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Home My WebLink About10/02/2001, PH 2 - MITCHELL PARK MASTER PLAN council j alienaa Repoat CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO FROM: Paul LeSage,Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: MITCHELL PARK MASTER PLAN CAO RECOMMENDATIONS Adopt a resolution accepting the recommendations of the • Parks and Recreation Commission • Cultural Heritage Committee • Architectural Review Commission And approve the Mitchell Park Master Plan. DISCUSSION Background In 1994, the City Council approved an ambitious plan to upgrade playgrounds in seven parks. This included: Johnson, Laguna Lake, Meadow, Santa Rosa, Sinsheimer, Throop, and Mitchell Parks. The project, expected to take several years, was financed through a State Park Bond Act, and the Parkland Development Fund. Because the Mitchell Park playground was actually in the best condition of any of the parks at that time, it was scheduled last. When the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) considered the Mitchell Park playground improvements in 1995, it was with the knowledge that it could be several years before the renovations were completed. In fact, it was only recently, that the project was authorized by the City Council. [Note: prior to that approval, the PRC revisited and confirmed their approval of the playground improvements] At the time the PRC reviewed the playground improvements, they expressed an interest in looking at a Master Plan for the entire park. Since the playground is such a significant feature of the park, the PRC wanted an opportunity to see how it would fit into the overall layout of the park. With that in mind a master plan study was commissioned. That plan,which was approved by the PRC in August of 1995, was not forwarded to the City Council for review. The feeling at that time was that it would be many years until the plan could be funded, and the plan should be revisited at a time when it was likely to be implemented. 2-J Mitchell Park Master Plan Page 2 History of the Mitchell Park Site Mitchell Park is located in the Old Town Historic District and includes the city block bounded by Santa Rosa, Buchon, Osos, and Pismo Streets. The Senior Center located in the park is a former kindergarten school building and is listed on the City's Master List of Historic Resources. The site was originally part of the Dallidet Adobe vineyards. Local resident Frank Mitchell donated the property to the San Luis Coastal Unified School District in 1917. The site also served as a community park and included a ball field and gazebo. In 1941, the City leased the site from the District. In 1947, the City and District agreed to an extensive renovation of the park. This project, which was completed in 1953, is the current configuration of the park. Elements of the MasterPlan The Mitchell Park Master Plan was developed as a collaborative effort of the Parks and Recreation Commission and neighborhood residents with the assistance of a landscape architect. The plan places an emphasis on Mitchell Park being a neighborhood park. Removal of the sidewalks that bisect the park open the site up for informal recreation and free play. Removal of the sidewalks might make it more difficult to cross the site, but the feeling is that the park should be used, not traversed. The meandering sidewalks were placed in the plan to provide A separation between lawn and landscaping. Landscaping on the perimeter of the site will be kept intentionally low to allow for full visibility of the park from the street. A pavilion, similar to the one that existed in the park for over thirty years is planned near the existing "redwood forest". The pavilion can be used for activities such as concerts on summer evenings. The flagpole, currently located in the center of the park would be relocated to the comer of Pismo and Osos Streets and would be the focal point of a small plaza bordered by benches in a covered seating area. Many people eat lunch in the park. The small plaza was included for this activity. The long awaited playground renovation, as noted.on the plan, is scheduled to begin soon. No changes are proposed for the exterior of the senior center building, or the memorial comer. The plan does not show any addition of off street parking to the Mitchell Park site. That feature has been reviewed and rejected by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council on several occasions. The area behind the senior building retains the existing patio area that includes a group barbeque pit and picnic tables. The plan calls for some type of a neighborhood garden. This was a specific request from neighborhood residents, and has been honored in the plan. In