HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2019 PRC Agenda PacketCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Rodney Thurman
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, Keri Schwab, Robert Spector, Adam Stowe,
Andrew Webber, Vice Chair Rodney Thurman, VACANCY (Chair)
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 September 4, 2019.
CONSENT ITEMS
BUSINESS ITEMS
2.North Broad Street Neighborhood Park (Kloepper – 30 minutes)
Recommendation:
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for November 6, 2019
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1. Final review of North Broad Street Neighborhood Park Layout; and
2. Provide any additional direction on the North Broad Street Neighborhood Park Project.
3. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update (Avakian/Scott –
1 hour)
Recommendation: Review, discuss, and provide consensus agreement on identified
Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Project Ideas for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
General Plan Element Update.
Recommended PRC Discussion Items and Action:
1. Review and receive public comment on Draft Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Project
Ideas.
2. Identify any additional ideas, which can be shared with staff prior to or during the public
meeting. Are there modifications, deletions, or additions that should be included?
3. Provide consensus agreement on identified Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Project Ideas
for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update.
4. Appointment Chair and Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission (Thurman –
10 Minutes)
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
5. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair) – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Webber
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate
d. Jack House Committee: Commissioner Schwab
e. Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman
f. Youth Sports Association: Commissioner Stowe
6. Directors’ Report (Avakian - 5 minutes)
7. Communication
ADJOURNMENT
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Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda for November 6, 2019
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To the Public Workshop of the Parks and Recreation Commi ttee as approved by the PRC to
Wednesday , December 4, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., 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.
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, September 4, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Parks and Recreation
Conference Room
1341 Nipomo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Rodney Thurman
ROLL CALL : Vice Chair Rodney Thurman, Commissioners Kari Applegate, Keri
Schwab, Robert Spector, Adam Stowe, and Andrew Webber
ABSENT: NONE
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:
Lynn Fuller (SLO Resident): The bridges at Meadow Park need replacement and concerned about
trees in Meadow Park that need to be removed due to disease.
Craig Kinkade (SLO Resident): The parking lots at Laguna Lake Park need to be addressed as well
as the continuous parking by RVs throughout the day and night.
Dodie Williams (SLO Resident): Concerned about the transient encampments that occur at and
around the Meadow Park Building. Would like to see other problem areas within the park
addressed including ADA upgrades to the park, access to the building and additional tree removal
due to disease and decay. Willing to provide a tour of the park to any PRC members.
Introduction: New Parks and Recreation Director – Greg Avakian (Stanwyck – 5 minutes)
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CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of August 7, 2019.
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION FOR AUGUST 7, 2019.
CARRIED 6:0:0:0 to approve the corrected minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Body for the regular meeting of 08/07/19 as motioned by Webber and second by Stowe.
AYES: APPLEGATE, STOWE, THURMAN, WEBBER, SCHWAB AND
SPECTOR
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
CONSENT ITEMS
NONE
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update (Stanwyck/Scott
– 1 hour)
Recommendation:
1. Receive a presentation and public comment, and review, discuss, and confirm park and
facility improvement tiers as presented in Attachment 1 (Park-by-Park Assessment, WRT
2019).
2. Receive a presentation and public comment, and review, discuss, and provide input on
Park-by-Park Assessment project list (Attachment 1, Park-by-Park Assessment, WRT
2019) with a focus on Tier 3 Visionary Park Improvements.
WRT Consultant John Gibbs provided an overview of the draft park-by-park assessment
including site-specific recommendations for existing and planned parks and facilities. Each
facility and park were designated one of the following improvement tiers:
• Tier 1: Critical Improvements – Maintenance: Maintaining existing resources
• Tier 2: Strategic Park Improvements – Improve of Existing Parks/Facilities:
Improving existing resources
• Tier 3: “Visionary” Park Improvements – New Opportunities: Developing New
Amenities
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Based on the assessments completed by WRT consultants, fourteen (14) parks were
designated Tier 1, nine (9) parks were designated Tier 2, and seventeen (17) parks were
designated Tier 3.
