meet the definition of hazardous recreational activity under Government Code§ 831, so there would be no special liability immunities for the City if it allows this activity. Since this is a relatively new activity, a pilot program would allow the City to monitor it for liability issues as well as potential damage to City trees. Tree Ordinance As indicated above, the City's Municipal Code Section 12.24.130.D.3 (Tree Regulations — Protection of Trees) prohibits anyone from posting any sign on any tree, tree stake or guard, or fasten any guy wire, cable or rope to any tree, tree-stake or guard. In order for slacklining to take place in City parks permanently, the code would have to be amended. In discussions with the City Attorney, recognizing that the City has discretion with regard to enforcement of its own ordinances, it was suggested that rather than pursuing an amendment to the Tree Regulations at this time while evaluating the impacts of slacklining using a pilot program, Council may adopt a resolution temporarily suspending enforcement of Section 12.24.130.D.3 for one year if the activity occurring is in conjunction with slacklining. If, after a year, there is a desire to make the program permanent, staff would return to Council with an ordinance amending the Muncipal Code to specifically exempt_ slacklining related activity from the Tree Regulations (see Attachment 3 for Resolution). c,4 y 12- Month Pilot Slacklining Program Page 5 Next Steps If Council approves the 12-month pilot slacklining program, staff will develop an administrative program that implements and enforces regulations and standards on slacklining that includes the following: 1. Working with the City Arborist to identify a specific area in Meadow Park for slacklining, appropriate trees to serve as anchors, and appropriate tree protection standards for use by "slackers". (Staff has completed the first two tasks — see Attachment 4). 2. Finalizing rules and regulations to guide the program. 3. Developing an effective monitoring system that evaluates the impact on trees. 4. Developing appropriate signage distinguishing the area and program specifics. CONCURRENCES The Public Works Parks Maintenance Supervisor, City Arborist, Risk Manager, Police, City Attorney and "slackers" themselves have reviewed the program and concur with the recommendations. The Tree Committee was provided information on the program at its July 25 meeting and voiced no concerns. Staff will continue to work with the City Arborist to develop specific tree anchoring standards for the program. FISCAL IMPACT There will be minor fiscal impacts associated with the cost of signage and staff time to monitor the program. These costs will be absorbed in the existing Parks and Recreation Department Operating Budget. ALTERNATIVES 1. Do not approve the 12-month pilot slacklining program. Programming will remain constant and slacklining will be prohibited in City parks. This is not recommended because the 12-month program is designed to allow staff to analyze the effects of the program on City trees and make adjustments or cancel the program should damage occur. 2. Allow the slacklining program, but direct staff to install bollards rather than allow the activity to take place in trees. This is not recommended for reasons stated above in the staff report. ATTACHMENTS 1. Article on slacklining 2. Minutes from PRC meeting, August 6, 2008 3. Resolution 4. Site map of Meadow Park G:/Admin/Council Agenda Reports/Slacklining/CAR—Slacklining Pilot Program 9.02.08 C7�s %.ZAJU r'a-'-Y n Ly � C:.J LWWY5NM1�• o a'�- v:?�ia' � r � � r 00 ' t. .r,. o � A• o�e _ 4 iT � C_ `v'c era41 .' td— � .-'cb*° •F of . �. r,: �� j kc-- " a " ✓4 ham. '_ '��+ Cy•__�RRh?&��.s .. 1 !n .E �s% ... o�->�y F _ J4All,r t 6 tp O , amBE acre-mac., .s 5:m .,°aFTim�. e 0 0 r .a r ray `.gi1�9�il.—C�S�'�P `� JS. y a V' 1 .1 `•. c � e?��e.0�'-�''•�c�.rm��� ::, �` .: 'are :�%, /1,(�_ T_Y`TS t . O I u wrJ _aw�ea. u _ v v u / /!11 L/IC /It+flllb t Sfa1r Publisher & ` keeps you . Ken Germano Chief Exercise Physiologist Cedric X Bryant Ph.D. Editor Christine J.Ekeroth Art Director Karen F.McGuire Contributing Editor _ Daniel J.Green r Assisiet1t ch�Or The Jed! Gym .5 Jennifer Schiffer . . . . . . . . . . Production Using one-inch wide nylon webbing sus- Sandra Pennock pended between a pair of trees,"slackers,' MISSION STATEMENT as they call themselves,practice walking The American Council on Exercise fightrope style(though the line is slack)back (ACE)"is a non-profit organization committed to enriching quality of life and forth on the line.They also perform through safe and effective physical spins,jumps and yoga poses,and even surf activity.As America's Authority on the line,balancing as it swings like a pendu- Fitness'ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness turn.If you're looking for a new way to products,programs and trends strengthen the core and increase balance, through its ongoing public education, slacklining may be the workout for you. outreach and research.ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals. In order to give you the C most unbiased information, - _ Features the American Council v on Exercise does not accept advertising The Top 10 Nutritional Mistakes in this publication. Made by Active People ....... .....8 ACE FitnessMatters Do you often skip breakfast or replace healthy meals with is published bimonthly by energy bars?If so,you're not alone.We asked a group of the American Council on Exercise, 4851 Paramount Drive nutrifion and fitness industry experts what nutritional mis- Drive San Diego,CA 92123 takes they see active people make most often. Cover photo by WII Wissman Page 8 Lactic Acid:Friend, FOB........................10 Ash Christensen:n Oregon Once considered to be a workout scourge,lactic acid is wwwACEfitness.org now thought to play a constructive role during exercise. Subscription pace is$19.95 per year ISSN 1082-0361 Food Shrinkage: ACE,American council on Exercise. Is There Less on the American Plate?................13 FitnessMatters and Workout Watchdog _ are registered trademarks of the Since the 1970s,the sizes of restaurant and ready-to-eat American Council on Exercise. "camenience„foods have inflated exponentially.But in the ©2004 American Council on Exercise last six months,a few major food companies have introduced Have You Moved-7 remains 14 J smaller portion saes in some of their item"though it remains to be seen if the public will agree that less is more. If you move or change your x mailing address, please notify Guest Editorial:Unnatural Beauty 14 us immediately so we can ••••••••••••••••••• update our records.That way Liz Neporent,M.A.,analyzes the extreme makeover you won't miss an issue of trend and explains why low self-esteem and feelings of ACE FitnessMatters, or any other important mailings from self-doubt cannot be fixed by slicing and dicing one's ACE.Just give us a call at ® I ="� physical appearance. 800-825-3636,Ext.653. (t ACE's Chief Exercise Physiologist = Answers Your Questions ..........................15 Cedric X.Bryant,Ph.D.,answers questions about retro- A M B N I C A N COUNCIL O N E..a C I R II� cycling and the benefits of varying your workout routine. November/Oeeember 2004 ACE FRnessMatters cy� 7-7-":� r, A :A Z` f rGiveyour sports performance ,. 4 a boost with slacldine crosstraininq By Marls Adders elcome to the Jedi on a semi-loose suspended line,first emerged in Gym,"says pro snow- the early 1980s among rock climbers at the infa- boarder Ash Christensen mous Camp IV in Yosemite National Park.Using ' as he walks me through one-inch wide nylon webbing suspended between his backyard in Salt Lake City. a pair of trees,"slackers,"as they call themselves, It's your basic suburban yard,but practice walling tightrope style(though the line is near the back fence Christensen has slack)back and forth on the line.They also per- rigged a series of purple and blue climb- form spins,jumps and yoga poses,and even surf ing ropes that crisscross between a stand of the line,balancing as it swings like a pendulum. huge Japanese elms. Other slackers take it to the extreme with high- Ahor A line spanning about 10 yards hangs 15 feet lines that span 30 yards or more,hundreds of feet shy off the ground.There's a shorter waist-high line off the ground. 6 and another blue rope hanging loosely between Although it's been reported that slacklining 'os two high trees like a big smile.Assorted pulley sys- started as a form of crosstraining for climbing,the c tems and other ropes dangle about.There's a cer- truth is that it originated simply as a fun,challeng- 01-0 '4"-`�'� tain calm energy in the air and I half expect Obi- ing pastime for bored rock climbers.The physio- W1=1 ZZ93"� Won Kenobi or Bruce Lee to pop out of the bushes logical benefits were just gravy. Ema at any moment. "For me,the most fun part of slacklining is the �6� 8 I69 "This is where I learn to be a cat,"says constant challenge.No matter how good you get NGS Christensen,22,as he nimbly hops onto the low it still presents challenges.You can always just go The Internet is a great place line."These slacklines teach me to calm myself up higher or make the line longer,"says 15-year to learn more about slacklining. physically and mentally and I learn the best slackline devotee Ric Phiegh,47,founder of A simple search will yield tons of way to move my body in complete balance." Slackline Brothers gear company."You'll work sites that provide info on how to Slacklining,the act of balancing and walking get started with the sport Here I Continued on page 6 are some of our favorites: ' - to grab onto when youconsider placing wwEN.slacGaline.