HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-2019 PRC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Parks and Recreation
Conference Room
1341 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Chair Greg Avakian
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, 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 March 6, 2019.
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.Oath of Office for Parks and Recreation Commissioners Stowe and Webber (City Clerk -
5 minutes).
3.Annual Appointments Chair and Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission
(Avakian – 10 minutes).
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for April 3, 2019
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4.Subcommittee Liaison discussion, purpose and selection (Stanwyck – 20 minutes).
a.Adult and Senior Programming
b.Active Transportation Committee
c.City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities)
d.Jack House Committee
e.Tree Committee
f.Youth Sports Association
5.Final Review of Proposed Islay Hill Park Playground Layout (Kloepper – 30 minutes)
Recommendation: Final review of the Islay Hill Park Playground Layout and provide any
additional direction on the Islay Hill Park Playground Replacement Project.
6.Mission Plaza Safety Enhancements (Burde – 30 minutes)
Recommendation: Review and make recommendations regarding safety enhancements to
the Mission Plaza as a part of the Mission Plaza Master Plan.
7.Update on Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan Project (Stanwyck/Scott –
30 minutes)
Recommendation: Receive staff update from the Emerging Trends Workshops in January,
February and March and discuss themes in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
and General Plan Element Update. Update on next steps and proposed Public Workshop on
June 5, 2019.
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
8.Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair Avakian – 15 minutes)
a.Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector
b.Active Transportation Committee: Vacant
c.City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate
d.Jack House Committee: Commissioner Schwab
e.Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman
f.Youth Sports Association: Vacant
9.Directors’ Report (Stanwyck - 5 minutes)
10.Communication
ADJOURNMENT
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for April 3, 2019
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To the r egular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commi ttee as approved by the PRC to
Wednesday , May 1st , 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, March 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.
Public Comment
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1.Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of February 6, 2019.
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2019.
CARRIED 4:0:0:2 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for
the regular meeting of 02/06/19 as motioned by Thurman and second by Applegate.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for March 6, 2019
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AYES: AVAKIAN, SPECTOR, APPLEGATE, THURMAN,
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: OLSON, SCHWAB
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.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 Youth Services and
Programs, Community Centers, and Fields and Facilities in relation to the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update. Staff gave an update on the
future steps and workshops for 2019.
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation, receive public comments and testimony,
and discuss the Youth Services and Programs, Community Centers, and Fields and
Facilities in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element
Update.
Youth Services and Programs Commission Staff Questions:
Commissioner Applegate: How you heard from Community want to expand Sun ‘n Fun.
Do you have waiting lists?
Commissioner Spector: Capacity, Vision and Dream; if there was a blank check what
would you want or need for the youth.
Commissioner Thurman: Would a Teen Center mean a new facility or a repurpose of
existing.
Youth Services and Programs Public Comment
Brandi Andrews, SLO Resident, I have 3 young sons, I appreciate the youth programs and
the afterschool care. I am here to talk about older children and teen programming, I feel
as the children get older pre-teen and teen is very important. I would like to see a space
for older children to go and hang out together.
Samantha Lalush, SLO Resident, I love Sun ‘n Fun as a working parent. My son loves it
and my daughter spends more time there than her Kinder class. My son learned Chess in
Sun ‘n Fun.
PRC Youth Services and Programs Discussion:
Commissioner Applegate: Summertime is important especially for youth ages 3-5 years
old, more specifically camps.
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Commissioner Thurman: Concern about limited space and the need for more space. The
focus is finding the space and funding. Possible alternative spaces. Cannot continue to
serve all (capacity) with programs in place.
Commissioner Spector: Do you work with the faith community, they seem to have
possible spaces available. And they have huge amounts of volunteers who could help
with the programming.
Commissioner Applegate: How many school sites are utilized. Is your ratio per inside
space and/or outside space. Is outdoor space utilized.
Commissioner Avakian: Can you explain the registration process and how does that
impact the waitlist. I assume the waitlist is 5 people or 25 people.
Community Centers Commission Staff Questions:
None
Community Centers Public Comment
Cathy Marvier, SLO Resident, VP of SLO Senior Center, in charge of activities. Day
trips are a big attraction, the cost of the bus for a longer trip is $1,800. The City funds the
Senior Center $3,000 for operational costs. I would ask for additional $5,000 funded by
the City, to enhance the bus field trip program.