Through the presentation, the consultant focused on Tier 3 park locations providing issues,
public input and project recommendations for per Tier 3 parks. Input provided during the
presentation and based on community feedback and PRC recommendations will be used to
refine the list as priorities will be identified for the update to the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan and Element Plan.
Public Comment
Tim Townley: Need additional field space and turf fields for summer uses including
soccer. Would like to see recommendations within the plan for the transient issues
addressed throughout the City parks.
John McKenzie: Would like to see improvements for dog parks at Laguna Lake Park and
asking for the methodology as to why Islay and Laguna Hills Parks were chosen as
potential locations for dog parks. Would like to see dog parks included in larger scale
park locations including Meadow, Santa Rosa, Emerson and Sinsheimer Parks.
Connie Church: Would like to thank the PRC for the dedicated Pickleball courts at
French Park. Wants to see additional dedicated pickleball courts at French Park including
repurposing the current tennis court for pickleball.
Tim Meertens: Supportive of the community outreach for the Master plan process. Would
like to see the lights on the Sinsheimer Tennis Courts removed from the project list
recommendations and lights incorporated in new tennis court locations at park
developments. Does not support the renovation of the Ludwick Community Center but
supports building a new recreational facility.
Jean Hyduchak: Would like to see additional dedicated courts incorporated into French
Park in order to hold Pickleball tournaments – needs a minimum of eight courts.
Gary Havas: Supports the idea of two pump track locations and better bike access to
Laguna Lake Park
Lea Brooks: Supports the pump track options but not near the railroad safety trail and
design of pump track needs to be cautiously completed. Would like to see a dog park at
Mitchell Park. For Laguna Lake Golf Course, incorporating a multi-use path through the
course to connect the neighborhood. Inquiring as to why the Bob Jones bike trail was not
included in the assessment and wants the trail to be safe and appealing as possible.
Artimiza Shine: Would like to make sure that the “un-homed” population in SLO are
addressed properly and considered within the process. Factor how we can address the un-
homed community needs when considering park improvements.
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Steve Davis: Missing piece of the assessment is the development of new facilities and
amenities with a need to focus on what land acquisition. Address how the City can look
at the future need and capture those locations. Looking at the bigger 20-year picture in
addition to the park improvements.
Mary Vandenberg: The assessment needs to look at the big vision as related to the City
and to the SLO Senior Center. Address the additional parking needs for Senior Center
members. More focus on Center related improvements with increased offerings of non-
active opportunities for older populations. Make sure that the stakeholders are considered
with any planning and priorities.
Sarah Flickinger: Need to consider the overall need of the community as it grows. Parks
should feature community gathering spaces within the city and neighborhood locations.
South Higuera corridor needs a new park location with potential for passive recreation.
Need additional ADA accessibility within the current park system including passive quiet
spaces adjacent to active park spaces. Gathering spaces could create opportunities for
multiple generation interconnection. Supportive of the need for fields for non-permitted
uses including pick-up games and bike racks near facilities. Plan should provide
additional flat roller-skating area for users as roller rink is impacted.
Jeff Whitener: The assessment is missing of quantification of what we have versus what
we need. Wants focus on the California park standards and where the City stands on
meeting the needs. Important to have a comprehensive list which is not currently
provided.
Kelly Heffernan: Wants more focus on dog parks within the City included in the
assessment with more locations highlighted.
Commissioner Comment
Commissioner Stowe: Make sure Tier 1 and 2 park assessments are addressed. Tier 3
recommendations fall short of expectations and only meet current needs of parks.
Vice Chair Thurman: SLO Swim Center and Sinsheimer Park should be listed as a tier 2
given the recommendations.
Commissioner Applegate: How are priorities being identified within the park tiers?
Commissioner Spector: Consider all Sinsheimer facilities as one – not separate. Broader
themes health, safety and security was not addressed over park locations. There needs to
be a plan to provide safety for the community when attending parks and programs. Trees
need to be addressed due to the declining quantity. Neighborhood needs and standards
should be addressed including dog parks within walking distance. Can Mitchel and
Emerson parks become active where neighborhoods take ownership of park location?
