HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-2018 PRC Agenda Packet
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 @ 5:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 1341 Nipomo Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Avakian
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Applegate, Olson, Schwab, Spector, Stewart and Thurman
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 Meeting of May 2, 2018
2. Presentation: Monthly Update Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan Project
(Scott ‐ 15 minutes)
3. Direction: Off Leash Dog Areas on Hold Until Master Plan and Element Update are
Complete (Hyfield ‐ 30 minutes)
4. Conceptual Discussion “Adopt‐A‐Park” Program (Hyfield – 30 minutes)
5. Presentation: Director’s Report (Stanwyck – 10 minutes)
6. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair – 15 minutes)
7. Communications
Adjourn to Next Regular Scheduled Meeting on August 1, 2018
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
02 May 2018
Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 2nd day of
May 2018 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation Administration Conference Room located at
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Avakian.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Avakian, Vice Chair Thurman, Commissioner Olson. Commissioners, Keri
Schwab, Bob Spector, Shay Stewart
Absent: Kari Applegate
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck
Recreation Manager Facilities and Aquatics Devin Hyfield
Administrative Analyst, Lindsey Stephenson
Recreation Supervisor, Dave Setterlund
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION FOR APRIL 11, 2018.
1.Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 6:0:0:1 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body
for the regular meeting of 4/11/18 as motioned by STEWART and second by OLSON.
AYES: AVAKIAN, THURMAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SPECTOR, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: APPLEGATE
Meeting Date: 06-04-2018
Item Number: 1
Packet Page 1
DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 2, 2018 Page 2
REORDERED AGENDA.
Given the number of attendees, the Chair discussed hearing item number three first. STEWART
moved with a second by SCHWAB to hear Agenda Item Number Three prior to item Number 2.
CARRIED 6:0:0:1 to modify the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda swapping
placement of Items 2 and 3.
AYES: AVAKIAN, THURMAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SPECTOR, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: APPLEGATE
3. Consideration and Approval of Dodgeball as Year-Long Use
Staff Setterlund presented a potential new program partnership with the Parks and
Recreation Department to offer dodgeball at the Ludwick Community Center every
Thursday from 5:30-7 PM. This program would provide a much-needed activity for an
unmet demographic.
Public Comment
Emily Ewer, SLO resident, commented the consistent schedule will benefit the growth of
the sport.
Christie O’Hara, SLO Resident, commented on her history with the dodgeball organization
and young adult involvement within the community. Commented on the active benefits of
the sport.
Commission Comments followed
Commissioner Stewart asked about fees associated with other programs at the facility.
Followed up with questions about longer term vision for the structure of the program or if
it will stay as more of a drop-in program. Would like to see more structure to the program
at the end of pilot year to continue as a partnership.
Commissioner Spector asked about the agreement and setting the language with the one-
year pilot program.
Vice Chair Thurman asked about the impact to other facility reservations if approved.
Chair Avakian asked questions regarding the liability and waivers to cover the City.
Followed up with the expansion plan for the program.
Packet Page 2
DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 2, 2018 Page 3
ACTION: CONSIDER AND APPROVE OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT’S AGREEMENT WITH SLO DODGEBALL TO
FACILITATE A YEAR-LONG USE OF THE LUDWICK COMMUNITY
CENTER FOR ADULT DODGEBALL PLAY, MOTION BY
COMMISSIONER STEWART, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
SPECTOR.
CARRIED 6:0:0:1 to approve the agreement with SLO Dodgeball and use of the
Ludwick Community Center.
2. Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission and
Representatives to Jack House and Tree Committees and Liaison Roles
Schwab nominated Commissioner Avakian to serve as Chair and Commissioner Thurman
to serve as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and Stewart.
ACTION: BY CONSENSUS, THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED
COMMISSIONER AVAKIAN CHAIR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION AND COMMISSIONER THURMAN VICE-CHAIR OF PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION.
CARRIED 6:0:0:1 to appoint Commissioner Avakian as Chair and Commissioner
Thurman as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
AYES: AVAKIAN, THURMAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SPECTOR, STEWART
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: APPLEGATE
By consensus, the Committee selected subcommittee appointments.
Committee Liaison
Adult and Senior Programming Spector
Active Transportation (formally Bicycle Advisory) Olson
City Facilities (Damon‐Garcia, golf, pool, joint use) Applegate (TBD)
Jack House Committee Schwab
Tree Committee Thurman
Youth Sports Association Stewart
MOTION to approve change subcommittee appointments of Commissioner Schwab
from Youth Sports Association to Jack House Committee as motioned by STEWART
and second by SPECTOR.