Mary Vandenberg, SLO Resident, Publicity Chair, I would like to talk about the facility.
We are looking for a true community center that is multi-generational, we are trying to
expand our programming and as volunteers we are stretched, and it is a small space. We
would like to expand programming and more activities, we would like to expand beyond
the older ages in the Senior Community.
PRC Community Centers Discussion:
Commissioner Thurman, the Ludwick Center, seems to be fairly non-descript we need to
make the facility an engaging, exciting place. The southern end of town seems to not have
many amenities and wondering if we can set aside funds collected from developers to
augment that area of town. Think about cool uses, a multi-use facility: a nature center and
education center which includes a community room.
Commissioner Spector, I understand the repurposing of facilities, but have we considered
a multi-generational center where youth and seniors join each other in activities. A
place for the community with a focal point for all ages, and at locations near other facilities.
And we need to look at the over 55 age group.
Commissioner Applegate, I support the idea of a Teen Center, and Ludwick seems logical
as it is close to the bus stop. I was just at Leroy’s at The Kinney, there were neat games,
Skee Ball, Shuffleboard, outdoor activies, for different ages and abilities. I think it is
important to have night use available.
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Commissioner Schwab, have we considered Jack House for other programming and facility
use.
Commissioner Avakian, how do other communities fund for new community centers and
facility repurposing. And I would like to explore the vacant store fronts for possible
usage. Community Centers can offer different spaces, breakout rooms for conferences, or
large spaces or ballrooms, multi-generational. think much bigger and figure out funding
later.
Fields and Facilities Commission Staff Questions:
NONE
Fields and Facilities Public Comment:
SOCCER
Heather Billing, AYSO Commissioner, Over 1,000 kids with over 100 teams.
Advocating for more field space especially practice space at the fields. We would love
synthetic fields. More practice fields for all. Appreciates staff from Parks and Recreation
and Public Works.
Tim Townley, SLO Resident, CC Soccer, we put on the SLO Friendly Tournament and
we contribute back by buying nets and goals and we love our partnership with the City.
We cannot play between May and August. We hope to play year-round and maybe that it
is time to consider synthetic fields and more fields for practice. We have cut our
participation with the City to help with the new grass on the turf, we had a waiting list
this season.
Steve Sampson, SLO Resident, Cal Poly Men’s Soccer Coach and United Soccer Club,
we have a great community of soccer in SLO. Although we do not have enough
facilities, we believe they have deteriorated or safety issue, potholes, that’s a concern.
We have 300 families as part of our Club, we do not know where to put them. There is a
lack of fields, and we are down to even using a ¼ of the fields available.
Jacob (no speaker slip), new resident; 11-month son, Central Coast Soccer Club; usability
limited; can’t use Damon Garcia for training; can’t use facilities during other times, huge
issue; need for synthetic surfaces; technology has improved; built for now and the future.
Hugh Payne, Director of Operations Central Coast Soccer Club: multi-sports facilities
create more income for City; tourism impact from youth and adult sports.
Sarah Flickinger, SLO Resident, I grew up playing soccer for over 30 years now. I am
now a Coach, I see a shortage of practice fields and turf availability. The schools have
restricted use and now we are forced to look elsewhere. Part of Laguna Lake would be
great, as well as Islay Park area.
J. Morrison, SLO Resident, Central Coast United Club, lack of utilizing Damon Garcia at
certain times. I am suggesting synthetic fields are what is needed in the community.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for March 6, 2019
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YOUTH BASEBALL
Ryan Miller. SLO Resident, President of Youth Baseball (ages 4-16): very happy to
represent youth side of baseball, very vibrant with HS, SLO Blues, Cal Poly; City has
great history of baseball; congrats to Devin, thank you; quite a few baseball fields in area
but spread out and big variance; not every field is available to all youth ranges; there are
500 players this year, over the last five years 20% growth; as City continues to focus on
affordable housing and younger families, greater stress on registration and availability of
fields; baseball is a large community event; forecasting accelerated growth rates, maybe
up to 1,000 kids in the next few years; ideas include Sinsheimer complex; wants greater
control over fields (outside of schools); consider a smart use of fields or additional
infrastructure development for certain organizations that open up opportunities for other
organizations.
Austin, Baseball Player, I have been playing baseball for five years. The fields have a lot
of puddles, I would like to see drainage in the fields or covered mats on the fields.
