HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2019 PRC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, March 6 2019
5:30 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER Chair Greg Avakian
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Robert Spector,
Vice Chair Rodney Thurman, and Chair Greg Avakian
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1.Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of February 6, 2019.
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Further Public Input on Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan Project
(Stanwyck/Scott - 60 minutes)
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation, receive public comments and testimony,
and discuss Community Center, Youth Services and Programs, and Fields and Facilities
in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update.
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SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
3. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair Avakian – 15 minutes)
4. Directors’ Report (Stanwyck - 5 minutes)
5. Communication
ADJOURNMENT
To the r egular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commi ttee as approved by the PRC to
Wednesday , April 3rd, at 5:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation, 1341 Nipomo, San Luis Obispo,
California.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request,
this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a
disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request
to the Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
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City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
5:30 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Parks and Recreation
Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Chair Greg Avakian called meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, Keri Schwab, Robert Spector, Vice Chair
Rodney Thurman, and Chair Greg Avakian
ABSENT: Susan Olson
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
Staff provided an update from the Council Meeting the night prior, February 5, 2019
wherein, staff was directed to develop a policy on monuments. It is estimated to be a 6 month
process. Staff also held a Sinsheimer Tennis Court Lighting Project community input session
regarding the design of the lights and received public feedback. Recommending to Council
integration and evaluation of the project within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
Element Update.
Public Comment
1.John Ashbaugh, SLO Resident, discussed the City Council process regarding the
adoption of policies.
2.Peter Mertens, SLO Resident, supports staff’s recommendation to analyze the
Sinsheimer Tennis Court Lighting Project within the context Parks and Recreatio n
Master Plan and Element Update to determine if it is a priority.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
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1.Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of January 9, 2018.
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION FOR JANUARY 9, 2018.
CARRIED 4:0:1:1 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for
the regular meeting of 01/09/19 as motioned by Thurman and second by Applegate.
AYES: AVAKIAN, SPECTOR, APPLEGATE, THURMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: SCHWAB
ABSENT: OLSON
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Initial Review of Proposed Islay Park Playground Replacement Project (Kloepper – 30
minutes)
Engineer Shelsie Kloepper, presented an update on the public outreach events in reference to
the Islay Park Playground Replacement project. Popular elements as a result of the public
outreach were presented and those elements were used to create four playground layouts
shown to the commission. Additional adult fitness equipment and updates to the park swings
were also included in the presentation.
PRC Questions
Chair Avakian asked if there would be shade provided over the public seating areas.
Commissioner Applegate preferred playground layout #4 and would like to see
additional shade over the 5-12 playground section. Asked about the type of surfacing
that will be installed at the playground.
Commissioner Schwab asked if the Bright Ideas workshop feedback was incorporated
into the design.
Commissioner Spector inquired about the quantity of adult fitness equipment displayed
in the presentation.
Vice Chair Thurman asked staff to explore the frequency of use of the adult fitness
equipment and potential addition of an alternate type of shaded workout area. Inquired
about the increased pricing between the estimated project and the revised project cost.
Public Comment
Mary Lou Johnson, Islay Park Resident, would like to see additional signage in the park and
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promotion of the park pathway. Additional focus on cleaning up the foliage around the park
and playground.
Mike Sciocchetti, SLO Resident, would like to see focus on the functionality of the fitness
equipment to meet the needs of the community. Would like staff to review the potential of a
reservation system for the picnic area.
Commissioners Discussion.
Chair Avakian likes the progressiveness of design #4 with combo of design #1, with the
complement to the shade and younger playground.
Commissioner Schwab would like to see accessibility incorporated.
Commissioner Spector would like in park planning community elements incorporated
into parks including walkways, fitness equipment, and areas for specialized for fitness
including yoga.
Vice Chair Thurman likes the overall design of #1, the roller slide for design #3, and
the connectivity of design #4.
3. Further Public Input on Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan Project
(Stanwyck/Scott - 60 minutes)
Senior Planner, Shawna Scott and Parks and Recreation staff presented an update on the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element including summarization of
the stages of the plan so far and existing and future ideas for park connectivity via
walking and biking, natural/botanical spaces, fitness areas and dog uses. Staff gave an
update on the future steps and workshops for 2019.
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation, receive public comments and testimony,
and discuss the Park Connectivity, Natural/Botanical Park Spaces, Fitness Areas and Dog
uses in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element
Update.
Connectivity Commission Staff Questions:
Vice Chair Thurman is looking forward to additional information regarding North
Broad Street connectivity.