4. Presentation. Monthly Update Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan
Project
Packet Page 3
DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 2, 2018 Page 4
Director Stanwyck provided an update on the Parks and Rec Element and Master plan
project highlighting the meetings held between WRT and community members. WRT will
be working on a statistically valid survey and the public workshop meeting is set for
Thursday, September 13. Throughout the summer, Parks and Recreation will be holding
various pop-up events throughout the City will assist to promote to the community the
public workshop meeting in September. Staff intends to gather as many emails from the
community to promote the meeting to maximize attendance and target events towards the
SLO community.
Public Comment
None
Commission Comments followed
Commissioner Spector wants to make sure that the non-represented groups are captured,
including drop-in park users.
Commissioner Olson asked if the staff will be holding events in neighborhoods as well as
events during the summer.
Chair Avakian asked if the stakeholder meetings held with WRT were well attended.
5. Presentation. Review the 2018 Box Art Project Designs and Locations
Staff Stephenson presented and overview of the 2018 Box Art Project with the designs and
locations of each box art project to be completed. 13 members represented the Art Jury and
chose 26 of box arts to complete the remaining boxes within the City. Painting will begin
August 23 and continue through September 26.
Public Comment
None
Commission Comments followed
Commissioner Stewart asked if there was box art publicity within the visitor’s center for
tourist.
Commissioner Spector commented that the box art can be added to Art After Dark
program.
Commissioner Olson asked if there is a problem with graffiti with box art.
Vice Chair Thurman asked if there were any future plans for art projects. Suggested some
railroad overpasses as future projects.
Chair Avakian asked how if the artist were able to choose the box they wanted to paint.
Asked about longevity and life expectancy of box art.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Packet Page 4
DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 2, 2018 Page 5
6. Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming.
Parks and Rec has gone through some staff transitions this past month. Four full-
time staff positions will be beginning May 17.
Kiwanis community garden is now open at the Laguna Lake golf course. First
recycled water community garden in the state.
Rangers have been working on Bishop’s peak to mitigate the plan growth for fire
prevention.
Parks and Rec staff getting ready for summer programs.
Staff getting ready for 2020 Strategic plan summit for updated progress reports.
City Council adopted Fiscal Health Response Plan in April.
LIAISON REPORTS
7. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector has researched the
different difference in the senior adult groups and the gap between the different
senior groups. Through the City planning process, develop the Senior Center into
an Adult resource center to service the above 50 SLO community. Use resources
through the community groups to assist with the creation of the broad range of
senior services at the Senior Center.
Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Olson informed the committee
that May is Bike month and that May 18 is ride your bike to work day.
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Chair Avakian
reported that spring swim lessons are in session and summer registration begins
May 7. Damon-Garcia is closed. Junior Giants registration is open with over 100
registrants. SLO Tri scheduled for July 22.
Jack House Committee. Vacant. No Report.
Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman reported that some downtown ficus will be
kept but some replaced with more local trees. Fit pocket parks in downtown with
appropriate trees. Opportunity to volunteer with Downtown Foresters group, meets
one Saturday per month. Email Rodney for more details
Youth Sports Association: Commissioner Schwab recapped the YSA meeting held
in April. YSA discussed field use between the various sports and how they can
promote fields through the element process.
8. Commission Communications
Vice Chair Thurman would like to see a program that connect parks, trees and users through
naming a tree program and increase the knowledge of the trees regarding growth, seasons,
and heritage.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. to the next Rescheduled Regular meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission held on June 06, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., at the Parks and Recreation Office,
1341 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo, California.
Packet Page 5
DRAFT Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 2, 2018 Page 6
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 6/06/18
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 06-06-2018
Item Number: 3
DATE: May 31, 2018
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: TEMPORARY OFF LEASH DOG AREAS
RECOMMENDATION
1.Do not pursue a temporary Off Leash Dog Area at Sinsheimer Park at this time.
2.Continue to include the exploration and designation of “Dog Parks” in the Parks and Recreation
Element and Master Plan Update.
.
DISCUSSION
Background
During the March 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, staff presented the concept
advocated for by several members of the community for a temporary pilot program for an Off-Leash
Dog Area at Sinsheimer Park. The Commission was in support of the concept with direction for staff to
meet with community members, a PRC representative, and park maintenance staff to further discuss the
location and work required to create a temporary off lease dog area.
Staff coordinated a meeting with community members interested in off leash dog areas at Sinshiemer
Park in particular and staff on March 27, 2018 at the Park. Two areas identified as potential off leash
dog areas were reviewed: behind Sinsheimer Stadium and between the tennis courts and Stockton Field.
Below are aerial photos of the two Sinsheimer Park locations that the public had expressed interest in
using for dogs off leash.
