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Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 1
Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Spector
A Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at (5:35) p.m. via Teleconference.
ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Kari Howell, Commissioners Kari Applegate, Rick Blair, Kris
Roudebush, Adam Stowe, and Andrew Webber
Present: Chair Robert Spector, Commissioners: Howell, Blair, Roudebush, Stowe, Webber
Absent: Kari Applegate
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Greg Avakian and Administrative Assistant III Lisa
Russell, Recreation Manager Meghan Burger and Recreation Manager Devin Hyfield
PUBLIC COMMENT ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
SLO Swim Center:
Paula Dooley- Concerned about the reduced hours for SLO Swim Center. Suggested a failure in
anticipation of staffing problem. Suggested that Commission review hiring and staffing
procedures. Retention problem needs to be addressed.
Thomas Fowler- SLO Swim Center Master swimmer. Not having lifeguards is going to impact
the swim club/Seahawks. Why don’t we have access to more lifeguards, especially with the
college students back in town?
Bike Park:
Frans Bloom- Mountain Bike Park near Costco. Bicycle Pump tracks. Want to be sure that we
can have discussion about this topic and the tracks that were there.
Chair Spector: By next meeting, staff to provide additional information to the Commission to
understand the staffing issues and come up with a plan for moving forward.
Commissioner Blair: Requested a resources review
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 2
Chair Spector: Received comments regarding the conditions of the bathrooms at Sinsheimer
area. Lots of details to consider.
Vice Chair Howell: Level of understanding for all of us to mitigate any confusion.
Commissioner Stowe: SLO Swim Center. Need to find out what’s going on with other pools in
the area. Could Swim Club members volunteer to help out in the interim?
Director Avakian: Park bathrooms are part of a larger scope project. Part of the Mini Master
plan for Sinsheimer Park. Many projects had to be put on hold due to findings of Master plan.
City Facilities are involved in reviewing for safety and sanitary standards. Discussions with
investors on revamping the bathrooms. What can we do short term in the interim, is the
question. We are all disappointed in the Swim Center situation. We opened the pool earlier than
most of the Central Coast region. A facility project closed the pool in mid-August.
Additionally, there is currently a 40% reduction in pool staff. All P&R staff are supporting with
the staffing issues, as much as possible. Working with all colleges, high schools and the
Seahawks and additionally we’re offering free Lifeguard Training classes (if hired by City) to
assist in finding recruits. Difficult to find young people available with in-person school
returning. Most of the state has not completely opened their pools. Advertising, and reaching
out to a wide breadth of the public. Parks and Recreation helped the Seahawks by reducing their
fees as they were rebuilding their programs. All of our programs are having trouble recruiting
for staffing. The entire City is facing the same recruitment challenges and we can not run our
programs at full throttle without being fully staffed. We can revisit this in November if the
Commission would like to if the pool is unable to be up and running at 100%.
Chair Spector: Questions for the Director?
Commissioner Roudebush: Appreciate your efforts. Why was lifeguard training delayed?
Director Avakian: The Red Cross has strict requirements for lifeguard training that were not
able to be conducted safely during the pandemic based on in-person instruction and skills, as
well as maintaining adjusted class ratios.
Hyfield: Pushed opening dates towards end of October because there were not enough people to
hold the training class and we’re hoping there will be more students who sign up. It’s a 2-week
class.
Spector: High profile subject. Would like staff to come back and let us know how things are
going. Any comments? No additional comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1) Consideration of Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of
September 1, 2021.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 3
ACTION: Approved and seconded motion for September Minutes.
UPON MOTION BY COMMISSIONER (Stowe), SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
(Blair), Motion CARRIED. 10/01/21 the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the
Minutes of the Regular Parks and Commission Meeting of September 1, 2021, as presented.
BUSINESS ITEMS
2) Welcome new Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Kris Roudebush (Spector – 5
Minutes)
Roudebush: Has a previous history with P&R. Was a Park Ranger, currently works at First 5
SLO and is a private practice therapist.