�®eat Clearinghouse for all things I Have a friend stand feel off balance. a bouldering crash pad, beside .d slackline, including how-t6!%-t6!% �_Slacklining can be• tice balancing on the line. forums,and the Slackline gerous and it isn't for Besides providing•I hand If you feel yourself mattress under the Brothers gear shop. ' off the slackline. there are some easy can also •.break ENWEN.u-®cc0irvuFxierg.c®7t9 ways ,reduceslackline.It's better _ . Nothing . Message board and forums forFor , be launchedon i • con- slackliners. ners,it's best to set the Attach another off the line. tact WENS{i.'.OTag$O't�t2�IT.'i>E77PEC�.�PP9 local slackline low •that you line above the slackline As you gyms or clubs Source for advanced slacklining tricks. don't have very far to fall. so you have something experiment with:hi I gher sl I kkli* Illovember/Oecember 2094 ACE FitnessMatters �� 1 cr The .Jed! Ca.�i �: � - Continued from page 5 on a trick for a while and then when you able crosstraining methods we've come across ers.Its a good idea to grasp it you're like,'Wow,I got it.'It's a total in years.Need some firsthand proof?Here's a always use two cara- confidence builder because you realize if you sneak peek at the sport with plenty of how-to biners because it's can master this you can do anything you put information so you can give slacklining a try. helpful later when your mind to." disassembling the These days,the sport is being embraced by rpe'lting Up B Slaciciirne line and prying - - a wide range of slackers,from elite-level ath- Although there are many different ways apart the knot. letes like Christensen and rock-climbing guru to set up a slackline,here we demonstrate Stretch the webbing Dean Potter to teenage kids practicing in their the basic setup called the"primitive system." toward the second backyards after school.Though it is indeed It's best to pick a flat,grassy spot with two anchor tree and over the top fun,many of those who are slacklining today, mature trees between 20 and 30 feet apart. of the anchor carabiner. Christensen included,do so because it's a As a general rule,each tree should be at least 3 Then bring it back to the clove- valuable crosstraining activity that develops six inches in diameter to be strong enough hitched carabmers and pass the webbing cat-like reflexes,promotes concentration, to support a slackline. through the bottom of both carabiners and strengthens core muscles and other support 1 Use runners(see below)to set up a girth back toward the anchor.This time,pass musculature and,of course,improves balance. hitch around each tree at about waist-to the webbing through the anchor carabiner "Nobody will know the true carryover chest-height.(Note:If you're unfamiliar again,but tuck it under the first pass of value of slacklining until some research is with how to tie these knots,check webbing.Then,thread it back and tuck it done,but it may help a person with the www.realknots.com,which has step-by- under the fust pass on the clove hitched development of balance and coordination, step instructions on tying the knots used carabiners.Finally,pass the webbing back and improve reactions to a changing bal- in slacklining.)Attach a carabiner to one to the anchor carabiner,tucking it under ance point,"says exercise physiologist and end of the runner and feed the runner the first pass one more time. long-time rock climber Phillip B. Watts, back through itself.This is your anchor.So 4 Now you're ready to tension the line. Ph.D., F.A.C.S.M., of Northern Michigan you don't damage the tree,it's a good idea Make sure the webbing is flat with no University. "So it could have some real to use"tree friendlies"—cardboard that's twists in it.Then slowly pull the webbing value as training for dynamic sports." slipped between the runner and the tree. toward the original anchor tree.It may Considering the infinite variations of Tie a