Bill Isaman, SLO Resident, Your outreach has been amazing. I have two boys and they
play youth baseball. Our baseball fields in San Luis Obispo, are less than adequate. We
lack safe playing conditions, safe dugouts, proper pitching mounds, and outfield fences.
When you go outside the community their fields are superior, including score booths and
adequate lighting and parking.
Sybill Haley, SLO Resident, SLO Girls Softball, I have four children. I am here tonight
because I feel like we need more multi use facilities and more lighted facilities. Girls
Softball can only play at Laguna, appreciates the 3 nice fields, but time limited due to
lack of lighting; thinking about 20-year plan, as City grows, younger age groups are
busting at the seams; youth sports fields if very important in 20-year plan.
Sarah Kelley, Girls Softball, only one field for girls softball at Laguna. We need more
fields for girls softball.
David Kelley, SLO Resident, Thank you to all here tonight. The twenty-year vision is a
new complex, what is the dream, needs to discuss more of a vision for the next 20 years.
Bill Mott, SLO Resident, 3rd Generation in San Luis Obispo, when you consider the 20-
year vision we hope you consider a baseball complex similar to Damon Garcia. I think
Laguna Lake is the perfect neighborhood and has plenty of space. We should definitely
look at synthetic fields and multi-use.
Greg Stork, SLO Resident, Youth Baseball, the fields have not changed since I grew up
here. They have not changed and are essentially sand lots. The baseball season is close
to year-round now. The way baseball has grown it is time to create a central baseball
complex.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Michael Freeman, SLO Resident, AYSO, CC Soccer, Youth Hockey, I am here to talk
limited facilities and limited space. Keep up the new turf at Damon. We need an aquatic
center. As far as hockey, kids are getting hurt the stick gets stuck in the boards. We need
better lights and possibly a roof over the hockey center, safety is a concern.
Cynthia Perrine, SLO Resident, CC Soccer and Youth Softball, I am here tonight to talk
about youth softball and there is not enough space for pitching and girls who want to
practice.
Bill Wolman, SLO Resident, I lobbied for Damon Garcia many years ago. San Luis
Obispo wants to stay green and soccer tournaments bring in money to the City. This is
good tourism for the City. Youth Sports are taking on incredible schedules and travel all
over the State, this is a revenue maker.
Reggie Greenwood, SLO Resident, SLO Rugby Club, we have 50 teams coming from all
over the country to our Fall tournament. We hope to expand Damon Garcia and expand
parking. It is definitely a field use issue at Damon Garcia.
Oliver Andrews, SLO Resident, I play 3 sports and I am here to talk about the fields and
how wet they have been. I think we should install turf, fake grass fields.
DISC GOLF
Adam Scott, SLO Resident, I am a disc golf player and ask for allocating funds for
maintenance of the course. It is very inexpensive and for all ages and great social
interaction. Great use of public lands and help with our volunteers.
Sklyar Shipley, SLO Resident, I am a disc golf player and it is a great passive use for
park usage. New courses would be great in SLO and areas that are wooded or hilly are
fine, and the cost is relatively low. Volunteers maintain course; studies show that
vagrancy and graffiti and litter reduced by the placement of disc golf; least cost, most
bang for your buck; more funding for adding more courses.
Jay Hanson, SLO Resident, I love Sinsheimer and Laguna Disc Golf and SLO Throwers.
I would like to advocate for funds for SLO Throwers for maintenance for the courses.
Disc Golf along with Pickleball is a fast-growing sport. Our courses are not a destination
but if we had more amenities it would attract more players.
Greg Vine, SLO Resident, Disc Golf, We maintain 50-100 members a year and all the
folks who use as drop in. We maintain with volunteer hours as our contract with the City,
and all our members care for the courses. We are asking for funds for this effort.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for March 6, 2019
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Adam Stowe, SLO Blues, I am disc golfer too. I am here for SLO Blues, and 50 years
ago the Stadium was built it is now in total disrepair. The restrooms, parking, the
stadium seating. Improving the facility could help with other user groups year-round.
Fields and Facilities PRC Discussions:
Commissioner Applegate, All the field use, can you explain the practice field use with the
schools and lack of availability.
Commissioner Avakian, field overuse has been mentioned and the continued lack of
availability at school sites. We need multi-use, indoor/outdoor, more lighting,
repurposing and new indoor spaces, warehouse type uses. We hope to obtain short term
wins that can be accomplished in reviewing the past workshops.
