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Home My WebLink About03/15/1988, 8 - CONSIDERATION OF MITCHELL AND LAGUNA LAKE PARK MODIFICATIONS uul�ly�lllllllll�IIIIIII �, / f MEETING GATE: IIT Ill��llllu C, o san lugs oB�spo March 15, 1,9&8 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: FROM: DAVID F. ROMERO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR i SUBJECT: Consideration of Mitchell and Laguna Lake Park Modifications CAO RECOMMENDATION: By motion, direct staff to proceed with removal of wall at Mitchell Park and modification of the berm and fence. Council/staff to consider modified restroom design in next facility constructed by the City. BACKGROUND: At its meeting of February 2, 1988, the City Council directed staff to investigate and report back on the feasibility of removing the existing brick wall memorial structure at Mitchell Park and modifying the restrooms at Mitchell Park and Laguna Lake Park so as to improve visibility and safety. (Exhibit A) A. Memorial Brick Structure (Exhibit B) This structure was originally conceived by the Disabled American Veterans, funded by the Exchange Club and constructed on what was then school district property around 1947. The structure was renovated and minor modifications made by the City in 1975. Additional minor modifications have been made in recent months to discourage continued use of this structure by homeless. During investigation of this problem, staff became acutely aware of philosophical issues which must be dealt with prior to expenditure of City funds to resolve a problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with the brick structure as originally conceived and used. It provided a pleasant backdrop for small performances, a sheltered rest area and is basically an attractive facility (Exhibit C) . The structure served as a valued park facility for many years. The basic problem is the undesired use of the structure by the homeless. So long as The Peoples Kitchen operates in this neighborhood and the homeless are picked up and delivered daily to this park, the homeless will continue to congregate. If the wall is removed they may disperse into the park, nearby private yards, the Senior Citizen yard, or along nearby creeks, possibly causing a situation worse than the current one. There is also some question whether removal of the structure will significantly improve security of the children's play area. The wall extends less than 5o feet from the corner along Santa Rosa Street and along Pismo Street, however, the children's play area is 50 feet further down Santa Rosa and is generally clearly visible from pedestrians passing by on Santa Rosa on Pismo or by other park users. Under current circumstances it is doubtful that any children use the play area unsupervised, therefore, an adult supervisor is probably always nearby when children use the area. The increase in police ability to survey the site while driving by will be of minimal benefit. �►�imi►►�IIIII��p ��lU city of San Luis OBIspO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell/Laguna Lake Page Two Staff contacts with individuals who were a part of the initial memorial structure project brought forth no strong feelings that the structure be retained. There was more concern that the memorial dedication plaque be placed in an appropriate setting, perhaps in its own separate monument structure. Staff has no strong feelings regarding retention or demolition of the memorial structure. If the Council is convinced removal would help, it should also consider removal or lowering of the landscape berms which extend along both Santa Rosa and Pismo Street._ These berms and fences were intended to shelter users in this corner of Mitchell Park and provide a physical barrier to keep small children from running into the street. If the Council determines that it wishes to proceed, some decision must be made regarding replacement improvements. Should an inexpensive continuation of a low berm and fence be installed, together with turf and a very simple setting of the memorial plaque, or should the entry be redesigned with a fine entry structure and monument for placement of the memorial plaque? (Exhibit D) . An alternative approach would be an attempt to better address the homeless problem by housing and feeding them away from the park or providing a park ranger or police officer to deal with the problem. Alternatives 1. Remove brick memorial structure, conduct minimum berm, fencing, turf work to make park serviceable. Set memorial plaque in new concrete