Bike Amenities & Connectivity Public Comment
John Robert, SLO Resident, would to prioritize two dirt bike parks in Sinsheimer Park
and Laguna Lake Park in relation to school locations.
Payton Shoresman, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San
Luis Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Park.
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Mary Ann Ryley, SLO Resident, would like to see more outdoor activities including
bike parks located within the city, specifically at Laguna Lake Park.
Bryce & Tyler Ryley, SLO Resident, would like to see a bike park within riding
distance, specifically at Laguna Lake Park
Trent Johnson, SLO Resident, would like to see two bike parks within the City and
accessible by bike.
Tate Issacs, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San Luis
Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Parks and include trail building education, trail
creation and trail management instruction.
Grant Robbins, SLO Resident, would like to see two bike parks within the City of San
Luis Obispo accessible by bike and potentially modeled after bike parks located in
Lompoc.
Myron Amerine, SLO Resident, would like to see bike pathway specification standards
incorporated into the Master Plan and Element Update.
Todd Hagbrin, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San Luis
Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Park and accessible by bike.
Kristy O’Hara, SLO Resident, supports bike parks within the City, specifically at
Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Parks. Clubs able to assist with maintenance of bike
parks. Supports bike connectivity.
John Asbaugh, SLO Resident, implement a concept idea connecting Laguna Lake Park
and Laguna Middle School that would incorporate the Laguna neighborhood. Improve
connectivity bridge in Sinsheimer Park and Railroad Safety Trail.
Leah Brooks, SLO Resident, ATC Chairman, stated that the Active Transportation
Committee is developing an Active Transportation Plan with the potential to add park
connectivity.
Doug Brian, SLO Resident, improve access to Santa Rosa Park with a pedestrian bridge
across Stenner Creek.
PRC Connectivity Discussion:
Chair Avakian in favor of bike parks at Sinsheimer Park and Laguna Lake Park and
would like to see an educational component for bike safety and pump track creation
with self-regulation and connectivity safety for school routes.
Commissioner Applegate inquired about how the idea of the two bike park locations
became an idea.
Commissioner Spector is supportive of bike parks at Sinsheimer Park and Laguna Lake
Park. Supports safe connectivity to City parks and schools.
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Vice Chair Thurman addressed the need to consider the bike lane usage by other forms
of travel including electric modes of transport.
Natural/Botanical & Fitness Areas Commission Staff Questions:
Commissioner Applegate would like to see the labeling plant features within park areas.
Commissioner Spector commented on nurturing neighborhoods and utilizing parks to
improve the quality of life within those neighborhoods.
Vice Chair Thurman would like staff to consider the maintenance required for some
natural spaces and focus on the simplicity of botanical gardens. Focus on upgrading
current park areas to incorporate natural areas including Cheng Park, water efficiency
and sustainability.
Natural/Botanical & Fitness Areas Public Comment
Jeff Whitener, SLO Resident, focus on improving the condition and addition of natural
spaces within Los Praderas Pocket Park with connectivity to Bob Jones Trail. Would like
to see a park development in proximity to Downtown on Higuera St. Connectivity from
new Broad St development to Sinsheimer Park.
Frank Basich, SLO Resident, address shortage of night lighting within the park proximity
of Sinsheimer Park.
Cheryl McLean, SLO Resident, inquired on the status of the N Broad St Park.
Chenda Lar, SLO Botanical Garden Executive Director, offer expertise on the creation
of botanical gardens within the City.
John Ewan, SLO Resident, stressed the importance of quiet areas in parks.
PRC Natural Spaces Discussion:
Chair Avakian would like to see focus on circuit fitness equipment along pathways.
Encourage the use of downtown areas for natural spaces in Emerson or Mitchell or
places with landscape views. Incorporate the best use of new projects for multi-use
facilities.
Commissioner Schwab proposed that a well-spaced bench would-be a short-term
solution. Enclosed spaces could lead to unintended uses. Other elements could be used
to create a natural environment.
Commissioner Spector walking path with more fitness equipment. Create a place with
reflects the natural space of parks and incorporate them with existing park areas. Long
term goals would be to incorporate natural spaces into future park designs.
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Vice Chair Thurman support for fitness areas incrementally around park pathways if
the equipment is maintained and well utilized. Bring more natural hardscape features in
parks or pocket park location for short term goals. Find quality designers for long-term
projects for natural spaces.
Dog Areas Commission Staff Questions:
Vice Chair Thurman would like to see safe access to park locations by other modes of
transportation. Research minimum size of dog parks to incorporate into existing parks.
