HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/30/2021 Johnson (Costco Bike Jumps)
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Trent Johnson <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Pump track/bike park
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Dear Parks and Rec Commission:
I was applaud to learn that the Parks and Rec commission is considering deviating from the proposed
locations for bike pump tracks identified in the recently approved Parks and Rec blueprint for 2021-2024. My
son and I spoke at an advisory meeting approximately two years, along with many other parents and families
who supported a bike park in either the Laguna Lake Park or Sinsheimer Park. Not once did anyone in
attendance mention a pump track along the Bob Jones Trail segment on S. Higuera. I am all in support of a
third bike park in town but NOT before the two other locations have received the attention they deserve.
Recently the Costco Parking Lot Jumps were demolished—yet that area had received significant community
support and introduced young riders to the sport. There is CLEARLY a need near Laguna Lake for that type of
sanctioned infrastructure. Subverting the recommendations of the Blueprint and prioritizing a pump track on S.
Higuera, in CLOSE proximity to the freeway would be unwise both from a public health standpoint, as well as
from an accessibility/bike ability standpoint. Furthermore, it would subvert the public comment process which is
vital to our local government.
Air quality concerns: Living or recreating near a highway has well documented affects on children’s
development, and health. Here is one example: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/11/well/family/living-near-a-
major-highway-tied-to-developmental-delays-in-children.html
Accessibility concerns: There is no safe way for children to get to S. Higuera from other neighborhoods
without subjecting them to unsafe intersections and miles of bike riding. Instead, people would drive there
creating unnecessary car trips.
Laguna Lake Park is HIGHLY underutilized as a public asset. With the investments in dredging and the new
development across the street, Laguna Park has the potential to be a world class park for mountain biking (all
skill levels), boating, frisbee golf and dog playing. It has good connectivity to the neighborhoods around the
middle school and would be a valuable asset to that neighborhood.
Please prioritize the construction of bike parks/pump tracks in this order:
1. Laguna Lake Park
2. Sinsheimer Park
3. Elsewhere
Thank you,
Trent
SLO Resident, Laguna Lake Area
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