HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-17 PRC Agenda PktCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 @ 5:30p.m.,
Parks and Recreation Administration Conference Room
(1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401)
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Greg Avakian, Suzan Ehdaie, Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Douglas Single,
Rodney Thurman, and Jeff Whitener
Public Comment Period. At this time, you may address the Commission on items that are not on the agenda but are of interest to the
public and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission may not discuss or take
action on issues that are not on the agenda other than to briefly respond to statements made or questions raised, or to ask staff to follow
up on such issues.
PRC Meeting Agenda
1.Consideration of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 5, 2017
2.Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair (Whitener – 10 minutes)
3.Review and Agreement of Subcommittee Appointments (Whitener – 15 minutes)
4.Updates to Laguna Lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area Maintenance and Survey (Mudgett – 10
minutes)
5.Presentation; Outdoor Ping-Pong Tables as Public Art (Mudgett – 15 minutes)
6.Director’s Report (Stanwyck – 5 minutes)
7.Subcommittee Liaison Reports
Committee Liaison
Adult and Senior Programming Doug Single
Bicycle Advisory Susan Olson
City Facilities (Damon-Garcia, golf, pool, joint use) Greg Avakian
Jack House Committee Vacant
Tree Committee Rodney Thurman
Youth Sports Association Keri Schwab
8.Communications
Adjourn to Regular Meeting of June 7, 2017
APPEALS: Administrative decisions by the Parks and Recreation Commission may be appealed to the City Council in
accordance with the appeal procedure set forth in Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs, and activities.
Please contact the Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance.
Minutes - DRAFT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
5 April 2017
Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Committee Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 5th day of April
2017 at 5:31 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California,
by Chair Whitener.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Greg Avakian, Suzan Ehdaie, Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Douglas Single,
Rodney Thurman and Chair Jeff Whitener
Absent: None
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Supervisor Facilities Devin Hyfield,
Associate Planner Rebecca Gershow, Contract Planner David Watson
PRESENTATIONS INTRODUCTIONS APPOINTMENTS
1. Swear in of new Commissioner Suzan Ehdaie
City Clerk conducted the Oath of Office for Suzan Ehdaie, Parks and Recreation
Commissioner.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2017 AS
AMENDED, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SINGLE, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER SCHWAB.
2. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 7:0:0:0 to approve the amended minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body
for the meeting of 3/1/2017.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
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DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of April 5, 2017 Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
3. Final Tract Map Review of the Linear and Creek Trail Park Proposals for the West
Creek Project (VTM#3038) in the Orcutt Area Special Plan.
David Watson, Contract Planner, presented to the Commission the Final Tract Map Review for
the West Creek Project, a subdivision of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP). This project,
approved in May 2016, includes 172 units and several park amenities. Staff Watson said that
pursuant to Condition #109 of the West Creek approval, the applicant is permitted, but not
obligated, to offer parklands that would be improved and maint ained by the project developer,
but that also would be open to public use. Under the conditions of approval, the application
could secure an OASP Parklands Improvement Fee credit of up to one half of the final cost of
construction of the publicly accessible park improvements. He added that West Creek has
proposed to construct a Creek Trail along the east fork of Orcutt Creek (.45 acres), a Park at the
Terminus of the Creek Trail at “A” Street (.14 acres) and two linear parks (1.01 acres) with this
project.
Public Comment
Eric Myer, SLO Resident, spoke about importance of the Orcutt Area creating connectivity
between neighborhoods and parks.
Commission Comments.
Commissioner Thurman said he liked the integration of the linear parks within the homes and
asked about parking.
Commissioner Single commented on the pricing of the homes and the access to public services
like schools and bike safety routes for children to school.
Commissioner Schwab commented on public parking for community members. Street parking
is available but no public lots are proposed. She added that there was a lack of lighting in the
parks and that pathway lighting is required.
Commissioner Ehdaie commented that she would like to see the linear parks connecting to the
creek park and access to the parks from adjacent housing developments. Currently there are no
plans for connecting second linear parks.
Commissioner Olson commented on the availability of sidewalks through the neighborhoods
and the proposed having an ADA accessible trail. She asked about bike friendly trails. The
applicant responded that the linear parks and creek trail will have some ADA accessibility and
will consist of decomposed granite.