Dog Areas Public Comment:
Kelly Heffernan, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park within the City at
existing parks.
Doug Rion, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park within the City at
existing parks and separate small and large dog enclosures.
Becky Sciocchetti, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park featuring a
separate large and small park area. Potential of having an enclosed area in local parks.
Andy Pease, SLO Resident, sees the need for both fenced dog park areas as well as open
areas similar to Laguna Lake Park with clear markings and boundaries. Shared use areas
within existing parks with schedule hours of use. “Friends of” groups can assist with sense
of ownership and financial support.
John McKenzie, Friends of SLO City Dog Parks, provided templates to PRC for dog parks
as well as potential enclosed dog park areas within the city. Noted the high population of
dogs within the city, with no safe and legal enclosed parks for dogs.
Fran Prentis, SLO Resident, would like to see Laguna Lake Off Leash dog area remain an
open area, with no enclosure. Additional maintenance is needed to be address in the off-
leash dog area.
June Monikel, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park in Exposition park.
John Ewan, SLO Resident, would like to see off-leash enclosed dog areas in existing park
locations.
Adam Stowe, SLO Resident, does not consider the boulders at Laguna Lake Park to be an
effective enclosure and would recommend enclosed dog areas.
Dog Areas PRC Discussions:
Chair Avakian would like staff to look review proximity to housing when looking at
dog areas and potential for use hours within park locations for dogs.
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Commissioner Applegate would like to see action for a new dog park within the next
couple of years. Asked about a survey conducted of the Laguna Lake Off-Leash Dog
Area. Explore the multi-use space as potential locations.
Commissioner Spector sees a need for enclosed dog parks within park locations and
would like to see action as a short term goal.
Vice Chair Thurman does not see that a fenced in area at Laguna Lake Park would take
away from the park experience.
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
1. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair Avakian – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector spoke about the Senior
Center staff having upcoming meetings with City staff for an update to the
agreement with the Senior Center. Staff provided an update to the security
improvements around the center.
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Olson Absent.
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate spoke about the addition of six lifeguard instructors, staff held a public
input session for the Sinsheimer Park Tennis Court Lights. Golf Maintenance staff
cleared debris along the creek in the golf course. Softball registration began
February 1 with a new women’s softball league for 2019.
d. Jack House Committee. Commissioner Schwab No report (JHC did not meet).
e. Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman provided an updated Urban forest awareness
dates in May 25 in Mission Plaza.
f. Youth Sports Association: Not represented.
2. Director’s Report. Upcoming event highlights were provided.
3. Communication: Interviews are being held for prospective new Commission
members in late February.
ADJOURNMENT at 8:24 p.m.
To the rescheduled Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the PRC
to Wednesday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis
Obispo, California
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request,
this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a
disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request
to the Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
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Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 03/06/2019
Item Number: BUSINESS 02
DATE: March 6, 2019
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development
SUBJECT: Public Workshop to facilitate focused discussions on Community Centers, Youth
Services and Programs, and Fields and Facilities in relation to the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan and General Plan Element Update.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive staff presentation, receive public comments and testimony, and discuss Community Centers,
Youth Services and Programs, and Fields and Facilities in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan and General Plan Element Update.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2017, the City Parks and Recreation and Community Development Departments initiated the update
to the City’s Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan and the Master Plan (the “Update”).
The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) reviewed and provided feedback on the Project Plan for
the Master Plan and Element on September 6th and October 4th of 2017 and recommended the City
Council approve the Project Plan. On November 7, 2017, the City Council approved the Project Plan,
and a consultant team led by WRT was selected in February 2018 to support the Master Plan and
Element Staff team.
Since that time, the team has implemented the foundational stages of the Project Plan by conducting
extensive initial community outreach pursuant to the approved Community Engagement Plan1 and as
summarized in the Community Needs Assessment Engagement Memorandum2 approved by the PRC
in December 2018. In addition, the results from the statistical survey conducted by ETC Institute are
available for review in the Needs Assessment Survey Findings Report3.
1 Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in April 2018, available here.
2 Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in December 2018, available here.