summary, this design makes Mitchell Park a greater amenity for the residents of Old Town while retaining some if its community uses, including being a-popular lunchtime location. A pavilion maintains a link to the historic past of Mitchell Park, while providing a feature that could benefit the entire community. G:IDalarn L48v:da Prop Fi7=WWhdl Pant Marto Plan.dx t� Mitchell Park Master Plan Page 3 CONCURRENCES The Parks and Recreation Commission initially approved this item on Aug 2, 1995. That decision was unanimously reconfirmed on February 7, 2001. The Cultural Heritage Committee reviewed and approved the.Master Plan on June 25, 2001,with the following conditions: 1. Photo documentation of the present-day park shall be provided to the Community Development Department prior to the implementation of park improvements. 2. A historic plaque or interpretive display shall be provided as part of the planned improvements, to the approval of the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural Review Commission. The Master Plan shall be amended with a note to reflect this requirement. The Architectural Review Commission approved the Master Plan on August 20, 2001, concurring with the conditions approved by the Cultural Heritage Committee and adding the following condition:. Park improvements shall include historic site lighting fixtures and architectural detail to reflect the architecture of the historic kindergarten building [the Senior Center], to the approval of the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural review Commission. While no formal action was taken, the PRC was briefed on the actions of the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural Review Committee at the September 5, 2001 meeting. The commission members did not express any objections to the actions. FISCAL IMPACTS Approval of this plan does not authorize the funding of the improvements. Any funding for improvement projects will come to the City Council through the normal City budget process. .Any expenditure to implement the Master Plan will likely have to come from the General Fund. ATTACIIMENTS 1 Resolution approving the Master Plan 2. The Mitchell Park Master Plan 3. Minutes from PRC and CHC; summary of ARC meeting G:OPJl mdAM&Prep F11=bVuchd1 Park Maw Xmdoc .2 .3 I ATTACHMENT I RESOLUTION NO. (2001 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO APPROVING THE MITCHELL PARK MASTER PLAN WHEREAS,. Master Plan for the renovation and improvement of Mitchell Park was developed by the Parks and Recreation Commission with input of Old Town neighborhood residents; and WHEREAS, that Master Plan was subsequently approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on August 2, 1995 and confirmed on February 1, 2001; and WHEREAS, the Master Plan was approved with conditions that have been incorporated into the plan by the cultural Heritage Committee on June 25, 2001; and WHEREAS, the Master Plan was approved with conditions that have been incorporated into the plan by the Architectural Review Commission on August 20, 2001. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo accepts the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Cultural Heritage Committee, and the Architectural Review commission and approves the Mitchell Park Master Plan. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES:. NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of ,2001. Mayor Allen Settle ATTEST: Lee Price, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM- 0fK444w=7 04' G. rg en, ity Attorney a-� —- ATTACHMENT 2._.. OSOS STREET t a� v'JM^.!M_.a'rO�n,��:,YC^•Y.r•,i,•a 'rer..M'M're Mvra^'h^.f'M,p. wn'N.M �j� F� 5.'f• NSM �1') i 't +� 6 Zai st J m i� ip b3��ii�€��ddd6��Q�� D S)5 ':'r,.�,r,:�:%i1; ::+ir,•� ':•;:;'{i`f„ .�,.. 1S1 SSSSSS] Z� g��ye;�eg�� 2�73 :rii7+:' 7;��r7 •':{tri^. ` ccc�� Jill"�� ZIP.Q o a s : Mi wi 4 '� aRT� F•4 yg `tY..: $ 89i R tl.� x5 z 3333 S 8 F { ;g 1,12 t?�q Y1j ! alp 3cd@°f I ® ♦ asRrs Ross STREET i MITCHELL PARK Us OC MASTER PLAN a _ - San 'U s omno ,;� Y ? �a;TACHMENT 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1995 City/County Library, Conference Room Corner of Osos & Palm Streets CALL TO ORDER: Chair Macedo called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ROLL CALL: Jack Davidson, Jerry Emery, Joe Kourakis, Gregory Macedo, Wendy Pyper, Ron Regan, and Sally Stoner STAFF: Rich Colombo, Pam Dayton, Linda Fitzgerald, Laurie Hanson, and Paul LeSage GUESTS: Dan Babcock and Ruben Plummer CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES The minutes of June 7, 1995, were approved as ended: Item #9 -- the spelling of the word dying was corrected. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Non . ITEM : yQLUNTEEg Director LeSage introduced and id a presentation for the June volunteer of the month, and Chair Macedo presented the a and to Dan Babcock. Director LeSage introduce and did a presentation for the July volunteer of the month, and Chair Macedo resented the a and to Ruben Plummer. ITEM i2: REYIEW MIT :HELI PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN Steve Caminiti and Debbie Black presented "Phase 3" of a 4-phase process -- with "Phase 4" being presented at the next meeting for final approval. This plan was the result of the feedback they had received from the prior Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. They discussed the changes they had made on the plans and asked the Commission and Staff for comments or additional recommendations/changes. After commissioners and staff asked questions and made recommendations, Mr. Caminiti reviewed back all items discussed for clarification to enable him to prepare the "final" plan. Overall, everyone was pleased with the master plan. ITEM #3: F EP -- D Pam distributed to Commissioners, and g e a brief "highlight" of, her staff report. 7 4: L R - LL P COMMENTS Great BBQ! Renovations are loo ng good. It was felt this was one of the better tours attended. a2 4. V iACHMEMT 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 February 7,2001 Item#4: Review Mitchell Park Master Plan The commission reviewed the Mitchell Park Master Plan. After a short discussion, the plan was approved unanimously on M/S by Clay/Regan. Item#5: Director's Report Director LeSage reported on the followi g: • Results of Cound Goal Setting • Facility Namin pportunities • Departmental Non-Recreation" Issues Including Special Event Fees & Film Permits Item#6: Staff Reports Recreation Manager II Mi reported on the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks Supervisor Tolson r orted on the activities of the Parks Maintenance Division. Item#7: Committee eports Commission Membe reported on meetings attended during the past month: Marzio—Jack Hous Committee Regan—Tree Co ttee Dunan—Mayor's outh Task Force Black—Joint U Committee Item#8: C mmunication Adjourn to a next meeting on Wednesday, March 7, 2001, 7:00 p.m., in the City-County Library Conferen Room. 020701AG 7 - ATTACHMENT 3 MINUTES SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE Regular Meeting of Monday, June 25, 2001 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing om, San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Bob Schrage, Paula Juelk arr, Vice Chairperson Bob Pavlik, Steven Mcmasters, Margot McDonald, Tom Wheeler, d Matt Whittlesey. Staff: Jeff Hook, Associate Planner; aul Le Sage, Director, Parks and Recreation Department. Guest: Debbie Black, Parks and R reation Commissioner. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- On a motion by Committee member Pavlik, seconded by Committee member Carr, t Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 29, 200 as amended at the meeting (Committee members McMasters and Whittlesey arrived late). PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. ARC 40-01: 1400 Osos Street. Review Master Plan for Mitchell Park, in the Downtown Historic District (continued from May 29, 2001 Mr. Hook introduced the item and Paul Le Sage, Parks and Recreation Director, described the historic development of Mitchell Park. He noted the Park's earliest development was in 1947 and before that, it consisted of vacant lots behind a kindergarten school (now the Se^ior Center) and part of the Mission Vineyard Tract. He explained the proposed park design changes were based on park neighbor input from meetings held in 1995. Neighbors wanted to make the park more usable by the neighborhood. Ms. Black noted that two different Parks and Recreation Commissionshad reviewed and approved the Master Plan, and she explained the reasons for their support. Agatha Reardon, 1275 Manzanita Way, SLO, was concerned about transient elements staying at the Park. She suggested retaining the diagonal walkways leading to the flagpole, and replacing the flagpole with a central bandstand. She was also curious about the proposed vegetable gardens. Mr. LeSage said the new park design featured a low, wrought iron railing around the park's perimeter and a walkway around the park. The diagonal walkways were to be removed and the flagpole moved to the comer of Buchon and Osos Streets. He didn't feel visibility or safety would be concerns with the new design. The vegetable garden is a possibility but noted ATTACHMENT 3 CHC Minutes, Regular Meeting of June 25, 2001 Page 2 there were no specific plans for its construction yet. Committee member Whittlesey asked about the project's timeline for development and whether the flagpole was planned for use as