Commissioner Spector, I appreciate all the kids attending and speaking tonight. The
tournaments mentioned and the amount of people coming to the City, what does that
mean as far as dollars back to the City. The message coming across is more capacity and
increased safety.
Commissioner Schwab, can you explain and address the safety issues mentioned at the
facilities.
Commissioner Thurman, advocacy for synthetic fields, have you done a cost comparison
to natural grass or a comparison study.
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
1. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair Avakian – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector spoke about the Senior
Center; the group feels more in sync with the City.
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Olson Absent.
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate spoke about Aquatics, staff will be having lifeguard training, it is the last
year of the 100 Mile Club, all participants will get a water bottle; new hydration
station has saved over 1,600 bottles. Facilities, fields have been closed for over a
month because of the rain. New PA System will be installed in March, Golf Course
purchased new push carts and received a ride-on greens mower. YSA Quarterly
meeting next month, this is the last week of Youth Basketball, Futsal will begin in
April. Adult Softball teams are low for upcoming season, but there is a new
women’s softball league beginning on Fridays. MLBPAA free clinic on April 6th.
d. Jack House Committee. Commissioner Schwab, no report (JHC did not meet).
Next meeting will be March 13th. They are looking at the Community Survey for
Operations of a historic home.
e. Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman, Public Works has been updating the Tree
Ordinance. They are trying to streamline the tree removal process with Community
Development Department. A new local group Carbon Free SLO applied for a
$30,000 grant to plant trees in the City, now just waiting to plant the trees within
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for March 6, 2019
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the City limits. Arbor Day in May. I will be talking at Beda’s Biergarten for Urban
Forestry, March 13 at 6:00 p.m.
f.Youth Sports Association: Not represented.
2.Director’s Report. Upcoming event highlights were provided.
3.Communication: There are two vacancies on the Commission and the Clerk has extended
the application process. We hope to fill these positions by the time we meet next in April.
ADJOURNMENT at 8:09 p.m.
To the rescheduled Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the PRC
to Wednesday, April 3 , at 5:30 p.m., at the Parks and Recreation Office, 1341 Nipomo
Street, San Luis Obispo, California
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 04/03/2019
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, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: ISLAY HILL PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT,
SPECIFICATION NO. 91654
Prepared by: Shelsie Kloepper
RECOMMENDATION
1.Final review of Islay Hill Park Playground Layout; and
2.Provide any additional direction on the Islay Hill Park Playground Equipment Replacement
Project.
DISCUSSION
Background
Replacing playground equipment in the City’s parks limits the City’s liability exposure and keeps
the City in compliance with State regulations. In 1999, staff developed a plan to identify
replacement of the City’s park playground equipment, which anticipates the useful life of the
equipment to be 15 years. Islay Hill Park Playground was built in 1997 and is the next playground
scheduled to be replaced. In 2008, the State passed AB 1144 which mandates that all play
equipment constructed between 1994 and 1999 be replace or upgraded within 15 years of
installation.
The project scope is to replace all the existing playground equipment and provide a new
playground layout within the existing footprint. The project also includes accessibility
improvements to the existing public restrooms and to the path of travel from parking spaces to the
playground.
The City has hired Wallace Group to design the project and is working with Game Time on the
final layout.
Public Outreach
City staff has conducted several events to receive community input on the project design. Parks
and Recreation staff presented some preliminary layout boards on September 29th, 2018, at the
September Scramble Kid’s Obstacle Course at the Laguna Lake Golf Course. This outreach event
was targeted for kids between the ages of 5-13.
Two additional outreach events were held at Islay Hill Park Playground. The design team presented
element boards that were voted on by children and adults. The boards were categorized by type of
element and age group. The complete display included two boards for ages 2-5, three boards for
ages 5-12, and one board for adult play and shade structures. The outreach events were planned at
different times of the day to catch a variety of park user including the lunchtime crowd from 11 -
2pm on December 4th, 2018, and the afternoon and afterschool users from 3-5pm on December
Meeting Date: April 3, 2019
Item Number:___#_5____
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Islay Hill Park Playground Replacement Project Page 2
12th, 2018. Staff received good feedback from these events for the elements that users would like
to see in the new park layout. The feedback from the element boards was reviewed and provided
to the playground vendors to prepare the latest park layout exhibits.