Commissioner Avakian commented on lower area parking and the accessibility of the parks to
other members of the community, aside from the residents living next to the parks. He also
spoke about the use of artificial turf and the longevity of the use.
Chair Whitener commented on the cost estimates of the proposed parks, the connectivity of the
parks, and the parks being used as a public park amenity as opposed to a pocket residential
park. He added that the proposed grade change of the linear park is a concern for recreational
use. He was in support of fee credits for two out of the three parks proposed.
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DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of April 5, 2017 Page 3
ACTION: BY CONSENSUS PROVIDED INPUT ON THE PROPOSED PARK IMPROVEMENT
FEATURES AND DIRECTION TO THE APPLICANT FOR THE PREPARATION OF
FINAL DESIGN REVIEW MATERIALS TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION
AT A FUTURE DATE.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS COUNCIL APPROVE A CREDIT FOR COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF THE TWO LINEAR PARKS (THE ONE WHICH HAS
CREEK TRAIL CONNECTIVITY) AND FOR THE CREEK TRAIL PARK OF UP TO
50% CREDIT.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SINGLE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER AVAKIAN
CARRIED 7:0:0:0 to recommend to Council a partial credit for the Creek Park and the one
connected Linear Park up to 50% credit.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
4. Presentation of Downtown Concept Plan
Rebecca Gershow, Associate Planner for Long Range Planning, presented the Commission
with an update of the draft Downtown Concept Plan. She provided the Commission with the
project background. Staff Gershow added that the project is being led by staff, consultants, and
the ten-member Creative Vision Team (CVT) appointed by the City Council. The Draft Plan
was released in January 2017, and a public workshop with approximately 150 attendees was
held on February 4. Staff is now collecting input from City Advisory Bodies. Staff Gershow
presented project Planning Principles and Goals that were most directly relate to the purview of
the Parks and Recreation Commission and asked for the Commission’ feedback. The Parks and
Recreation Commission was asked to provide input on the draft Downtown Concept Plan’s
goals, recommendations and implementation actions related to parks and park facilities in the
downtown. The Commission was asked to provide feedback on the following topics;
1.Is the Commission in support of how the draft Downtown Concept Plan envisions the
future use of the City’s current parks and recreation facilities?
2.Is the Commission in support of how the draft Downtown Concept Plan envisions the
location, amount, and use of future parks and recreation facilities?
3.Do Commissioners have any questions or concerns about the Draft Plan’s vision for
downtown?
Public Comment
Chuck Crotser, SLO Resident, spoke about new and existing parks that can be implemented
(across from Art Museum) or updated (Jack House) through the Downtown Concept plan.
Eric Meyer, SLO Resident, spoke about the benefit of pocket parks and parklet proposals.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Avakian commented on the accessible pathways and bike paths. He did not see
the need for outdoor fitness area in the downtown area as there are other locations in the City.
He inquired about the challenges of outdoor rooftop public gathering areas.
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DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of April 5, 2017 Page 4
Commissioner Olson commented on the potential of trees in the middle of the streets as trees
could assist in slowing down traffic.
Commissioner Ehdaie commented on the promotion of social activities within the
neighborhoods and asked about concession stands in parks.
Commissioner Schwab commented on activating additional activities at Emerson Park and
Cheng Park.
Commissioner Single commented on eliminating additional street parking areas in downtown to
maximize parking in the existing parking structures.
Commissioner Thurman commented on connectivity of the concept plan and concurred with
Commissioner Single’s comments on street parking. He offered suggestions regarding the
handling of stormwater. Commissioner Thurman added that streets with multiple purposes
could cause issues between pedestrians and cyclists. He was in support designated spaces for
food trucks.
Chair Whitener was in support of public parks, pocket parks, rooftop parks and the proposed
recommendations to activate the Ludwick Community Center as a way to stimulate the
downtown areas. He asked out the potential conflict between public and privately-owned plots
proposed for proposed updates in the concept plan.
The Parks and Recreation Commission was unanimous in its consensus support of the Draft
Downtown Concept Plan with respect to the parks and recreation elements proposed.
Review and Recommendation to Council to Adopt Recreation Fees as Proposed.
