HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, FazzioCOUNCIL MEETING: ?-21-RECEIVED
ITEM NO.: MAR 21 2017
SLO CITY CLERK
From: Kymberly Fazzio [
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 9:25 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil slocit .or >
Subject: Support for Item 17 on tonights agenda: Study Session for Open Space Hours of Use Evaluation
Dear City Council Members,
I will not be able to attend tonights Council meeting, but would like to express my thoughts (attached) as a resident of SLO in regards to item
17 on tonights agenda: Study Session for Open Space Hours of Use Evaluation.
Thank you for your consideration.
- Kymberly Fazzio
March 21, 2017
Dear SLO City Council,
Thank you for considering expanding the hours of use for SLO's ever -popular open space trails. I
am an avid trail runner and hiker whose life has been greatly enhanced by the ability to use
SLO's extensive trail system and I invite you to look at SLO's Open Space Policy from my
perspective. I'm one of many of SLO County's long distance trail runners who regularly runs
40+ miles on the trails a week. I also works a full time job, and have many other commitments;
so having access to the trails before and after work is especially important to my training and
way of life. While I am able to enjoy the trails on the weekend for the majority of my training, it
is also necessary for me to have access during the week as well, which means at 5am or after
work.
I understand the City's policy about preserving its open space primarily for protection of natural
resources and wildlife, however I ask you think about the people who choose to live in the area
because of the amazing opportunities we have to be alive outdoors. I, along with most of my
trail running friends, aren't just users of the trails, but we are stewards. We are members of
the organizations who build most of the trails, we donate to environmental causes because we
appreciate nature and wildlife, we volunteer to help build trails, we pick up trash while running
or hiking, essentially, we protect what we love.
would ask that you consider expanding the hours of use (with exception of Bishops Peak) so
hiking Cerro San Luis at 5am with my friends isn't a crime, or my friend who lives adjacent to
Irish Hills could go for an early evening run after dinner. I believe that being healthy and active
should be encouraged, not vilified. And allowing trail use from 5am - 9pm would allow myself
and many others the ability to stay active throughout the week and experience the beautiful
night sky, while still providing one third of each day as a sanctuary for our beloved wildlife. If
these hours don't seem acceptable, please allow us to continue the conversation so we might
find a balance that works for everyone.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Kymberly Fazzio
Resident and trail user of SLO County since 2004