HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2017 - WilsonI RF.CEIVrU
COUNCIL MEETING
ITEM NO.- 13, 6 1, JAN 0 0 2017
From: Adam Wilson <
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2017 12:28 PM
To: Harmon, Heidi; Rivoire, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Gomez, Aaron; Pease, Andy
Subject: Please Prioritize Soccer Fields
Good afternoon Mayor Harmon and Council members,
On behalf of my colleagues in the soccer community, I want to highlight the need for additional soccer fields in the
city. With the goal setting meeting next week, it's an important time to bring this to your attention. The city
administration has done a great job making San Luis Obispo a fantastic place to live, and I want to challenge you further -
let's make SLO the standard for wellness and athletic competition by expanding our facilities!
According to the recent LUCE update, we maintain 3.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. The P&R target is 10 acres
per mille. Our city pays a price in wellness and tourism revenue which compounds each year this issue is not
addressed. Specific to soccer, local turf is used well beyond capacity with thousands of players locally. Games spill onto
baseball fields, tennis & basketball courts, and any flat surface where games can be played. This community is simply
mad about soccer - I believe we need to plan accordingly.
The limitation of field space has affected me directly in several ways: As a board member and coach at SLO Soccer Club,
we have trouble reserving adequate turf to train our players and host tournaments. As the manager for a competitive
men's soccer team, SLO Jays, I struggle to find places to for our squad to practice. As a soccer league director, I have
organized a competitive soccer league based in the city, but was unsuccessful in sustaining it due to inconsistent access
to facilities.
At the goal setting meeting, you will hear from many of my colleagues who support this effort. Also keep in mind the
thousands of residents who will not attend the meeting, but will benefit immensely from the expansion of parks and
recreational facilities.
Thank you for everything you do to serve this great city! I wish you peace during the hectic goal setting process ahead.
Best,
-A-
Adam Wilson
SLO Soccer Club