Director Stanwyck and Staff Hyfield provided the Commission with a brief update on the City-
wide Fee Study and proposed Parks and Recreation Fees. Staff Hyfield reiterated the
Commission’s input and support of the proposed fees at its public Study Session on February 1,
2017, the Jack House Committee meeting on February 8, 2017 and the City Council Study
Session on February 21, 2017.
Public Comment
None.
Commission Comments followed.
None.
ACTION: RECOMMEND COUNCIL ADOPT THE RECREATION FEES AS PROPOSED
INCLUSIVE OF THE CITY-WIDE COST OF SERVICES FEE STUDY.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SINGLE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER OLSON.
CARRIED 7:0:0:0 to recommend to Council that is adopt the recreation fees as proposed in the
city-wide cost of services fee study.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
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DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of April 5, 2017 Page 5
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
5. Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming and
City updates.
Night Golf April 6th
Ranger Workday – April 8th at Reservoir Canyon
Egg Hunt at Golf Course – April 15th
Youth Services Spring Break Camp (Tiny Wonders) April 17-21st
SLO Triathlon Registration Opens April 22nd
MLBB Camp at Sinsheimer Stadium – April 22nd. Over 160+ registered
Work continues on Sinsheimer Park Playground and French Park Tennis/Pickleball
Court Striping
LIAISON REPORTS
6. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single had no report.
Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson had no report.
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Avakian reported on Damon-Garcia closing May 1 and the implementation of Kikuya
grass on Field B. Golf is seeing high numbers and lots of activities at the golf course. Jr
Giants registration opens April 29.
Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman said that the City had a wood-chip giveaway.
Parks Maintenance used woodchips for the Laguna Lake dog park to fill in holes.
Jack House Committee: This assignment is currently vacant. No report.
Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab had no report.
Commission Communications
None. Staff provided a brief agenda forecast.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. to the regular Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for
03, May 2017 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 05/03/2017
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City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: UPDATES TO LAGUNA LAKE PARK DOG OFF-LEASH AREA
MAINTENANCE AND SURVEY
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Director of Parks and Recreation
Prepared by: Melissa C. Mudgett, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive updates for Laguna Lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area maintenance activities and user
survey.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Dog Off-Leash Area at Laguna Lake Park began many years ago as a pilot program and
quickly evolved into a popular and consistently utilized recreation opportunity. Taking note of
this community need, the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council formally adopted
the area into the Park Master Plan in 2005. It is the only area of the City’s facilities and parks in
which owners may allow their canines to be off-leash, running freely, and interacting with other
dogs.
In the 2015-17 Financial Plan, $50,000 was allocated to fund the most immediate maintenance
needs of the Dog Off-Leash Area. This funding was intended to support the replacement of the
temporary fence panels adjacent to the parking area and the installation of large landscape
boulders to serve as boundary lines for users; as the entire park is not available for off-leash use.
Additionally, the Parks Maintenance Department will be providing supplemental signage and
maintenance of the surfacing in the off-leash area. Please refer to Attachment 1 for a complete
list of maintenance improvements coming to the Dog Off-Leash area in 2017.
Future Needs and Community Outreach
Dog parks have grown in popularity throughout the country as more people have pets and are
asking that communities provide these dog-friendly recreational opportunities. The City of San
Luis Obispo is no exception. Currently the City has an “off-leash” area at the Laguna Lake park
but does not have a “fenced dog park”. The closest fenced dog park is located at El Chorro
Regional Park (Highway 1 across from Cuesta College), which is approximately 4 miles outside
of city limits and about 9 miles from the Laguna Lake park.
In an effort to identif y future needs, the Parks and Recreation Department will be conducting a
user survey about the existing “Dog Off-Leash” area (Attachment 2). The survey is intended to
solicit feedback from users that will help shape the current maintenance needs, as well as future
improvements. As part of the survey, users will be asked to prioritize future improvements to the
area should funding become available (such as with grants or community donations). The survey
Meeting Date: May 3, 2017
Item Number:__4_____
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Laguna Lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area Maintenance and Survey Page 2
also identifies other City parks as “potential locations” for a future fenced dog park and users
will be asked to rank these park locations in the order of preference.