Spector: Welcome aboard.
3) Mitchell Park Grant Update (Hyfield – 15 Minutes)
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation and made recommendations of amenities
to support grant parameters.
Staff have been working on this project since last year. The flyer went out to the
community and held community workshops.
• May workshop takeaways
• September workshop updates
• Discussion of survey results. 50 respondents.
o Social Gathering Area – Shading
▪ Yes to having Shading
o Social Gathering Area – Seating (tables, chairs and benches). Rounded
tables and benches with a back were preferred.
o Fencing – around the BBQ area. F a boundary. Split between yes/no to
fencing.
o Bocce Courts - various types of courts presented. Yes, people wanted courts
and in favor of having lighting.
o Chess Tables – SLO does not have any currently in the parks. Type of
materials and designs presented. Yes, to chess tables and the stone style
was preferred with back support seating.
o Other amenities proposed – Raised stage, Workout signage, Interactive
signage. Yes to staging. No workout signage. Yes to interactive signage.
o Safety lighting – options presented.
• Focusing on a new BBQ area near Senior Center.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 4
Spector: Comments from Commissioners?
Vice Chair Howell: Lots of ideas. This is great. Benches and Chess tables which can be
accessible for those who use wheelchairs. Also assure that lighting is accessible from the
path.
Hyfield: All would have access by cement walkway.
Director Avakian: Some of these things will come out in the design process. More than
just physical and many amenities are called out in the Blueprint.
Vice Chair Howell: Have a focus for homeless support. Maybe interactive signage has
emergency phone numbers.
Commissioner Blair: Lets help the homeless and dogs! Fencing – people don’t generally
like fencing. Define What is the purpose? Lighting – very important for pathway and
sectional.
Commissioner Roudebush: Accessibility. Bocce court and Chess Table accessibility.
Can we provide supplies? Shade covers – maybe consider maintenance and sustainability.
Hyfield: supplies. Senior Center members could bring their own equipment from the center
for use. Hard cover shading may have longer life span and all would be brought forward
in the design phase.
Director Avakian: All design ideas will be bought forward and all would be budgeted.
Commissioner Roudebush: Pathway lighting is less intrusive to neighborhood.
Commissioner Stowe: Where would Bocce courts be? On board with all-inclusive seating
and chess.
Director Avakian: Avila Ranch and Righetti Ranch. Sinsheimer and Meadow Park to
look at additional amenities, perhaps pickle ball.
Commissioner Webber: Second to Howell in supporting the homeless community.
Informational Signage would be good. Doggie bags would be good. Bocce Courts would
be great but defer to the community, walk in style. Fencing to delineate the space would
be good. Lighting – get as much information as possible from the community in advance.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 5
Hyfield: Raised Bocce court will have a gate. For all of this we would provide information
back to the Commission and to the community with a professional presentation during the
design phase.
Chair Spector: We want synergy with the needs of the Senior Center and a compliment
to the neighborhood. Safety, lighting, and security are all covered. Low maintenance
fencing is best. In favor of hard cover shade based on maintenance. I’m a raised stage
advocate and it makes a statement as a community gathering spot. Not concerned about
the Chess tables. Very accessible to wheelchairs. An absolute need is doggie bags. All
this will encourage the homeless to be better neighbors.
Chair Spector: Thanks Devin
4) Parks & recreation Blueprint for the future Priorities Update (Avakian – 60 minutes)
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation and make recommendations for potential
locations and next steps for the following amenities/projects:
a. Dog Park(s) – Staff Slide Presentation
Laguna Lake Park. Review of current infrastructure and Additional Amenity Ideas.
Staff recommendations reviewed.
Chair Spector: Active dog owner committee. Commissioner comments?
Vice Chair Howell: Very supportive. I live near there and want to hear more.
Proposal sounds reasonable. Easy win to please the community.
Commissioner Blair: I support 100% the concept. Encourage community
participation. Look beyond this to additional dog parks.