Previous Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
On February 6th, 2019, staff presented an overview of the public engagement process for the new
playground at Islay Hill Park and four example layouts to the Parks and Recreation Commission
and the public. Staff received feedback from the commission and the public on the preferred
layouts. Staff used input from the meeting to combine features and produce one revised layout.
The revised layout incorporates shade features for all ages and focuses on an interconnective
climbing course for the 5-12-year-old play area. The final design will also include signage for the
walking path as requested from the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Islay Hill Park Playground Replacement Project was originally identified in the 2017-19
Financial Plan, page E2-10 through E2-11. The project is funded for design 2018-19 and
construction 2019-20. The current construction budget is $350,000, but staff will be requesting an
additional $150,000 in the 2019-21 Financial Plan to fund the increasing cost of construction.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will review all feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. This feedback
will be used for staff to complete the design of the Islay Hill Park Playground.
ATTACHMENTS
Revised Islay Hill Park Playground Layout
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REVISED LAYOUT PACKET PAGE 14
OVERALL LAYOUTPACKET PAGE 15
2-5 AGE GROUPPACKET PAGE 16
2-5 AGE GROUPSPINNERPACKET PAGE 17
2-5 AGE GROUPMUSICALPACKET PAGE 18
5-12 AGE GROUPSPINNERSWINGS ADJACENT SPINNER AND SEE SAWSTANDING SEE SAWPACKET PAGE 19
SWINGSPACKET PAGE 20
5-12 AGE GROUPPACKET PAGE 21
5-12 AGE GROUPPACKET PAGE 22
5-12 AGE GROUPPACKET PAGE 23
Parks
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: MISSION PLAZA SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
From: Matt Horn, City Engineer
Prepared by: Richard Burde, Engineer II
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive a presentation on planned safety enhancements in the Mission Plaza; and
2. Provide comment on the proposed enhancements.
DISCUSSION
Background
Mission Plaza is a social hub for the City of San Luis Obispo and is used for multiple purposes by
visitors and residents. In recent years it has also struggled with illicit activities and unproductive
uses of the public spaces, particularly adjacent to the historic adobe. The Police Department has
tracked increases in illegal and illicit activities within the Plaza for several years now. The safety
enhancements proposed are intended to discourage bad behaviors while increasing all users safety
and return the Mission Plaza to more inviting space for City residents and visitors.
The series of improvements to the Plaza are proposed as
1. Installation of two pole mounted security cameras.
2. Removal of the “Pony Wall” surrounding the Murray Adobe’s patio area.
3. Installation of a hydration station.
4. Installation of removable bollards at the west entrance to the plaza, planned for installation
as part of the Farmer’s Market Safety Bollard Project.
1. Pole Mounted Cameras
The Police Department has requested the that two security cameras be installed in the Plaza to aid
in monitoring areas prone to crime, drug use, and other illegal activities. Similar cameras are
already in use at the intersection of Monterey and Chorro as well as Monterey and Broad. The
locations proposed will help eliminate “blind spots” that currently exist on the Plaza and have been
shown to reduce illegal activities in addition to providing valuable information to deter the same.
2. Removal of Pony Wall
The Murray Adobe’s patio and pergola has become an attraction for gathering and illicit activities.
The pony wall both blocks line of sight as well as provides a place for individuals to sit and
congregate comfortably for long periods of time. This pony wall and bench were installed in 1973
and are not part of the historic Murray Adobe. The removal of this wall, the trash can, and the
benches attached to it, will help create better visibility on the plaza for law enforcement and further
discourage loitering and engaging in unlawful behavior.
Meeting Date: April 3, 2019
Item Number: 6
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DRAFT MISSION PLAZA MASTER PLAN Page 2
3. Hydration Station
Council passed Ordinance No. 1641 in 2017, which amended the Section 8.07.050 of the City’s
Charter to include requirements for increasing availability to public drinking water as a component
of Capital Improvements Projects located in a park, plaza, playground, or other public space. Staff
identified a need for this in Mission Plaza and have selected the most suitable location for public
convenience and ease of access to available water utility connections. This will be the 15th
hydration station installed within the City since the implementation of the program. The
availability of hydration stations throughout the City is a key component to implementing the
City’s goal for reducing the use of plastic water bottles.
Photo of similar hydration proposed to be installed
Pony Wall Proposed for Removal.
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DRAFT MISSION PLAZA MASTER PLAN Page 3
4. Removable Bollards
In the February 2018 Mid-Year Budget Review, a project was identified to improve security at the
downtown Thursday Night Farmers Market, Mission Plaza, and other downtown special events.