NEXT STEPS
Parks and Recreation Department staff will continue to actively seek grant opportunities for dog
park improvements as they are offered. Feedback received from the user survey will be analyzed
and integrated into current maintenance efforts as funding permits. It is anticipated that Parks
and Recreation staff could return to the Commission with the survey results as early as summer
2017.
ATTACHMENT
1.Maintenance Improvements for Dog Off-Leash Area Poster
2. 2017 User Survey
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ATTACHMENT 1
Maintaining
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LAGUNA LAKE DOG OFF-LEASH AREA
SURVEY QUESTIONS
April 25, 2017
Title of Survey - City of SLO Dog Off-Leash Area Community Survey 2017
Intro – The City of San Luis Obispo is conducting a survey about the existing “Dog Off-Leash” area at
Laguna Lake Park. Feedback received will help shape the current maintenance needs as well as future
improvements. Please provide your feedback and complete the following survey by May 31st, 2017.
1.Do you live in the City of San Luis Obispo?
a.__ Yes
b.__ No
2.Do you visit the Laguna Lake Dog Off-Leash Area with your dogs?
a.__ Yes
b.__ No
3.If answered “Yes”, How often do you visit?
a.Daily
b.Once per week
c.2-3 times per week
d.Once a month
e.A few times a year
f.Other: ________________________
4.How many dogs do you have that visit the park?
a.1 dog
b.2 dogs
c.3-4 dogs
d.5+ dogs
5.Please indicate what size dog(s) you have?
a.small dog(s) (less than 25 lbs.)
b.medium - large dog(s) (more than 25 lbs.)
6.In the future, the City would like to improve the Laguna Lake Park Dog Off-Leash area’s surface
treatment to increase its all-weather usability. Please rank the proposed surface material in
order of preference. (1 = most preferred, 4 = least preferred)
“Surface Treatment” Priority Ranking (Most Preferred =1, Least Preferred=4)
1)Woodchips
2)Grass
3)Dirt
ATTACHMENT 2
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LAGUNA LAKE DOG OFF-LEASH AREA
SURVEY QUESTIONS
April 25, 2017
4)“Gravel” or Sand
7.Please review the following features and rate the priority for each should funding become
available to make improvements. (Rank High = 1, Low = 7)
“Future Improvements” Priority Ranking
(High =1, Low=7)
1)All-Weather surface
2)Clear Boundary Markers (e.g. fences, boulders or other boundary
demarcations)
3)Fenced Separation (e.g. keeping larger dogs separated from
smaller dogs)
4)Addition of Play Elements for dogs
5)Shade Structure and/or Congregation Area for People
6)Lighting
7)Allowance of dogs off-leash on adjacent Open Space Trail
8.Other City Parks have been identified as “potential locations” for a future fenced “dog park”.
Please rank these park locations in the order of preference. (1 = most preferred, 5 = least
preferred)
“Future Park Locations” Priority Ranking
(Most Preferred =1, Least Preferred=5)
1)Laguna Lake Park (current dog off-leash
area, 504 Madonna Road)
2)Sinsheimer Park (900 Southwood Drive)
3)Meadow Park (2251 Meadow Street)
4)Islay Hill Park (1511 Tank Farm Road)
5)French Park (1040 Fuller Road)
9.Please indicate your support for a small fenced dog park. (Select all applicable statements)
a.__ Yes, I support the City’s effort to create a fenced dog park
b.__ No, I do not support the City’s effort to create a fenced dog park
10.If answered “Yes” to Question #9, Please indicate how you could best offer your support and
help “be a part of change” in the following areas. (Select all that apply)
a.__ fundraising efforts
b.__ volunteering efforts (construction of new amenities)
c.__ volunteer workdays for ongoing maintenance
d.__ I am not interested in volunteering at this time
11.Should you wish to elaborate on any of the above items, please do so here (optional)
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LAGUNA LAKE DOG OFF-LEASH AREA
SURVEY QUESTIONS
April 25, 2017
12.(Optional). Name and contact information
Thank you for completing the City of San Luis Obispo Dog Off-Leash Area Community Survey 2017.
Your feedback will make a difference!!