Director Avakian: Righetti has a footprint we are exploring for additional dog
parks.
Commissioner Roudebush: I support this work. Don’t want to lose land for
parking.
Commissioner Stowe: Fully in support of all proposal. Needs to be fenced in and
that should be done ASAP. Current parking is not sufficient, so we need more.
Commissioner Webber: I’m in support of all amenities. Irrigation system is very
important. Need a rinse station. Need more dog parks.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 6
Chair Spector: Wouldn’t it be great to build a state-of-the-art dog park that the
community is behind. We recognize the need for multiple dog parks. I’m all for
it.
Director Avakian: Thank you. And we appreciated the patience of the public
while the Blueprint was in process.
Chair Spector: Public Comment? No public comment.
b. Bike pump track(s) – Irish Hills/Costco Area Background review. A “need to
have in the community” identified. No apologies for removal of unauthorized track
build behind Costco on designated Open Space. Ranger staff spent many hours
trying to return the trails to the Natural Reserve Conservation Plan. The illegal track
also put the city at liability. Bike Pump Track Opportunities were presented for
each location: Laguna Lake Park, Sinsheimer Park/Railroad Safety Trail and Bob
Jones Trail. Two design types presented: Dirt/Natural Surfaces and Hard/Multi-
use Surface. These would cater to the variety of public audiences. Location pros
and cons presented for each location and design were presented.
-Laguna Lake
-Sinsheimer
-Bob Jones Trail
Director Avakian: Laguna Lake. Could be 3-6 months for development. Temporary build could
be at any of these locations, followed by a permanent build.
Vice Chair Howell: Hopefully heard needs from biking community and let’s start a short-term
solution and support long term build. Bike enthusiasts should take the lead on location. Not in
support of the Bob Jones trail area.
Commissioner Blair: Eco Howell comments on location. Bob Jones trail not a good choice for a
number of reasons and not as desirable as other two. Could we have both types of surfaces. Jumps
vs. pump tracks at the various locations. Good to move forward quickly. They look like good
locations.
Commissioner Roudebusch: Eco same concerns about Bob Jones as an inferior choice. Both
Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake look like good suggestions. Sinsheimer might push parking into
neighborhoods and could be an impact.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 7
Commissioner Stowe: High priority need like dog parks. Immediate need and we should do it
right. Accessibility is key and Bob Jones does not meet the criteria. Feasible by batting cages at
Sinsheimer but the best choice is Laguna Lake Park for quick build and long-term plan.
Commissioner Webber: Pump track and jump difference defined. There is a need for both. They
don’t both need to be at the same spot. Support short term build. Need studies. Sinsheimer seems
difficult and Laguna seems like a good choice.
Chair Spector: Eliminate Bob Jones trail. Proceed with Short Term plan and choose that as the
same location for the long-term trail. Would like to see a study to support. Could make a case for
both locations. Convey the plan to the community on both short and long-term plans.
Public Comments:
Wolfgang Kaml: Righetti Ranch Hill as another location. Develop to connect to the city and
Bob Jones trail.
Director Avakian: Policies for Open Space also limit what we can build where. Could add at
community park at Righetti. Open Space or natural reserve are off limits.
Christie O’Hara: All points well taken. Laguna is the best spot. Consider the large audience is
our Youth. Bike Park vs. Pump Track. SLO does need Bike Park.
Chair Spector: Thank you
Tate Isaacs: Sr. at SLO High. Timeliness would be good so a short-term proposal is great and
would avert creation of illegal jumps. Laguna Lake would be great for short-term and long-term
solution. Perhaps a smaller solution at Sinsheimer could work and would be great to have facilities
at to locations. Support of Bike Park at Laguna Lake and is valuable for Mountain Bike
Community.
Jeff Jantos: NIKO coach. Is the intent to close trailhead at Costco? Laguna is a great place for
all bikers
Kristina Olmos: Laguna Lake is the first choice. Vote for Laguna and Keep trees.
Rick Denman: New to the area, but have experience with Track racing. US Olympic festival.