sidewalk. Advantages: Will open up the corner of the park, allowing better visibility, both for pedestrians and for motorists on its adjacent streets. Disadvantages: May simply move the homeless to some other location. Some loss of amenity. Cost: Approximately $15.000 2. Remove brick memorial structure, construct first class entry featuring memorial plaque (Exhibit D) . Advantages: Same as 1. New amenity installed. ��H�►ruiIVIIIIIII�� I city of San tins OBISpo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell/Laguna Lake Page Three Disadvantages: Same as 2 Cost: Approximately $25.000 (The use of a professional designer, a site planner or landscape architect should be considered. ) 3. Increase staff and police surveillance and control of homeless in this area of Mitchell Park. Advantages: Should reduce undesirable uses. Disadvantages: Will not satisfy petitioners. Will detract from other duties now performed by staff or police. 4. Provide City Park Ranger or Police Officer for additional security. Advantages: Would directly address the problem. Disadvantages: Would cost approximately $30, 000+/year, until some solution is found for homeless. 5. Take no action. Advantages: No cost. Memorial structure could be retained for its original purpose and returned to use when the homeless problem is resolved. Disadvantages: Does not resolve the problem of homeless utilizing the structure. Does not open up visibility of play area to passing vehicles. Does not address concern of citizens who signed petition. FISCAL IMPACT Construction costs would vary from J$0 to $15.000 to $25. 000, depending on alternative chosen. If the Park Ranger approach is followed, ongoing cost would be approximately $30, 000+/year. No funds are budgeted and would have to be allocated. ��n��r►►��NIII��►��►��`� CI-W or San LWS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell Park/Laguna Lake Page Four OTHER CITY INPUT Any physical change to the park will require an environmental determination and ARC approval. Preliminary approval was granted by the Park and Recreation Commission at its February 1988 meeting (Exhibit E) . The Police Department letter of February 9, 1988 (Exhibit F) indicates no objection to removal of the brick wall, but points out that this will not completely discourage the homeless. CITIZEN INPUT The City has received a petition signed by 92 persons requesting that the brick wall be removed. An editorial was also published (Exhibit G) . RECOMMENDATION Staff questions whether removal of the brick memorial structure will prove to be as beneficial as the petitioners hope; however in view of our analysis and the strongly held views of many citizens of the neighborhood, staff recommends that the Council adopt Alternative #1 (removal of the brick structure and minimal park improvements) . 21� city of sat , Luis OBIspo WRIZO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell Park/Laguna Lake Page Five B. Modification of Restrooms in Mitchell Park and Laguna Lake Park Problem: . Staff was asked to consider a redesign of the restrooms at our parks, particularly Mitchell and Laguna Lake Parks, so as to provide an 8 inch view space at the floor. (Exhibit H) Background: The Mitchell Park restroom was constructed in 1975 as a part of the improvement of this area of Mitchell Park. The architects won an award for the project (Exhibits A. B) . The restrooms are of open design to discourage loitering and vandalism. One restroom in Laguna Lake Park was built in 1968 and the other in 1975. At the time of construction these were "state of the art" standard manufactured units. Although all public restrooms require an inordinate amount of maintenance and repair, the useful life of all three of these restrooms is probably 15-20 years from today. Discussion: Staff received comment from the Park and Recreation Commission (Exhibit E) , the police department (Exhibit F) and a number of citizens regarding modifying existing restrooms to provide 8 inches of open visibility at the bottom, and about design of future restrooms with such a feature or of a unisex design. The responses were strongly negative about modification of existing restrooms and generally negative about future restroom design. Concerns expressed were: (a) that the new design would be very uncomfortable for users, (b) the restrooms could not be properly secured, (c) women would have difficulty in securing their purses, (d) such a design would not aid in police attempts to curtail inappropriate behavior, (e) cost of modification of existing restrooms would be excessive. One