Need more land and facilities address and creative ways to use existing facilities – i.e.
parking lot rooftops. Regarding Senior Center – need to offer services for older
population. Create and provide standards for all park classifications and programming.
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Commissioner Webber: How are the overlapping needs for other Advisory Bodies within
the City be addressed through this process?
Vice Chair Thurman: Not proposing new land for development to meet the needs of
growing community. Provide a list of areas for potential acquisition.
Commissioner Applegate: Laguna Lake Park – how are projects identified including what
can fit within the park system. How is this being determined?
Commissioner Spector: The big vision for the future (20 years) of Parks and Recreation is
missing – nothing aspirational has been provided.
Commissioner Stowe: Current parks systems need to be maintained at high level and
addressed within list.
By consensus, PRC requested staff to return with a list of potential Master Plan and Element
Plan update visionary and aspirational projects. Following discussion and agreement on that
“list” potentially over multiple meetings, review of priorities for ongoing maintenance and
deferred maintenance will occur for the inclusion in the Master Plan.
3. North Broad Street Neighborhood Park (Kloepper – 30 minutes)
Recommendation:
1. Review and discuss proposed layout for North Broad Street Neighborhood Park
2. Provide direction to staff on the preferred draft layout option in order to proceed with
final layout preparation.
Staff Kloepper provided a presentation on two proposed layouts for the North Broad Street
Neighborhood Park at the corner of Lincoln and Broad, with the design by the consultant
group Cannon. The two layouts included project components provided through community
feedback at two public workshops held over the summer 2019. Prior to the PRC presentation,
staff held a third community workshop receiving feedback on the two concept layouts to
provided during the presentation.
The layouts focused on versatile features for all park users and will include frontage
improvements and safety features such as a barrier fence between the road and front of the
park. Community garden plots are incorporated in the design of the park given the history of
the community garden location. The Neighborhood park concept layouts did not include a
restroom or on-site parking.
Commissioner Comment
Commissioner Applegate: How many garden plots are currently at the community
garden? (18) and how many are proposed (10-15)?
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Vice Chair Thurman: What are the City standards for plot bed (4’x8’). Would like to see
raised cement planters within the park and ADA accessible. Offer some separation
between play of the park and community garden areas. Shared succulent garden may not
be the best use of the area. Of the two, prefer the design of A.
Commissioner Spector: Is one layout option more passive than active? (B layout more
active). Prefer option B layout due to safety fencing feature and intergenerational
activities and the spacing between playground features and plots.
Commissioner Applegate: Prefer B layout and incorporate additional garden plots within
layout with fencing.
Commissioner Stowe: Prefer A. Compost next to shade structure may be an issue
regarding potential of smell.
Commissioner Webber: Prefer A but would like to see an updated concept without the
herb labyrinth.
Commissioner Schwab: Prefer B due to fencing. Concerns about the use of labyrinth and
if it would be become an unused area.
Public Comment
Gary Havas: Proposing vertical gardening along fence lines.
By consensus, PRC requested staff to return with a modified design and provide final layout.
Include walking path with more defined spacing between garden plots and play areas.
Removing herb labyrinth and incorporate additional passive recreation area. Remove shared
succulent feature and include additional amenities or garden plots. Incorporate a native
planting bed of SLO specific plants with identification signage.
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
4. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Vice Chair Thurman – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector: Air conditioning units will
be installed in Fall 2019. Senior Center held many activities over the summer and
partnered with Cuesta for specialty classes. Current programming numbers are
strong. Apples and Honey Festival will take place on September 22. Senior Center
board finalized policies regarding trips.
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Webber: Working on ATC
master plan. Crossover opportunities with master plans.
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate:
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Aquatics
- The therapy pool is under construction till early October. Aqua aerobics classes will
all take place in the large pool during normal business hours.