3 Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in December 2018, available here.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
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Actions completed and ongoing include:
Date Action
October 2017 PRC approves Update Project Plan
November 2017 Council approves Update Project Plan
April 2018 PRC approves Community Engagement Plan
Spring/Summer 2018 Staff hosts pop-ups promoting September Workshop
September 13, 2018 Bright Ideas Public Workshop
August-October 2018 ETC – Needs Assessment Survey
December 2018 Community Needs Assessment, Engagement
Memorandum and Needs Assessment Survey
Findings Report approved by the PRC
January 2019 PRC Workshop on SLO Swim Center and Events
February 2019 PRC Workshop on Parks
Ongoing Comment cards and email interested list gathering
Ongoing E-Newsletter/Email blasts
Ongoing Social media: education, meeting announcements
Ongoing Neighborhood meetings (staff available for)
Ongoing Public input and communications to staff
Ongoing Open City Hall
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOPS
At the December 5, 2018 PRC meeting, the Commissioners reviewed and discussed themes and topics
that are emerging as important to the public, based on the results of the Bright Ideas Public Workshop,
statistical survey, and overall comments from the community. The PRC provided guidance to staff
regarding topics to be the focus of three workshops with the Commissioners and the public in early
2019. Each PRC workshop will include a presentation from Staff, hopefully extensive public comment,
and finally discussion among the Commissioners about the themes and topics as they relate to the
future of parks, facilities, and recreation in San Luis Obispo. The purpose of the three workshops will
be to:
• Inform the Commissioners and the public about parks and recreation facilities, amenities, and
programming currently enjoyed by our community, in addition to the great input received from
the statistical survey and through past and ongoing community engagement opportunities;
• Additional avenues for the public to express themselves about the future of parks, facilities and
recreation through written comments and spoken testimony;
• A hosted community conversation with the public regarding the residents’ priorities for the
future of parks, facilities, and recreation in San Luis Obispo; and
• Further inform for the content of the Community Needs Assessment Report to be prepared by
WRT and presented at a Spring 2019 Public Workshop.
Based on the results of community engagement thus far, multiple topics are important to the public,
and were identified by the PRC for focused discussions related to the community’s values and
priorities, unmet needs, and hopes and dreams. The January 9, 2019 PRC Workshop focused on: 1)
SLO Swim Center and current and future programming and current and future pool and other aquatic
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 3
needs and 2) Events, including park activation, citywide events, neighborhood events, and enrichment
classes. Some of the topics identified by the public and the PRC during the workshop included: therapy
pool expansion; more hours for pool use; more programming at SLO Swim; aquatic play areas for
kids; creating community and social gathering area(s); continue discussion/assessment related to
allowing businesses in parks (i.e. food trucks, yoga, small music events); and expanded public outreach
regarding current and planned City events.
The February 6, 2019 PRC Workshop focused on Parks, including: bike parks and bike skills areas,
park improvements and connectivity, programming in parks, botanical and natural enhancements, and
dog parks. Some of the topics identified by the public and the PRC included: bike parks and pump
tracks; non-vehicle connectivity to parks; beautification within parks and small “pocket” neighborhood
parks; sustainable landscaping; fitness areas in parks; dog parks that provide enough area and
operational features (fencing, water, possible separation between large and small dogs); and provision
of fencing around the Laguna Lake dog area.
At each Workshop, the PRC and the public received a presentation from Staff and comments from the
public, and all public comments and PRC discussions were documented by Staff for further
consideration in the Update process. The March 2019 PRC Workshop shall focus on a community
center, youth services and programs, and fields and facilities.
NEXT STEPS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
As described in the Community Engagement Plan for this Project, there will be many, many more
opportunities for public input prior to preparation of the draft Master Plan and Element. As outlined
below, all reports will be provided to the PRC and additional advisory bodies and the City Council, as
applicable. Staff encourages the public to review these documents, as well, and provide comments
throughout the Master Plan and Element update process. Highlights of current and next steps include
the following:
Date Action Details
January, February,
March 2019
PRC Meetings –
Workshop Items
1.PRC and public discussion
2.Focused topics of discussion
3.January meeting held at SLO Swim Center, 900
Southwood Drive, to encourage public input
4.February and March meetings held at Council
Chambers, 990 Palm, to encourage public input
5.Extra outreach and public notification
April 2019 Draft Community Needs
Assessment
1.PRC review of Draft Community Needs
Assessment report by WRT
2.Public review and input
Spring 2019 Community Needs
Assessment Public
Workshop
1.Discussion of Community Needs Assessment
2.WRT present
3.Engagement and discussion of themes
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
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Date Action Details
Spring 2019 Advisory Body and
Council approval of
Community Needs
Assessment
1.Upon recommendation by PRC and other advisory
bodies review and recommend approval of
Assessment
2.Council consideration
3.Public meetings and engagement for ALL
Prior to the adoption of the Community Needs Assessment report, the January, February, and March
PRC meetings include conversations about emerging trends with the public. Staff is supporting the
PRC with the facilitation of these three meetings.
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