of the restrooms at Laguna Lake Park could be modified (although the manufacturer of the Laguna Lake Park unit recommended that it not be) , by removing the metal panels, modifying the building to replace structural support, cutting, refinishing and replacing the panels and repainting the buildings. Much of the work could be done with City (CMC) forces. The second restroom at Laguna Lake Park and the Mitchell Park Restroom have a 16 inch high concrete stem wall at the bottom, therefore, an 8 inch clearance above that level would bring the visibility level to 24 inches -- not very desirable. During its investigation, staff concluded that the problem is not with the design of the restrooms, so much as it is one of trying to control undesirable activities in the restrooms. It would appear that a more effective solution would be to solve the activity problem. ��►�►ruiiulllllllllP° 9��111 MY Of San tins OBISp0 NftQs COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell/Laguna Lake Page Six Alternatives: 1. Replace all three restrooms with new ones incorporating the 8 inch clearance at the bottom (using same basic layout as existing) . Advantages: Interior visibility would be improved. Disadvantages: Discomfort of users, security problems, increased opportunity for theft, would not curtail undesirable activities. Cost: Approximately $150.000 (3 @ $50,000) 2. Modify the one restroom, replace the other two in same basic configuration, but with 8 inches visibility at the bottom. Modification cost: $5,000 + labor Replacement cost: $100,000 3. Replace all three restrooms with the new concept shown (Exhibit H) . Cost: Staff does not have an accurate estimate of the cost of this facility, but an educated guess would be approximately $30,000 each = $90,000 4. Take no action. Advantage: No City cost. Disadvantage: No resolution of problem. FISCAL IMPACT Costs vary from $0 to $150, 000, depending on alternative chosen. No funds are budgeted for this purpose. OTHER CITY INPUT Modification of the restrooms would require Parks and Recreation Commission approval , an environmental determination and ARC approval. ��N►�illllllllP►'�q'q��lll MY of san LUIS ogIspo iOMMM COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Mitchell Park/Laguna Lake Page Seven RECOMMENDATION Although there are desirable features to the new design concept, staff feels that disadvantages may well outweigh advantages for new construction. This determination and the best final design should be made through the normal development review process when the next restroom project is proposed to be constructed. (See Exhibit I for another concept. ) Staff recommends against replacing existing facilities. Attachments: Exhibits mitchellll/dfr#10 Pr/jj I�IIII II cityo son tuis oBispo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 February 2, 1988 To: City CounncU members From: Peg Pina`ra" Subject: Mitchell/Laguna Lake Parks I would like to request two things from the Council. First, that the wall surrounding Mitchell Park be taken down immediately. Police are not able to secure the safety of the children in the park because of blocked visibility. Since we are charged with the health and safety of our . citizens, I feel this needs immediate attention. The plaque in the wall could be seen better if it were in a small pedestal monument that Parks and Recreation could design. secondly. I would like the Council to consider a redesign of the bathrooms at our parks. The ability to congregate in these facilities has been a continual problem at Laguna Lake and at Mitchell Park. I am attaching a schematic design and would appreciate your thoughts and some direction to staff for consideration. Thanks. PP:ra Attachment Exht' b. f A 1 y 1 .- �� -_ ' fir.,..5,:,• ;., '+v.t �-��T}L W'.t-�.�.11 �t 1 ;�.�\��'' E-'.0 1. .�)5 r 1 v 1 N om n -p � •� ��A;b H `- �"•- ,a�CliPJ ' '"ti' Ute- -- `. �.� i \ v I Fey J-/0 ' V a ��- ,..,,,.1' �q�f tea♦\ �1� \�, �l .,fF,tr�ic'Li�rry;,u 'IXYya.✓iy'�/,L. , N: •.�sr� mss. � ;� r 1��'W�11W4i .�L�� r Toy MaEal a -+7 f I/I � vJ � r ' 7 0 0 • r i .. H s so "41 � �� yc I � 1 •;� X117 ) --;r . .:,. _ I . . f Letters tc?the editor 4 I I. ..iY ' • Il I y i ..,,�� I ti N- ti!:11;{ e1:p.LL� e Te •iii%'.y, •��ri >r}.