loop in one end of the webbing and take two people to pull the slackline tight slackline training,we think it may be benefi- attach it to the carabiner on your first enough so it stays off the ground when cial for sports like skiing,sno Atoarding,surf- anchor tree. supporting your full body weight. ing,tennis,golf and softball.Until the 2 Stretch the length of webbing to the other Remember:The higher it's anchored in the research is conducted,though,you'll just have tree.Pick a spot about four feet from the tree,the more slack the line can be.Once to take our word for it.One thing we know second anchor tree and tie a clove hitch you have the line tight enough,tie it off for sure:Slacklining is one of the most enjoy- knot in the webbing around two carabin- near the anchor with a half hitch. E _��• r s 1 ' CARABINERS: of 50 feet or more can also make your Black Diamond ($0.25/foot; own runners from Quicksilver 2 Screwgate www.slackline.com or 3 to 4 feet of webbing. carabiner($7.50; 888-558-5008).This can www.blackdiamond.com be found at most out- PULLEY SYSTEM: or 801-278-5533) door specialty stores. Slackline Brothers Metolius High-Strength Tightening System Oval carabiner($7.25; RUNNERS: includes two double Znummetoliusclimbing.com Black Diamond nylon or pulleys, including one with or 541-382-7585) Spectra(lighter and a brake for simple set up _ ? more expensive) runners and effortless tightening - _ WEBBING: ($2.50410.75; of the line($160; One-inch-wide flat tubular www.blackdiamond.com www.slackline.com nylon webbing in lengths or 801-278-5533). You or 888-558-5008) ACE FitnessNaNers November/December 2004 SLACM kIINE Though it maybe in'Vdating at first, . a g slcklinln— — actually has a pretty qt,.,,K learning curve. Beginners BAASI usually see real improvement within just the first few hours of practicing on the line. Slacklining is usually done barefoot,though some slackers prefer wearing tight-fitting shoes with very thin soles and minimal cushioning. Be sure to Warm up briefly before hopping on the slackline—a brisk five-to 10-minute walk should be sufficient f� •5� i PCs-Wan A. 13: This is the first position to practice. Have a spotter sit on As you slowly place your second foot on the line,try to the line to make it more stable. Then, hold his hand as you focus on the tree anchor or something else that's not mov- step up onto the line with one foot. Shift all of your weight ing. We establish equilibrium and balance partly through our. onto that foot and work to find your balance in this field of vision, so concentrating on the anchor will help you one-legged position. Bend your knees slightly and to balance more quickly. Make sure your feet are placed so use your arms and legs for counterbalance. Standing that the line goes under your big toe and slightly to the out- on the line close to an anchor tree is easiest side of your heel. Concentrate on keeping your body as because it's most stable there. straight as possible over the line. Put position A and B !�f together and you're walking the line.As soon as you feel 1 comfortable release your grasp on the spotter's hand. AA �C11 _ j "-j ny I� c�S== Sittin •� �; g on the slackline is actually the easi- est position in which to main P tam your balance, _. but it's also the basis of amore advanced Standing sEdewaysa , This move is the most natural 'Y= move called the seated mount.Sit on the e _ y; e, slackline with your left foot across the line and position for standing on a slackline. close to your butt.Counterbalancing with your Try to stand with your knees bentDOR09 left arm,smoothly pull your right foot up onto slightly in a semi-crouched position. To tum, walk toward an anchor the line and slowly stand up.A*-- Feel free to hold your spotter's hand where it's more stable(1). Gently t] to get your balance. Find points of place your front foot across the line(2). tension in your muscles and try to Weight your front foot slightly and pivot relax them by breathing deeply. your back foot around slowly so it Once you've got the sideways bal- points toward the opposite anchor(3). ance under control,try bouncing up Weight that foot and lift your front foot and down on the line or shuffling up and place it back in front of your side-to-side. x other foot(4).Continue walking. NoVemberlDecember 2004 ACE RinessMatters ATTACHMENT Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Draft August 6, 2008 Page 3 of 8 MOTION: (May/Reb er) Approve the proposed replacement of the two restroom buildings located within Laguna Lake Park and forward the recommendation to the City Council. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent(Lemieux) 4. Slacklining in City Parks—Kiser Director Kiser presented the staff report to the Commissioners. A Sub-committee was formed after the last meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to review criteria and make a recommendation on whether to move forward with the activity or not. During the annual Park Tour, several Commissioners and staff also had the opportunity to experience slacklining themselves after the demonstration at Meadow Park. Of primary concern was the use of trees as anchors as opposed to the two to three bollards as recommended by the City Arborist. Discussion centered on potential damage to trees however there is no empirical data as to if that would really be the case. Also, the use of bollards could limit the ability to create a challenging course. The Sub-committee recommended that trees be used. Also of high concern was the ability of staff to effectively monitor the program given existing workloads. Sub-committee recommended that the Ranger Services division take the lead role in patrolling the area and enforcing the rules in partnership with Parks Maintenance staff who will support the rangers by reporting observed abuses or requesting compliance of users themselves. As with other enforcement issues in our parks, police officers are always available as back-up and on weekends. The Sub-committee recommendation is to identify 13-15 trees in Meadow Park and incorporate a 12-month pilot program. Director Kiser then shared a memorandum from Jerry Miszewski with recommendations for tree friendly specifications and a letter from Peter Jenny of the County of San Luis Obispo stating their support for a pilot program. Risk Manager Karen Jenny spoke on liability concerns. San Luis Obispo, along with over a hundred other cities in the State, is a member of California Joint Powers Insurance Authority(JPIA) which provides liability coverage. According to JPIA, San Luis Obispo was the first City to inquire on slacklining. Although JPIA expressed some concern with liability, they would not deny the City coverage. Vice Chair Kincaid inquired about potential affects to insurance premiums. Risk Manager Jenny clarified a deposit rather than a premium is paid each year that is then adjusted later depending on claims for damage that occur. The City Attorney has suggested that rather than pursuing an ordinance change at this time to amend the Tree Regulations, which prohibit anything from being tied to public trees that the PRC ask Council to adopt a resolution temporarily suspending enforcement of this regulation for one 1 -3 ATTACH,N,�IT a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Draft August 6, 2008 Page 4 of 8 year if activity is in conjunction with slacklining. Vice Chair Kincaid added that he did not sense great opposition from the Tree Committee when the subject of slacklining was discussed at last month's meeting. Vice Chair Kincaid then opened up Public Comment: Jerry Miszewski, San Luis Obispo, gave a simplified definition of slacklining to the Commissioners and public. Mr. Miszewski shared his research on other areas that allow slacklining including Pismo Beach where the Chief of Police recently granted his request for slacklining in an area under the pier. Also California's Humboldt State University and Graceland University in Iowa allow slacklining on campus. Yosemite National Park, as well as several parks in British Columbia, allows the sport. Colorado has an annual Highline Festival. There are annual slacklining competitions throughout Europe, and German schools offer slacklining to 6`s and 7h graders as part of their physical education curriculum. End of public comment. MOTION: (Havas/Regier) 1. Approve a 12-month pilot program to allow slacklining to take place in a designated area of Meadow Park subject to established rules and regulations; and 2. Recommend the City Council adopt a resolution that temporarily suspends enforcement of Section 12.24.130 (Protection of Trees) of the Municipal Code (which provides that no person shall post any sign on any tree, tree stake or guard, or fasten any guy wire, cable or rope to any tree, tree-stake or guard) when such apparent violation stems from slacklining activity occurring in the designated area in Meadow Park. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) Director Kiser stated she will take the resolution before Council on September 2, 2008. 