As highlighted in the staff memo presented at the March 2018 PRC meeting, the area behind Sinsheimer
Stadium is utilized for a variety of park maintenance uses with the area presenting operational concerns
for maintenance staff as a viable location to support this need. The area between the tennis courts and
Stockton field was discussed as another potential location. Following the PRC meeting, further meetings
were held internally between City staff to better understand existing conditions, operational needs, nature
and extent of “temporary” improvements, costs, and resource needs.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Area Behind Sinsheimer Stadium
Area Between Tennis Courts and Stockton Field
Site Analysis.
Following the in the field meeting with community members interested in spearheading a volunteer
effort to make a dog off leash area at Sinshiemer Park on a temporary basis City staff met several times
to discuss both locations including the pros and cons of this use. Much of the issues discussed focused
on the greater than anticipated improvements that would be required and how a temporary use would
involve a lot more work than anticipated. Alongside these practical concerns is a concern about the
timing of these more extensive improvements during the Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan
update which will identify where to site dog parks in the future.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Park Maintenance Impacts
The locations at both spots in Sinsheimer Park create additional impacts to Park Maintenance staff. The
area in between the tennis courts and Stockton field are currently maintained by Parks Maintenance.
Adding a fenced in area would create additional hours of work weekly as well as new equipment needs
in order to maintain proper maintenance of the area. Fences would have to be placed in a way that does
not affect current irrigation sprinklers.
The area behind Sinsheimer Stadium is used by Park Maintenance staff for a variety of purposes and is
currently not maintained for public use. The location of the proposed off leash dog area is along a park
service road that is used daily and during the annual restoration of the Sinsheimer Stadium with the
spoils from the turf and infield being dumped at the area location. Notably the site was also used by
Public Works streets crews as a “dumping” location of old materials that create a very uneven surface.
As there is no direct access from the parking lot to the proposed area, there is concern that public access
through restricted areas, and/or access to Sinsheimer Stadium may become an issue that City staff would
need to address daily.
Lastly, at this time Parks staff are currently down four employees due to unforeseen circumstances
resulting in a strain on staff to deliver the current level of service throughout the park system. Adding
this change in use at this time to an oversubscribed staff is problematic.
Park User Impacts
Sinsheimer Park is an active park with a variety of services that occur during all times of the day. The
proposed area between the tennis court and Stockton field has the potential to impact the user groups of
both facilities. The courts and baseball field are typically reserved each day in the afternoons with the
tennis court being used for drop-in tennis throughout the day. The grass area is used for free play,
including kids running around, games of catch, picnics and other uses. With the new playground staff
have observed increased uses of this area for all sorts of purposes. Adding in an off-leash dog area
within the proximity of the courts and field could present a noise impact to those two uses. Also,
aesthetically a temporary use in this location would not be visually appealing.
The area is also within proximity to the new renovated Sinsheimer playground which has seen an uptick
in use since its reopening in November. With the nearness between the playground and the proposed off-
leash dog area, the maybe some safety concerns which would need to be addressed.
While there is no concern to park user impacts for the location behind Sinsheimer Stadium, there is a
safety concern regarding the access to the park service traffic with increased use and the introduction of
animals along the pathway.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Element Update
Parks and Recreation is currently undergoing an update to its Master Plan and Element update to best
serve the community. Over the next year, the Parks and Recreation Department, with the assistance of a
consultant, will be conducting community outreach including pop-up events, statically valid surveys and
community workshops. Through this process, community needs, including dog parks, will be identified
as well as locations that could suite the proposed use on a permanent basis. Staff recommends using this
process to address these needs and not pursuing a pilot project at this time given the Element and Master
Plan update underway.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Future Site Location
City staff have reviewed other site locations that may provide a future dog park location when the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan and Element update is completed. The Rodriguez Adobe Park is a
neighborhood park with a large grass area that does not have any recreational amenities and may be
suited for this type of use. It however would require significant discussions with maintenance staff,
neighbors, and a better understanding of fencing needs. This will occur during the Master Plan and
Element Update as will other locations.
Rodriguez Adobe Park
Questions for the PRC to Consider in Light of the Recommendation to Not Pursue a Temporary
Change in Use.
The Parks and Recreation Commission’s purview is to review and make recommendations for changes
which could have an impact on the City’s parks and park facilities. The Parks and Recreation
Commission’s guidance tonight will be used to determine if City staff should continue to work with
community members for an off-leash dog area at Sinsheimer Park. Staff recommends deferring this
temporary use given the understaffed Park Maintenance division of Public Works and the upcoming
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Element update which will identify where permanent dog parks
should go. Some questions to consider:
1. Does the PRC agree with staff that at this time Sinsheimer Park does not present an opportunity
for a temporary dog park due to operational issues, complexity of improvements needed, and
lack of staff time and resources to manage such a project due to it being “larger” than originally
anticipated?