- The 40th Anniversary Birthday Splash event on August 9 attracted over 500 attendees
to the pool.
- Building Maintenance installed new LED lights during the maintenance period that
will provide additional visibility at night.
Facilities
- Annual Fall maintenance will begin September 16 with the closure of Sinsheimer
stadium, then a weekly closure of other city fie lds. Maintenance will continue
through first week of February.
Golf
- Staff continues to address leaks on the course
- Night Golf begins this month on September 26 and will continue through December,
weather permitting
- New netting is being installed on high impacted holes along the course.
Adult Sports
- Summer softball league has ended. Total of 64 teams were registered
- Fall Softball is currently underway
Youth Sports
- Junior Giants had a total of 192 registered kids over T-ball and Minors divisions. 25
members of the community volunteered to coach, mentor and umpire the games.
Community Services
- The annual September Scramble will take place Saturday, September 28 at the
Laguna Lake Golf Course. Course will feature over 13 obstacles over a .75-mile path
throughout the course.
d. Jack House Committee: Commissioner Schwab: Jack House met in August and
discussed bylaws and will look toward restoration projects for the house.
e. Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman: New supplemental City position has
been approved to assist with tree maintenance. There are additional vacancies to be
filled. EcoSLO working on a grant project due Spring 2020 with 120 trees in total.
f. Youth Sports Association: Commissioner Stowe: No Report.
5. Directors’ Report (Stanwyck - 5 minutes)
1. Youth Services school sites are full and there are vacancies within the division.
2. Johnson Ranch parking area was recently completed over the summer.
3. Pickleball courts are now open at French Park – staff will conduct additional study of
unused times.
4. A safety audit was completed of Mitchell Park with trimming taking place on August
28.
5. “See something, Say Something” signage has been added to populated park locations
to assist in addressing illegal behaviors.
6. Communication
ADJOURNMENT at 8:15 pm
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To the Public Workshop of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the PRC to
Wednesday, October 2 , 2019 , at 5:30 p.m., 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.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
PACKET PAGE 11
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: NORTH BROAD STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Prepared by: Shelsie Kloepper, Engineer III
RECOMMENDATION
1. Provide final feedback on design layout of the North Broad Street Neighborhood Park
Project.
DISCUSSION
Background
Through the 2017-19 Financial Plan Supplement 2018-19 Adopted Budget, funding was provided
for the creation of a new park in the Broad Street area north of Highway 101. Staff was directed
by Council to pursue the creation of a park at 533 Broad St, an existing City community garden
(Broad Street Community Garden). Given the history of the first City owned community garden,
garden plots will be incorporated into the elements of the park design. The project scope is to
provide a neighborhood park with some play features and gathering spaces. The new park will
require access improvements for pedestrians and bicycles such as curb ramp(s) at the Lincoln and
Broad intersection.
The City hired Cannon to design this neighborhood park. Cannon created conceptual layouts based
on community feedback.
Public Outreach
The public’s input about its parks and park amenities is a critical foundational step that facilitated
by staff for all projects in parks. During the conceptual design phase, City staff conducted three
community events to receive input on the project components for the design. The community was
given an opportunity to comment and provide feedback at the following events:
May 8th, 2019: Neighborhood Outreach at Lincoln Deli
June 5th, 2019: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop
August 28th, 2019: Community Workshop Meeting
All three meetings were noticed by fliers, email list, and social media posts.
Previous Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
At the September 4th Parks and Recreation Meeting, Staff presented an overview of the public
engagement process for the new park at the Broad Street Community Garden (533 Broad). Staff
also presented two layout options for the park and received feedback from the commission on
Meeting Date: November 6, 2019
Item Number:__#
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North Broad Street Neighborhood Park Page 2
which elements were preferred on each design. Staff was directed to come up with a revised layout
that combined some of the features from each design. The revised layout incorporates a perimeter
fence along with an accessible pathway around the entire park. The design also provides more
passive play areas and a boundary fence to separate the play areas from the garden areas. The
revised design eliminated some unnecessary components such as the herb labyrinth and succulent
share to provide more usable open space.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CONSIDERATION / NEXT STEPS
The Parks and Recreation Commission purview is to review and make final recommendations for
changes which could have an impact on the City’s parks and park facilities. 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 North Broad Street Neighborhood Park.