�"' .1 W. -... .d+ ... There are other ways to solve park woes To the editor: removed if the wall is taken down exhibited better than it is now. "Leveling Mitchell Park no sol. to make it safer for the children Row about displaying the name ution to loitering" is very right wishing to play in the park. "Mitchell Park"on a kiosk at the No one wants level the park, There Is an ordinance that pro- corner of Pismo and Santa Rosa but make it more beautiful and, hibits sleeping In the park at Streets for a pleasing entry to the safer. night. Also one that park. Councilwoman ,Peg Pinard g prohibits wants to improve the park for drinkingof alcohol in the park. I asked architect Thomas Priest But they do it behind the wall so to draw a sketch of m proposal. people to enjoy' not level it as the public and police cannot see Instead of your misinformed edi. yon biased editorial Las hied to them. to ' whydon't you give suggest she was proposing. There are more than two ar- to Pinarto mae tis a more Pinard certainly deserves credit rests a week in the k. Yes for trying to help out city by l� beautiful park so that it can win � �g�g a plan to. improve the there is a problem there. more awards. Awards certainly restroom facility which is not I am submitting a proposal to were not given only because the good at either park. I am sure the pat the memorial plaque on a wall was there. bottoms do not have to be cat as pedestal made.'of the brick from Yours for a safer neighborhood high as you state. the wall in the center of a kiosk, . park. No playground equipment, made of the brick from the wall. M.R.Morganson shmbs or trees will have to be The plaque would certainly be San Luis Obispo Ex lit it - ��;��►��u►+►��IIIIIlh�� ill city tuis oaspo Ay o sAn ISO- Osidl 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100 February 9, 1988 MEMORANDUM TO: Dave Rome FROM: Jim Stoc o - SUBJECT: Park and Recreation Commission Recommendations, RE: 1. WW-II Memorial at Mitchell Park 2. Redesign/construction of Restrooms at Mitchell Park and Laguna Lake Park 3. Placement of Playground Equipment in Sandbox at Meadow Park (Request of Grandmother's House) Item #1. WW-II Memorial, Mitchell Park After hearing lengthly testimony regarding the history of and the concerns arising from the Mitchell Park WW-II Memorial, the Park and Recreation Commission arrived at consensus that before any action be taken by the City, all Veterans groups that retain commitment to this shrine be made aware of the proposal to demolish the existing structure, redesign and rebuild this Memorial. Should all Veterans groups agree that the problems surrounding the Memorial warrant the action proposed, the Park and Recreation would concur. Item #2. Redesign/construction of Restroom (Mitchell and Laguna Lake Parks) Having become aware of this proposal after close of. their agenda and only 24 hours prior to their meeting, the Park and Recreation Commission felt unprepared to make formal recommendation. Commission discussion of the proposal noted the following: 1. The Mitchell Park restroom, newest in the SLD park system, won architectural design award for offering the best in ease of supervision in a programmed situation and the best in regular park surveillance procedures. 2. Unisex restrooms have not been well accepted in municipal park settings in other cities and because they are not easily secured at night have experienced excessive vandalism. They have, however, proven successful in some national parks and in regional park settings. 3. In that going prices for public restrooms range from $30,000 to $65,000, this proposal would normally be referred to CRP or CIP for consideration. �xti�i�.t F �i►I!ilill�llil ILII lilill��i��j�� pllllllllill it city of san Us OBIS O 10--.71,`':' ' POLICE DEPARTMENT nl4 �� Post Office Box 1328— San Luls Obispo, CA 93406.1328— 8051549.7310 TO: Dave Romero, Public Works FROM: James M. Gardiner , Chief of Police DATE: February 11 , 1988 SUBJECT: CHANGES TO PARKS Attached is a report from Captain Chelquist which provides our observations regarding changes proposed by Councilwoman Pinard. These changes could help improve visibility for our field officers. This would allow easier scrutiny of problem areas. It can be anticipated, however, there could be significant citizen opposition to the proposed changes in restroom design. It may hinder, rather than help enforcement efforts. If I may provide any further assistance or information, please give me a call . j3-57 ��►��►►��!�!�ii�►�IIIIIIIlIII!illl11n�!!