a cellular site. Mr. LeSage noted that the park improvements were not funded in the 2001-2003 budget and estimated construction was at least four years away. He said they had had preliminary discussions with a cellular service provider but no decisions had been made. Committee member McMasters said he hoped the new restroom and other features would be designed to reflect the Craftsman=style architecture of the Senior Citizens' building. Committee member McDonald felt historic site lighting fixtures would be appropriate to tie the park in with the historic district, and also suggested that a historic plaque or interpretative display be included. Committee member Wheeler felt this was a dramatic change in the park's character away from its historic basis. For example, he cited moving the flagpole as having the effect of de- emphasizing its importance. He felt the flagpole's central location reflected the patriotism of the post-World War Il era when the park was developed. He felt the proposed railing would make the park look less open. Committee member Pavlik felt the Park's existing layout was not historic and the change would not adversely affect the historic district's character. On a motion by Committee member Pavlik, seconded by Committee member McMasters, the Committee determined that the Mitchell Park Master Plan is consistent with the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines because no changes are planned for the historic Kindergarten School Building and the proposed park improvements will retain the historic relationship between the School building and Park landscape. The committee recommended the Architectural Review Commission approve the Plan, subject to the inclusion of photo- documentation, a historic plaque or interpretative display, historic site lighting fixtures, and architectural details of the new restroom and other structures to reflect the architecture of the historic Kindergarten Building. The motion carried, 6-1 (Committee member Wheeler voted no). 2. ARC 69-01: 59 Benton Way. Review rehabilitation plans for the historic I I Dunn House. Tom Brajkovich, project architect, 1029 Moro Street, presented the project. ATTACHMENT 3 Cray Of SM WIS OB1SW Department of Community Development "� r Planning Division August 23, 2001 TO: File ARC 40-01: 1400 Osos Street Paul LeSage, Parks and Recreation Director FROM: Ronald Whisenand, Deputy Community Development Directo(�' SUBJECT: Study session to review the Mitchell Park Master Plai) The Architectural Review Commission, at its meeting of August 20, 2001, recommended to the City Council, approval of the Mitchell Park Master Plan, based on the following findings and subject to the following conditions, as recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee: Findings 1. The proposed Mitchell Park Master Plan is consistent with the Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan, which designates Mitchell Park as a neighborhood park. 2. The Mitchell Park Master Plan shows improvements that are architecturally compatible with the site and with structures on neighboring properties because the improvements will beautify the park by incorporating additional landscaping and entry plazas. 3. The Cultural Heritage Committee has reviewed the proposed Master Plan and determined that the project is consistent with the City's Historical Preservation Program Guidelines. 4. The project is exempt from environmental review because.it is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15331). Resolution No. 9168, approved by the City Council on April 3, 2001, adopted a mitigated negative declaration for the new Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan. The City Council determined that this document adequately addresses the potential environmental impacts of the Element update. Environmental review of individual park improvement projects may be required depending on the nature and scope of the improvements. ,02-/O ARC 40-01 _ ATTACHMENT 3 Page 2 Conditions 1. Photo-documentation of the present-day park shall be provided to the Community Development Department prior to implementation of park improvements. 2. A historic plaque or interpretive display shall be provided as part of the planned improvements, to the approval of the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural Review Commission. The Master Plan shall be amended with a note to reflect this requirement. 3. Park improvements shall include historic site lighting fixtures and architectural detail to reflect the architecture of the historic Kindergarten School Building, to the approval of the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural Review Commission. 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