ATTACHMENTS
Revised North Broad Street Neighborhood Park Layout
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 11/06/2019
Item Number:
DATE: November 6, 2019
FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks and Recreation Director
Prepared By: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
RECOMMENDATION
Review, discuss, and provide consensus agreement on identified Themes/Strategies, Goals, and
Concepts for 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. A PRC Workshop Series was
held in January, February, and March of 2019, which consisted of focused discussions and public input
related to the community’s values and priorities, unmet needs, and hopes and dreams. Following the
Workshop Series, a Draft Community Needs Assessment Report4 prepared by WRT was presented at
the May 2019 PRC meeting and feedback from the Commission was provided regarding 1) the Draft
Report and 2) the topics and format of the June 2019 Community Needs Assessment Workshop. A
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.
4 Reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission in May 2019, 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
summary of the June 2019 Workshop and feedback received was provided in the August 2019 PRC
report.5 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
May 2019 Draft Community Needs Assessment; WRT & PROS
June 5, 2019 Community Needs Assessment Public Workshop
September 4, 2019 PRC review of Draft Park-by-Park Assessment
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
PRC Direction and Staff Response
During the September 4, 2019 public meeting, the PRC received a presentation from the project
consultant, WRT on the Park-by-Park Assessment. Following WRT’s presentation and public comment,
the PRC provided direction to staff to develop a list of potential Parks and Recreation Element and
Master Plan visionary and aspirational programs, parks, facilities and specific projects. At this time, staff
has prepared Draft Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Concepts for PRC and public review, which will
further inform the revised project list. Staff requests that the PRC review these Draft Themes/Strategies,
Goals, and Action Concepts, and identify any additional ideas, which can be shared with staff prior to or
during the public meeting.
5 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Report, August 2019, available here.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 3
DRAFT THEMES/STRATEGIES, GOALS, AND CONCEPTS
The following draft Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Concepts were developed based on PRC guidance
and direction, comments received by the public through written correspondence and public testimony,
and recommendations identified in the Community Needs Assessment Report:
Table 1. Themes and Strategies
Theme Strategy
Design Excellence The City will set a standard of design excellence by creating an engaging,
long-lasting, safe, comfortable, and sustainable park system. By holding
the design of the City’s parks and facilities to a high standard, assets will
attract and retain more users from the community.
Building Community Parks, facilities, and programs will encourage and support play, health,
and interaction. The City will provide places to engage in a multitude of
recreational activities, including supporting new trends in recreation. The
physical infrastructure and amenities of parks and facilities will support
and promote public health. Parks, facilities, and programs will provide
opportunities for people to engage in activities together, as well as to be
active independently.
Stewardship and
Sustainability The City will protect and conserve natural resources while providing
opportunities for the community to both support and learn from the natural
environment. The design and maintenance of parks and facilities will
strive to be energy and water efficient, reduce or eliminate chemical use,
and incorporate low-allergen plants and trees.
Connections and Access The City’s network of parks and public spaces will continue to make all
assets accessible to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The City
will continue to seek new opportunities to provide and enhance
connections and access for recreation, supporting an active and healthy
lifestyle and encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation
across the city.
Partnerships and
Public Engagement The City will strive to partner with schools, California Polytechnic State
University, Cuesta Community College, other public agencies, and
private service providers and organizations to provide recreation services
to improve efficiency and coverage. Partnerships will help reduce
redundancies within the existing parks system, freeing up resources that
can be directed towards assessing and meeting unmet needs.
Good Governance In order to practice good governance, the City will be transparent and
accountable in its decision-making process, while being responsive to the
community’s needs and open to community participation. Good
governance will aid in promoting the community’s confidence in the City
to not only expand the parks system, but to also manage, maintain, and
improve the existing resources and programs.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 4
Goal 1, Build Community and Neighborhoods: City Parks and Recreational facilities should
build and connect community through inclusive and diverse amenities and programming.