►� ��!i►II' III city of sin tins oas o POLICE DEPARTMENT V, "M "M I Post Office Box 1328 — San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.1328— 8051549.7310 TO: Chief James Gardiner FROM: Captain Cliff Chelquist DATE: February 9, 1988 SUBJECT: Changes in City Parks This memorandum is in response to Councilmember Pinard' s request to remove the brick wall from Mitchell Park and to alter the park's restrooms. There is little question that removal of the brick wall at Mitchell Park will improve visibility in that corner of the park, however, I must point out that the berm that parallels Santa Rosa Street, the shrubs, and the Senior Citizen Center also partially block the view of the children's playground. If the goal is to make the playground area highly visible then consideration should also be given to removing the berm and the shrubs. If there are strong feelings on the part of the Council to make these changes, I would not object but I would suggest that it will not completely discourage the use of the area by the transient population. The suggestion to redesign the restrooms could produce quite a stink. The suggested design may discourage the ordinary citizen from using the park restrooms and still have little or no effect in curtailing inappropriate behavior around the restrooms. Experience has shown us that those persons who engage in this type of .behavior tend to be quite bold and are not easily discouraged. In checking with the City Attorney I have found that the mere observation of more than one set of feet in a stall would not allow us to contact the persons in that stall. There is also some indication thatbecause each of the stalls has a door on it there may in fact be a higher expectation of privacy than the current open stalls and therefore make enforcement activity even more difficult than it already is. In talking to a number of people about the suggested changes, I found that they had very negative reactions. The ladies I spoke with were particularly displeased with the idea. They pointed out not only the lack of privacy but were concerned with having a purse on the ground or on the back of a door where it could be stolen by a passerby. If the Council chooses to further explore the use of this type of restroom, much work remains to be done. I would strongly suggest that before anything further is done that some effort is made to determine if a majority of our citizens would accept the change. CRC:slo 8�/6 A88-020 February 1, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 91401 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned., hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa Rosa and Pismo streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park. With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of Sar. Luis Obispo. Vic+ a � �sCi 2 7 7c' s&..�tl��v �L�.1J1.:.�. �.vvw-�.' i5 � � �:'�t-cic...... •St' SSC.-D Ile '7 y l V I ' • 1003 8ueh��c. �., L.0 N^� e Y-17 'EA, / January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93 .01 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park. With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who fore several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. 5 . 7 v - . Tanuar7- 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Ha7.1 San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93101 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park, With the reimoval of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is tame to give the park back to the children of the neighbo:rhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. r ti 9�,Q,o w a -y S t- ,SL L . Sl., a x (03 , ; l .l(or rO %7 th"lie -: ._-+�i 1� - - .. .. .` ,!. ]1! . - ...,. '., j �?�Tom'• M a-A G-3 January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401 Dear Mayor Dann and City Council Members: We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa 'Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park. With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. S l� 0 ,p I<S SJ I t (4 iu �o 61.Z S �? I 1 January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa 'Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park, With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It i's time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. L'(�nL�e�y72.�/t_c.��.iL��tJ ��S';L (�c2rile'�� 5f ^C;ri`� vC'�•�%�-�/ 5e,r 4C%1 LV .zj �. t;.•�-,�; - 1�7 67 January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : :1e, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park. With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. 7 9/alet LS 7' '-Y Z'- A/I ' L . -•: � ,ice � � L: IJ 65A f s ��l S • L �. �i,•P.eo�,c�. �• r3�s s�t-n.