Questions? Contact: Melissa Mudgett at mmudgett@slocity.org
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PRC Correspondence_Item 4_McKEnzie 4.27.17
From: John McKenzie [mailto:johnnimac@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2017 9:34 AM
To: Advisory Bodies <advisorybodies@slocity.org>
Cc: Mudgett, Melissa <mmudgett@slocity.org>
Subject: PRC communication-Dog Park
Hello Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council members,
My name is John McKenzie, a resident of San Luis Obispo. I would like to advocate the establishment of
a dedicated off leash dog park within the City of San Luis Obispo and seek the City’s (Park’s and
Recreation Commission and City Council) support.
I own two dogs, one of which is an energetic one year old rescue that really loves the wide open places
to run! I have a small backyard and need to take him somewhere to release some of his puppy energy.
The only recognized off leash area within the City is at Laguna Lake Park. However, this ‘pilot’ program
of many years ago to recognize this ‘dog area’ did not provide any clear direction on its future. There has
been no follow-up to formalize or dedicate this area for dogs! As such, there is no clear direction for the
existing dog area and it currently suffers from several inadequacies and I feel is very under-utilized as a
result.
The following is a preliminary list of benefits of establishing such a dog park at Laguna Lake:
1.Minimize potential conflicts within the existing park and to surrounding uses, as the dog use
area is better defined;
2.Provides for defined, controlled area to allow dogs off leash (great for dog wanderers, bolters,
dogs not well connected to owners); water tubs allow satisfaction for the water-loving dogs;
fewer lost balls in the weeds, etc.;
3.Allows for the separation of large and small dogs;
4.Keeps dogs away from uncontrolled water bodies/ muddy bogs that may be polluted or smelly;
5.Provides for defined area to apply all-weather material (e.g. bark chips, mulch, pea gravel, etc.);
this area would be maintained, which would reduce the potential for tics;
6.Certain improvements could be made to improve the human experience (e.g., create central
meeting area (gazebo, info kiosk); build wind wall; increase parking; create ADA walkways, etc.)
The closest fenced dog parks can be found in the cities of Atascadero and Arroyo Grande, communities
both smaller than San Luis Obispo, as well as at El Chorro Park by Cuesta College. We need our own
dedicated Dog Park!
Based on a few assumptions (see below) the City likely has over 10,000 dogs within its city limits.
Nationally over the last 15 years, there has been a steady increase (25%) of dogs in households.
There are a lot of dog lovers such as myself that would appreciate the development of a dedicated off
leash area. To this end, I believe the City should be taking the following steps:
1.Develop and send out a survey to existing and potential users of the existing park to determine
the greatest interests on improvements;
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PRC Correspondence_Item 4_McKEnzie 4.27.17
2.Based on the survey results and consultation with other interested stakeholders, develop and
approve a Design Plan; this Plan should include a priority of improvements for future funding
purposes;
3.Change the Laguna Lake ‘pilot’ dog area to a permanently dedicated Dog Park;
4.As funding becomes available through grants, fundraising efforts or City coffers, work with the
City to make improvements as specified in the Design Plan;
5.Develop and/or seek out volunteer groups (similar to successful efforts administered by the
County [SLOPOST]) to help in the construction and/or maintenance of a dedicated park.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal and I hope you can provide direction to staff at your
earliest opportunity to make this happen. I have been in contact with Melissa Mudgett with Parks and
Recreation, who has been very supportive. I look forward to working with her and the City to help get
this long, overdue facility built that will have demonstrable improvements for the City’s dog lovers and
the SLO life experience!
Sincerely,
John McKenzie
805-441-5894
johnnimac@earthlink.net
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PRC Correspondence_Item 4_McKEnzie 4.27.17
10,000 dogs – Wow! Assumptions/Facts
City of SLO pop – 47,339 (2015 census)
Per national 2012 estimate, over 1/3 of households (35.6%) own 1-2 dogs (1.6 average/household).
Based on the 2010 census for SLO there are 2.2 people per household; and if this is applied to the 2015
City pop., there are about 21,518 households.
Based on these stats there are over 7,000 households with dogs, and when the 1.6 dog average is
applied there would be over 10,000 dogs within the City of San Luis Obispo.
Most city of SLO homes have small yards and limited area for dogs to run free.