Ten locations were identified for increased protection at all the vehicular points of entry into the
streets used for Thursday Night Farmers Market and to the entrance into Mission Plaza from Broad
Street. Staff reviewed locations with the Police and Fire Departments, and the leadership of
Downtown Association, and decided the highest priority locations were on both ends of Higuera,
both ends of Chorro, and the entrances to Mission Plaza from Broad and Monterey Streets.
Removable bollards were determined to be the most appropriate vehicular safety enhancement for
Mission Plaza; removable bollards provide a barrier during events in the Plaza but may be removed
to provide access to vehicles that must access the plaza or businesses located across the Warden
Bridge. For more information on this project follow this link.
Detail of Removable Bollards
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DRAFT MISSION PLAZA MASTER PLAN Page 4
Location Map of Proposed Enhancements
Environmental Review
This project is located within one of the City’s archeologically sensitive sites and will follow the
mitigation measures identified in the initial study performed by the City and the resulting negative
declaration related to street excavation projects in sensitive areas. These measures include the
presence of a historical archaeologist who will monitor the site during excavation and trenching.
Public Outreach
During the Mission Plaza Concept Plan public outreach process numerous public events and
stakeholder meetings revealed that safety on the plaza was a major concern. The proposed
enhancements seek to address some of these safety concerns by increasing visibility for law
enforcement.
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DRAFT MISSION PLAZA MASTER PLAN Page 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CONSIDERATION
The Mission Plaza enhancements represents requests made by both the Police and Public Works,
and departments to address ongoing concerns in the Plaza.
The Parks and Recreation Commission 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 will be used to generate construction level documents that
incorporates advisory body input. Construction of the cameras, hydration station, and removal of
the pony wall in anticipated in late summer 2019.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will review all feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. This feedback
will be used by staff to complete the design of the Mission Plaza Enhancements.
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 04/03/2019
Item Number:
DATE: April 3, 2019
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
RECOMMENDATION
Receive staff update, receive public comments and provide feedback 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
Page 2
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
March 2019 PRC Workshop on Community Centers, Youth
Services and Programs, and Fields and Facilities
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
SUMMARY OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP SERIES
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 that were the focus of three workshops with the Commissioners and the public in
January, February, and March 2019.
Each 2019 PRC workshop included a presentation from Staff, extensive public comment, and
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 was 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;
• Provide additional avenues for the public to express themselves about the future of parks,
facilities and recreation through written comments and spoken testimony;
• Host a 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 June 5, 2019 Public Workshop.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 3
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. A summary of what we heard at each 2019 PRC
Workshop is provided below.
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 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 S LO 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.
The March 6, 2019 PRC Workshop focused on Youth Services and Programs, Community Centers
and Fields and Facilities. Some of the topics identified by the public and the PRC during the workshop
included: the need for more space and funding to support expanded youth services and programs;
reaching out to community partners for space and volunteers; need for multi-generational community
center; need for expanded programming for active seniors; a community center should be more
welcoming and inviting; need for more safe multi-use and sport-specific field space year-round;
consider options such as indoor fields, synthetic turf, and evening-hour lighting for more capacity/use
and durability; consider facility with the capacity for tournaments; continue partnership with existing
disc golf groups for improvements and additional courses; and improve/upgrade Sinsheimer Stadium.
Discussion Topics and Input from the PRC:
The PRC should discuss and provide feedback to staff regarding the following:
1. Do the summaries above capture what the PRC heard from the public during the 2019 PRC
Workshops?
2. Are there other topics to include or consider as staff moves forward towards the Community
Needs Assessment Workshop?
3. What are the key topics that should be addressed and require further public input at the
Community Needs Assessment Workshop?
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 4
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
May 1, 2019 Draft Community Needs
Assessment
1.PRC review and approval of Draft Community
Needs Assessment report by WRT
2.Public review and input
June 5, 2019 Community Needs
Assessment Public
Workshop
1.Discussion of Community Needs Assessment
2.WRT present
3.Engagement and discussion of themes
May/June/July 2019 Community Needs
Assessment provided to
Advisory Bodies and
Council
1.Advisory bodies receive Community Needs
Assessment and update from staff
2.Council receives Community Needs Assessment
and update from staff
3.Public meetings and engagement for ALL
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