��- R 'r'N p �c �s, /1,1L1 g;: -t6, el _ q C� � January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401 Dear Mayor Darin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa =Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park, With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place for transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. Lj 15 15 -ILI 11A January 31, 1988 City Council of San Luis Obispo City Hall San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93101 Dear Mayor Dunin and City Council Members : We, the undersigned, hereby petition the City Council to remove the brick wall at the corner of Santa -Rosa and Pismo Streets. This wall serves to shield the group of people who frequent this corner of Mitchell Park, With the removal of this wall, the area will be more open and not a hiding place fbr transients and vagrants who for several years have made this park their hangout. It is time to give the park back to the children of the neighborhood and to the taxpayers of the city of San Luis Obispo. -G-Cts.- -�2 �j /17 pjullw,,C� zL 11 '7 C'.lLG'�y�/�� '� J, �� 4• > >�.i�u •SLG, orcLITT 1,1,21 0 GLWJ l(� i�7r� U -�s yl x Telegram-Tribune Editorial Leveling Mitchell Park no solution to loitering In San Luis Obispo's contradictory haste to find a home for.the homeless yet discourage them from city parks,a bit of history may become the first victim. Councilwoman Peg Pinard wants to tear down a corner brick wall and small bandstand at Mitchell Park and install more opentoilets at Mitchell and Laguna Lake parks. . There-is da doubt problems 1446 arisen at both parks. About 100 neighbors near Mitchell Park have signed a petition,asking the city to do something about It. Police average about two arrests.a week at Mitchell Park,most for public Intoxication. Police are called to the park to make an arrest or walk through about four times a week. At Laguna Lake Park, police periodically sweep the bathrooms,a favorite of cruising homosexuals.Tbirty-five people were arrested there last year. The city needs to find a solution,but Pittard's may be too drastic. She contends children at Mitchell Park are Invisible from the street; the new toilets would have the bottoms cut up high enough so parents—or police—could tell it was empty. The sentiments may be correct, but no parents in their right mind these days would send a child off alone to any park in the county—or particularly to a bathroom. Bulldozing the brick wall and restrooms at Mitchell Park would be a blow to the city's pride as well as pocket book. The wall contains a memorial plaque "to the memory of the members of this community who gave their lives to keep forever living the freedom for which they died." The playground and restrooms in Mitchell Park won two awards a decade ago for their design,one from the American Institute of Architects and the other from Obispo Beautiful. Tearing down improvements at those two parks may not solve the problem. To make a park "bum"-proof,the city would have to cut all the shrubs—where the homeless sleep at night—clear out the trees and maybe even the playground equipment. After all,someone could catch a snooze behind a kids'slide. A desert-like park is not going to be very inviting to someone looking for a few hours sleep—or to neighboring residents. The council is due to get a report on the proposals— sandke the cost of tearing down several we and putting up skeleton water closets—In several weeks.Then the council will hold public hearings. Let's hope that the review is calmly thought out and the council's decision Is likewise. _ InMn mtwggrj u g)gn aq own OX0 a v?7utsY4YlY�2�7 1 s 40d Odd PivO' tl L s a -j a j v 5 ftwe IL �i i N " i I a 4 a < � -- i i J J o To: San Luis Obispo City Council ! From: Richard P. Warren Date: 2/21/88 Re: Safety in Mitchell Park My family lives in the vicinity of Mitchell Park, but we seldom use the park. The reason we avoid this park is that it does not feel safe due to the normal gathering of homeless and transients, particularly around the restroom area. Del Mar Park in Morro Bay has what appears to be a safer alternative in restroom design. The main elements of the design are shown in the sketch below, and include private toilet cubicles (that can be totally viewed if the door is opened) and open air sinks. �.2. 6" .� 4- 0" ® 000 � 0 Open air sink for hands & face Conceptual Sketch Of Restroom Alternative For Mitchell Park Please consider the above when evaluating options to add to the safety of Mitchell Park. I also favor an increased police presence (Walk-through, not Drive-by). In addition, please take whatever other measures are necessary to make Mitchell Park an undesirable location for homeless and transients to congregate. T A you, Richard P. Warren