Track cycling is extremely difficult to get to from here. Take a look at the Lexux velodrome.
Director Avakian: Welcome to our community
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 8
Chair Spector: Thanks to everyone in the community for your participation.
5) Staff Reports (Avakian – 15 minutes)
a. Blueprint: Final edits from Blueprint received and P&R Blueprint is now on the website.
3.5-year project (2018-21). Implementation by a Tier system:
1/Critical, 2/Strategic, 3/Visionary.
a. Was comprised of many community surveys, workshops, Commission meetings,
Planning commission meetings and City Council Study sessions.
City wide inventory, needs, assessments, access, gaps and priorities identified. Listed
following but not in priority order:
• Swim Center Expansion
• Athletic Fields
• Dog Parks
• Indoor Facilities
• Update Playgrounds
• Special Recreation Facilities
• Sports Courts
Current CIP Projects 2021-23:
202 Projects. A consultant is assisting in prioritization.
• Emerson Park
• Cheng Park Revitalization
• Eto
• North Broad Street Park
• Parks & Rec Office
• Mitchell Park Enhancement Grant
• Prop 68 Grant Application
Updates were provided on the following future development projects:
• Righetti Ranch Development
• San Luis Ranch
• Avila Ranch
• Froom Ranch – stalling with the developer
b. Discussion: Park and Facility Tours for PRC – Oct. 22 or 29th. Avakian needs
confirmation on the date. Need 3-4 hours of their time. Oct. 22nd from 8:30 – 1pm was
agreed upon.
c. Staffing Updates – New SLO Mayor and Councilperson. Making Broad Street safer for
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 9
pedestrian and bike crossing. Swim Center looking for staff.
d. Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager Update:
Aquatics
• Modified Schedule through the remainder of the month
• Staff are currently actively recruiting
• Will be holding an emergency Lifeguard Training class October 22-24
Facilities
• Annual Fall Renovation is underway fields closing down weekly. Fields will begin to
reopen in January 2022
• Sinsheimer Stadium irrigation project is continuing as scheduled. Once completed, park
maintenance will be focusing on regrowing the turf at the facility. Potential reopening of
the facility will be February/March.
• Jack House will be closed for its annual renovation at the end of the month. Staff expect a
return to normal wedding season for 2022.
• Staff are accepting Field Allocations for all sport for the first half of 2022.
Golf
• We continue to see high numbers of golfers, especially in the afternoon with the return of
Cal Poly.
• Weekly Night Golf is returning to the course starting Thursday, October 7 from 7-9 PM
• With the upcoming Day light savings time change, hours will begin to adjust. Starting
11/7, the course will be closed at 5 pm.
• The Restaurant Request for Proposal is currently accepting applications for
concessionaires.
• Maintenance staff continue to address course conditions.
• After closing Hole 10 for a two-week period, the green, tees and fairways are coming
back nicely.
• Staff have received a much-needed piece of equipment that will assist with exposing
leaks quickly. The Ditch Witch vacuum excavator will improve the amount of time it
takes to expose a leak allowing staff to repair leaks quicker – cutting down the amount of
time the irrigation system needs to be turned off.
e. Meghan Burger, Recreation Manager Update:
a. Michelle Rolle promoted from Youth Services Coordinator to Youth Services
Supervisor. Many new staffing hires in the Youth Services Department
b. Community Gardens update
c. Senior Center update
d. Public Art, Maria Molteni Art project: Mural on back of Fremont Theater and east
side of Woodstock’s building.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of October 6, 2021 Page 10
f. Fall Programs
g. CPRS District 8 Department Award received. Thanks to all P&R Staff and
Commissioners
Chair Spector: Subcommittee Reports
6) Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair - 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Blair
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Webber.
Moving past blueprint and prioritizing tier one projects.
c. Jack House Committee: Commissioner Applegate
No update
d. Youth Sports Association: Commissioner Stowe
No update.
7) Communications
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. The next Regular Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: October 6, 2021