Goal 1 Concepts:
American Disabilities Act (ADA)
Compliant
Inclusivity Indoor vs. outdoor, gathering spaces
Age friendly parks
Connectivity Park character matches neighborhood
character (demographics, culture)
Align with Active
Transportation Plan
Healthy lifestyle
Public art
Goal 1 Project Ideas:
Education
Provide a Fitness/Walking trail within each designated
neighborhood area
Locations: Islay and Meadow Park Walking Trails
Provide attractive amenities within walking areas to
activate spaces
Locations & Examples: Art Sculpture Walks; Park to
Park Scavenger Hunts; Neighborhood Concerts w/
local bands; Summer Park Hop Series
Reinvent Low-Grade Park locations with Community
Involvement
Locations: Cheng Park
Provide Educational Programming in Low-Income
Neighborhoods – within alternative transportation
locations
Examples: English Language Classes; Sustainable
Instruction; Registration Sign-ups
Create Community Recreation Centers; Provide
Education rooms, gardens, athletic & fitness
opportunities; multi-generational activities and parking
Locations: Designated neighborhood areas
Provide Pop-Up Park Events within communities without
a park in proximity
Locations: Margarita Area
Incorporate a Nature Interpretative Center within a
dedicated Ranger Station
Locations: Johnson Ranch; Laguna Lake Park
Integrate Fully ADA inclusive facilities Locations: All parks and facilities
Example: Joy Park
Goal 2, Sustainability: The City’s Parks and Recreation facilities will be vibrant, resilient, and
sustainable.
Goal 2 Concepts:
Sustainable educational
amenities
Water-wise/water
conservation
Solar/wind energy
Operating green walls
Recycled water at all parks
Reduce watered turf where
possible
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 5
Increase number of trees
Drought tolerant
landscaping
Net zero energy demand
Zero or smart waste Community gardens
Meditative/quiet space (Zen
gardens)
Advance sustainable management practices in alignment with the Climate Action Plan
Goal 2 Project Ideas:
Create a City Owned Tree and Sod Farm Location: Laguna Lake Golf Course
Increase Solar capabilities within park locations Example Locations: City Parking Lots; Facilities;
Rooftops
Provide shading by planting additional trees around
existing park structures
Locations: Strategic Placement within Parks
Increase Recycled water capabilities at all Park locations
Existing Example Locations: Laguna Lake Golf
Course; Damon-Garcia Sports Complex
Incorporate smart waste sorting at park locations; partner
with local organizations for proper waste disposal
Locations: Jack House, Santa Rosa, Mission Plaza,
Sinsheimer
Smart Waste Collection
Goal 3, Safety: Provide safe, accessible, inclusive and well-maintained City parks, recreational
facilities and amenities.
Goal 3 Concepts:
Increase positive activities
Low-allergen landscaping and
trees
Define/adopt maintenance
standards
Adopt parks maintenance plan
(could be by park type)
Crime prevention through
environmental design
Lighting (dark sky
compliant)
Deter and mitigate impacts of illegal activities on park use
Explore partnerships and
programs to provide information
and referrals about mental health,
drug abuse, and homeless services
Increase resources to remove
trash and debris from illegal
camping
Increase patrols and
enforcement
Create formal neighborhood volunteer program to maintain parks
“Neighborhood Park Watch”
Develop “Adopt-a-Park”
program
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 6
Goal 3 Project Ideas:
Install UV painted lighted walking paths within park
locations and fitness trails
Locations: Islay Park, Meadow Park, Sinsheimer Park,
Emerson Park, Laguna Lake Park
Glow in the Dark Bike Path
Provide safety receptacle locations within park locations
to mitigate hazards around playground and park locations
Locations: Mitchell Park, Emerson Park, Meadow
Park
Ensure compliance with ADA standards within parks and
facilities
Locations: All parks and facilities
Institute an Adopt-A-Park Program Locations: All parks
Boulder County Example
Upgrade and install high efficient lighting within parks All parks and facilities
Install Smart Restrooms at high use park locations. Locations: Mission Plaza, Emerson Park, Meadow
Park, Mitchell Park
Smart Restrooms
Increase safety sightlines by modifying landscapes Locations: All parks
Goal 4: Leverage regionalism and creatively increase the number of City parks, recreational
facilities and amenities, to meet user needs.