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2. With the Parks and Recreation Master plan and Element update currently underway, does the
PRC recommend a hold on the development of park enhancements until the completion of the
update and the designation system wide of future amenities and locations?
3. What type of outreach should occur with dog groups during the Master Plan and Element
Update to identify locations for future park enhancements focused on dog off leash areas?
4. Does the PRC want the Rodriguez Adobe Park considered as a future off-leash dog area and
should it be reviewed in the context of the Master Plan and Element update?
Next Steps
Upon recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the next steps will be to continue to
work with community members on an alternative location or to delay the addition of an off-leash dog-
area until the completion and results of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Element update.
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 06-06-2018
Item Number: 4
DATE: May 31, 2018
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a presentation and provide feedback and comments on the proposed “Adopt-A-Park”
concepts.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo has many Park and facility enhancements that have occurred because of
volunteerism in our community. They range from large, Sinsheimer Stadium, to smaller projects such
as the Community Garden at Laguna Lake Golf Course. Over the years many of these projects have been
done informally and have used donation agreements to guide them. Given the increased maintenance
needs in our Parks and Facilities (due to their age) and expressions from community members of a desire
to volunteer and donate to Parks and Facilities, staff has begun to develop concepts for an “Adopt-a-
Park” program.
Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager for Facilities, Laguna Lake Golf Course, and the SLO Swim Center
will be leading this effort as he assists the Department in managing park improvements with our Public
Works partners. The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department is currently developing
a program designed to promote community involvement and volunteerism in the City’s Parks and
Facilities. In many communities, tailored to fit their unique needs, “Adopt-A-Park” educational
programs are used in a wide variety of ways. The City’s concept is to provide individuals, local
businesses, and community organizations the opportunity to take an active role in the beautification and
maintenance of San Luis Obispo’s Parks and Facilities.
General Concept
As shown in Attachment 1, a flowchart of concept and general details, Staff is proposing three ways
to become involved in the umbrella “Adopt a Park” program: Those general adopt a park concept types
are: Improvement Adoption, Donation Adoption, and Project Adoption. Each are discussed below. At
the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on this topic, staff is looking for feedback about the types
of volunteer efforts and if they are “about right” does the Commission agree with the next steps proposed.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Park or Facility Improvement Adoption
Park or Facility Improvement adoption is intended for an organization to lead and coordinate members
and/or individuals to do maintenance activities such as (but not limited to): litter removal, small scale
gardening and landscaping, and painting. The Parks and Recreation and Public Works Department will
work with the adopting organization to identify the needs of the requested site and will provide necessary
training. The participating organization will receive recognition.
Donation Adoption
A Donation adoption is a way to celebrate the support of the Parks and Recreation Department and the
Park Maintenance Division. As noted in the Department’s 2020 Strategic Plan, Goal #3 Programming is
Directed to Diverse Users, this program would meet the objectives for Goal #3 specifically by:
Objective 3.4.2: Seek donations from the Community for program materials and supplies
(e.g. paper goods, refreshments, art supplies).
Through a donation webpage being developed by City staff, the community would be able to choose and
specify monetary donations towards a specific item from a list established by City staff. Individuals will
receive recognition for their donation to the Department.
Project Adoption
A Project adoption is intended to make a difference in City Parks and facilities. The ultimate goal is
to improve the community and quality of life. Project donations would be available year-round. A
Project donation could come in the form of a monetary contribution that covers or partially covers the
cost of a large-scale project from groundbreaking to completion. When the project is complete, a sign
with the recipient’s name will be placed at adopted project site in addition to other forms of recognition.
Types of projects may include (but not limited to):
Turf Renovations Court Resurfacing
New Playground Equipment Pool or Deck Resurfacing
Community Gardens Exercise Equipment
Gazebos Grandstands
Questions for the PRC to Discuss
1. Does the PRC support the concept of an Adopt-A-Park program?
2. Is the PRC comfortable with the three categories proposed?
3. Are there any other donation types that should be included?
4. Are there areas of further research the PRC would like to see?
5. Is the PRC comfortable with a return in Fall 2018 with a “fleshed out” program proposal?
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Next Steps
If this concept is supported by the Parks and Recreation Commission at its June 2018 meeting, staff
will take the next step of drafting the policies to accomplish this work effort as well as a proposed
handbook for the program. Information that will be included in the handbook (and published wide and
far to community members and potential donors), would be needs of the department, parks, and
facilities from small donations to major projects. Coordination with Public Works maintenance staff
will also occur.
ATTACHMENT
Flowchart – Conceptual Adopt a Park Opportunities
Packet Page 14
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