The smaller cities of Atascadero and Arroyo Grande have fenced dog parks; the County maintains six
such parks throughout the county in even smaller communities. The closest county facility is at El Chorro
Park out by Cuesta College.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: PRESENTATION OF OUTDOOR PING PONG TABLES AS PUBLIC ART
AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO APPROVED THE PUBLIC ART PROJECT
AND ALLOCATE FUNDS
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Director of Parks and Recreation
Prepared by: Melissa C. Mudgett, Recreation Manager and Public Art Program
RECOMMENDATION
1.Receive a presentation on outdoor ping pong tables as public art.
2.Provide direction about three proposed locations for artistic ping pong tables.
3.Recommend to Council that it allocate funds up to $45,000 to accomplish this functional
public art project.
DISCUSSION
Background
On December 13, 2016, the Council adopted the City’s Public Art Master Plan. This Master
Plan was reflective of the community’s input and identified five major goals which now serve as
a roadmap for the sustainability of the City’s Public Art collection and future expansion.
The Master Plan recommended short,
medium, and long-term implementation
phases over ten years. The short-term
series of activities focused on addressing
maintenance of the City’s Public Art
collection and elevating awareness of the
program through the expansion of
temporary Public Art projects, with the
integration of cost-effective functional
art. In alignment with the Master Plan
goals, staff is proposing a creative
functional art opportunity for the City in
support of community placemaking with
the integration of a recreational activity
and public art.
Meeting Date: May 3, 2017
Item Number:__5_____
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Outdoor Ping Pong Table Public Art Project Page 2
Benefits of Outdoor Ping Pong and Public Art
Staff is proposing an activation of several city park spaces through outdoor recreational ping
pong tables serving as a canvas for public art. Public Outdoor Ping-Pong (POPP) tables offer a
unique placemaking tool that is focused on cultivating more engaged and connected
communities. The POPP tables are durable, pre-fabricated (no moveable parts) metal, waterproof
and nearly indestructible for use in parks year-round. Using the adopted Public Art Guidelines,
these POPP tables would then be commissioned for art murals by local artists. Outdoor ping
pong as public art would provide various community benefits as listed below.
1.A place for community members to play ping-pong for free
2.An exhibit space for public art
and local artists
3.A fun, casual, social way for
community members to meet
and interact
4.A destination where friends
and family members can come
together and recreate
5.A means to build and foster a
community’s identity
6.A tool to encourage healthy,
active lifestyles
7.A “home court” for events, tournaments; activation of space
8.Bringing spaces to life through ping-pong and art
Potential Park Locations
Sinsheimer, Meadow and Emerson parks have been identified as potential locations for outdoor
ping pong tables. Should the Commission be in support of using outdoor ping pong tables as
public art, staff requests that the Commission evaluate and prioritize locations best suited for this
functional art. (See Attachment 1 for a map of suggested park locations that staff believes are
underutilized areas of three well used parks)
1.Sinsheimer Park (900 Southwood Dr.) – grassy area near SLO Swim Center bleachers
2.Emerson Park (1341 Nipomo St.) – black top behind bocce ball courts
3.Meadow Park (2333 Meadow Dr.) – shuffleboard court, adjacent to Community Building
NEXT STEPS
With the PRC’s support of using outdoor ping pong tables as public art, staff will seek Council’s
approval and funding of this project. Following Council approval, staff would purchase of the
tables and develop a Call For Artists for public art murals. It is anticipated that Parks and
Recreation staff would return to the Commission at the appropriate stage in the public art process
for design approval.
ATTACHMENT
Potential Park Locations Map
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Outdoor Ping Pong Table
Potential Park Locations ATTACHMENT 1
OPTION 1: Sinsheimer Park (900 Southwood Dr.)
grassy area near SLO Swim Center bleachers, unfenced, near Blues Stadium
3-3
Outdoor Ping Pong Table
Potential Park Locations ATTACHMENT 1
OPTION 2: Emerson Park (1341 Nipomo St.)
black top behind bocce ball courts, adjacent to basketball court and open field
3-4
Outdoor Ping Pong Table
Potential Park Locations ATTACHMENT 1
OPTION 3: Meadow Park (2333 Meadow Dr.)
shuffleboard court, adjacent to Community Building and playground
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