Goal 4 Concepts:
Land acquisition
Maximize the use of existing
parks and recreational
facilities
Increase capacity
Informal sports play
Dog parks
Tournament facilities/play
Cal Poly collaboration on new
technologies and trends
Mitchell Park amphitheater
(concerts, gatherings, events)
Year-round fields and facilities
Senior Center (increase senior programming to address active and inactive users)
Pickleball court
Bocce courts
Redeveloping Mitchell Park to
gear towards seniors
Mini rec center/community
center
Roof-top uses
Respond to industry trends
Programming for all ages and
abilities
Serve the City’s workforce
Laguna Lake Golf Course Activation
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 7
Senior Center Coordination
with LLGC
Golf Complex: Miniature golf,
frisbee golf, foot golf
One weekend day or afternoon
closed to golf, use as
park/walking course
Expand/explore agreements with School District, Cal Poly, Cuesta, and County for the use of sports
fields and indoor spaces
Goal 4 Project Ideas:
Acquire Existing land on Tank Farm to expand the
Damon-Garcia Sports Complex to include Diamond
fields
Location: Tank Farm Road
Enclosed Soccer Facility Location: Meadow Park; roof tops parking structures
Street Soccer Example
Build a dedicated Teen and Recreation Center providing
community-based classes throughout the day
Teen Center
Provide Adventure-Style play equipment at park
locations
Locations: Strategic Placement within Parks
Tulsa Park Example
Offer Annual Community Events within park systems Examples: Tri-Tip Cookoffs; food truck nights; street
parties; swapping events; Themed “Days of the year”
events
Expand the SLO Swim Center Examples: aquatic complex; Water park amenities;
community spaces; competitive amenities; splash pads;
aquatic challenge courses
Bike and skate amenities within park systems Examples: designated path systems
Provide Technology in parks systems Examples: Wi-Fi, interactive play equipment
Additional art installation in all areas Examples: Living Walls
Development of Food Forest; Garden/Work Centers;
Incorporate into low income housing
Examples: Food Forests Examples
Provide augmented reality opportunities Examples: mobile and headset experiences
Community Events Supplies: Mobile Events Trailer;
Mobile CC functionality
Examples: Mobile Event Trailer; Mobile Jumbotrons;
Events Trailers; Mobile Credit Card Transactions
Creation of Bike Pump tracks Locations: Laguna Lake Park, Meadow Park,
Sinsheimer Park
Provide a multisport complex with community and
aquatic centers
Laguna Lake Park
Development of neighborhood dog parks Locations: Designated neighborhood areas
Repurpose warehouse spaces and unused retail
businesses
Examples: Multisport and adventure recreation
opportunities
Incorporation of splash pads within park locations Examples: LA County
Partner with HOA’s for turf/aquatic needs to extend
facility accesses
Examples: Mobile Home Communities
Provide recreational and venue opportunities at/on
parking garages
Examples: Recreation Center Rooftop
Recreation Complex
Rebranding of the SLO Senior Center and providing
paid dedicated City Staff position
Examples: Santa Clara Senior Center
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 8
Building Ice/Roller Rinks within City locations or
unused facilities
Examples: Ice Rinks
Installation of additional multi-use court facilities Locations: Designated neighborhood areas
Acquisition of School District Land (Bus Center)
adjacent to Sinsheimer Park for increase amenities,
parking garage, etc
Expanding and connecting Sinsheimer and Johnson
Parks to build true Community Park
Amphitheaters Locations: Laguna Lake Park, Mitchell Park
Goal 5: Establish, maintain, and operate parks, facilities, and programs in a manner that is cost
effective and manageable while engaging the community in a manner that maximizes
involvement and support.