5. Selection of Recipient for the Wes Conner Award—Kiser Director Kiser explained the Wes Conner Award which was created last year subsequent to Wes Conner's passing and intended to honor individuals who, like Wes, have provided sustained valuable service that resulted in improved access to high quality parks and recreation services in the City of San Luis Obispo. 1 -4 Cy i�- ATTACHMENT 3 RESOLUTION NO. (2008 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING ENFORCEMENT OF SECTION 12.24.130.D3 (TREE REGULATIONS—PROTECTION OF TREES)OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT PERTAINS TO SLACKLINING IN A DESIGNATED AREA OF MEADOW PARK WHEREAS, slacklining is the act of balancing and tightrope style walking on a semi- loose suspended line;and WHEREAS, based on citizen interest and an in-depth review of slacklining, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommends the establishment of a 12-month pilot program in Meadow Park, using trees as anchors; and WHEREAS, Section 12.24.130.D.3 (Tree Regulations — Protection of Trees) of the Municipal Code prohibits any person from posting any sign on any tree, tree stake or guard, or fasten any guy wire,cable or rope to any tree,tree-stake or guard in order to protect trees;and WHEREAS, the City Council concurs with the recommendation to institute a pilot program for slacklining to be conducted in a designated area in Meadow Park;and WHEREAS,the City Council has discretion with regard to enforcement of its own laws; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that staff is directed to temporarily suspend enforcement of Section 12.24.130D.3 of the Municipal Code when the activity in apparent violation of said section relates to slacklining, is being conducted in the area of Meadow Park specifically designated for slacklining, and otherwise is not obviously causing harm to the City's tree resources. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this temporary suspension of enforcement of the above provision of the Municipal Code shall be effective only for a period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution, unless subsequently revoked or otherwise modified by the City Council. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 92008. � y13 J Resolution No. (2008) ATTACHMENT 3 Mayor David F. Romero ATTEST: Audrey Hooper, City Clerk APPRO D AS TO FORM: L,,--�nathan P. Lowell, City Attorney 483 BRANCH AITACH'-7- 4 003-739-022 -w --r-- �.,- -i'�5•rc fir-_ SOUTH Oil 401Ar � S � fi IRAw fe j ri s Wills N W. low- _ ;, + IMF �w a r i' ? ►RAC CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO rhe information contained in this database is intended for informational use only. This information is provided for the convenience of users,but GEODATA SERVICES Joes not necessarily constitute precise property ownership or legal descriptions of any property,and should not be relied upon as an official 955 MORRO STREET roperty record.The City of San Luis Obispo makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of this data;however,the accuracy of this material is SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA 93401 of guaranteed and users assume responsibility for independent verification of any and all information contained herein prior to use or reliance 805 UIS O67 pon such information for any official purpose.The City San Luis Obispo disclaims any responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect mages resulting from the use of this data. �J/—/ /C 8/19/2008 14:13 V ATTACHMENT y 2333 MEADOW 004-831-005 i I i A t- ti i i PROPOSEO 5LACKLIN IN lr AREA CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO rhe information contained in this database is intended for informational use only. This information is provided for the convenience of users,but GEODATA SERVICES oes not necessarily constitute precise property ownership or legal descriptions of any property,and should not be relied upon as an official 955 MORRO STREET roperty record.The City of San Luis Obispo makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of this data;however,the accuracy of this material is UIS OBISPO,CA 93401 of guaranteed and users assume responsibility for independent verification of any and all information contained herein prior to use or reliance SAN L 805 UIS O67 Pon such information for any official purpose.The City San Luis Obispo disclaims any responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect mages resulting from the use of this data. 8119,2006 14:10 C/���