Goal 5 Concepts:
Implementation of City
fiscal policies
Identify resource needs to
match maintenance and
new parks, facilities and
programming
Affordable
programming/events (fiscally
responsible)
Formalized partnerships
Fundraising Corporate sponsors
Parks endowments
Grants
Identify planning process
When a Master Plan is
recommended or required
When to retain technical consultants (i.e. landscape
architect, amenity expert)
Goal 5 Project Ideas:
Creation of partnerships with facilities and field locations Examples: Madonna Inn Tennis Courts
Land acquisition for development of sport and
community facilities
Expand partnership with Cal Poly for staffing and event
needs
Provide staff resources to increase efficiency and provide
updates to policies, procedures and elements
Provide Educational Training to Staff to improve
customer service assistance
Examples: Bi-lingual trainings
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 9
Partnership with City and County Resource Centers Examples: Recreation at Centers; Traveling
Registration Sign-ups
Geofencing at Park locations and events Examples: Geofencing Parks
Provide Consolidated Service Centers Examples: intergenerational programs, healthcare,
playgrounds, child & Afterschool care incorporated in
existing parks
Institute nonbinary signage and inclusivity within
department policies
Sponsorship Opportunities for Parks and Programming Rei; Mindbody, etc
Laguna Lake Golf Course Enhancements Enhance community events and programming
(alternate uses, disc golf, foot golf, night golf and
natural park uses)
Jack House Partners in Preservation Designate non-profit operations; continue City
operations of the Gardens
Update policies permitting programming amenity
enhancements
City Produced Events to sell/serve alcoholic
beverages
Recommended PRC Discussion Items and Action:
1. Review and receive public comment on Draft Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Project Ideas.
2. Identify any additional ideas, which can be shared with staff prior to or during the public
meeting. Are there modifications, deletions, or additions that should be included?
3. Provide consensus agreement on identified Themes/Strategies, Goals, and Project Ideas for the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update.
NEXT STEPS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
As described in the Community Engagement Plan for this Project, there will continue to be many more
opportunities for public input. As outlined below, all documents 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 past, current, and next steps include the following:
Date Action Details
May 1, 2019 Draft Community Needs
Assessment
1. PRC review 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 and trends
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update
Page 10
Date Action Details
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
August 2019 June Workshop results
presented to PRC
1. PRC review of June Workshop results and next
steps in the Update process
2. Receive public comment and feedback
September 2019 Park by Park discussion 1. Review park by park tier recommendations and
list of amenities and improvements (not
prioritized at this stage)
2. Receive public comment and feedback
3. Provide direction to staff regarding proposed
amenities and improvements
November 2019 Draft Themes/Strategies,
Goals and Concepts
1. Review, discuss, and provide consensus on
received information, based on staff presentation,
review of materials, and public comment
January 2020 Draft Master Plan Project
List (tentative)
1. Review, discuss, and provide feedback on
received information, based on staff presentation,
review of materials, and public comment
February 2020 Review Draft Master Plan
components and conduct
Prioritization Exercise
(tentative)
1. Review, discuss, and provide feedback on
received information, based on staff presentation,
review of materials, and public comment
March 2020 Review Draft Capital
Improvement Plan with
Cost Estimates (tentative)
1. Review, discuss, and provide feedback on
received information, based on staff presentation,
review of materials, and public comment
April 2020 Review Draft Operational
Cost Estimates for Future
Improvements (tentative)
1. Review, discuss, and provide feedback on
received information, based on staff presentation,
review of materials, and public comment
May-July 2020 Public Review Draft Parks
Master Plan (tentative)
1. WRT and consultant team to work with staff and
PRC on Public Review Draft Parks Master Plan
components, with complete document release to
the public May 2020 (tentative)
2. Advisory bodies receive Public Review Draft
Parks Master Plan and update from staff
PACKET PAGE 24