PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

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PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SUBJECT/TITLE: Preparation for joint PRBC/City Council meeting RECOMMENDATION: Reach consensus on bullet points for presentation to City Council at May

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the April 11, 2013 PRBC meeting, the Commission reached consensus to develop a series of discussion bullet points for the joint Council/PRBC meeting scheduled for May 23.

1 PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SUBJECT/TITLE: Preparation for joint PRBC/City Council meeting RECOMMENDATION: Reach consensus on bullet points for presentation to City Council at May 23, 2013 joint meeting. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At the April 11, 2013 PRBC meeting, the Commission reached consensus to develop a series of discussion bullet points for the joint Council/PRBC meeting scheduled for May 23. These points encompass the topics below and are found on Attachment Dog Park Council support will be requested for PRBC efforts to develop recommendations for a dog park site and future funding consideration. 2. Capital Improvement Program and 2013/15 budget funding for: a. Restrooms in recreation areas b. Bello Street and Shell Beach Hall improvements. c. Trail Improvements 3. Commission support for adequate Recreation Division staffing. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Potential bullet points for discussion with Council Prepared by: Carolyn Johnson, Planning Manager Meeting Date: May 2, 2013 Approved by: Jon Biggs, Community Development Director Page 1 of 9

2 Attachment 1 DRAFT Bullet points for discussion with Council 1) Dog Park There is no dog park or off leash hours for dogs in Pismo Beach During the past two years the PRBC has received public comments from a number of individuals along with representatives of the Five Cities Dog Park Association via , and in-person visits to the PRBC meetings. All have noted that there is no City park for people with dogs. The City commissioned a Parks and Recreation survey in 2011 which indicated an offleash dog park was the most requested feature for a park in Pismo (over shade, play equipment, athletic courts, and live music) While the produced a very small sampling, when asked about recreation amenities currently not offered in Pismo Beach they might like to see, approximately 48 respondents indicated a desire for a Dog Park in our community. This was one of the highest requested items to come from this question on the survey. As a follow-up to the survey, a subcommittee of the PRBC was formed to meet with representatives of the organization to discuss potential requirements of a dog park, and suitable sites. Representatives of the Five Cities Dog Park Association have indicated that the organization would be interested in an agreement which required them to fund part or all of the operation of a park. Based on increasing interest in a Pismo Beach Dog Park by the public (survey results, s to Mayor, bumper stickers) and by the City Council (as per Mayor Higginbotham at recent PRBC meeting), the PBRC would like to explore possible dog park locations within the city limits. The PRBC feels that we have conducted a reasonable level of preliminary research and review of the topic and has concluded that there is sufficient interest in the community to move the item forward. There appears to be consensus between the PRBC and Dog Park advocates that something is better than nothing. Ultimately we may not be able to provide the ideal dog park in terms of size, surfacing, hours, etc. Page 2 of 9

3 Additionally, the hospitality industry is very interested in promoting Pismo Beach as a dog friendly community and indeed many local hotels and restaurants have already moved in this direction. Pismo Beach touting itself as dog friendly for tourism purposes. It might also be noted that dogs currently run off-leash without penalties at virtually all of our City parks & beaches. Establishing an official Dog Park would ultimately be developing a new recreation amenity for residents and visitors at some location in the city as you might build a new tennis court or children s playground. Comments from the CVB support the Commission s assessment: I want to share some thoughts with you regarding our current plans for being pet friendly. Yesterday, through the efforts of Visit San Luis Obispo County, we hosted a Dog Friendly Media FAM with travel writers from Pav Dog Blog Will Travel, Westways, Baywoof Newspaper, Examiner.com, Dogster.com, Dogtrekker.com, and Jetset Extra. The FAM is highlighting our dog friendly county. Our Pismo Beach CVB recently launched a new website, the link is attached. Listed within it, our guests can find a large selection of Dog Friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks, including Cottage Inn by the Sea, The Cliffs Resort, Dolphin Bay Resort, Oxford Suites, Spyglass, Sandcastle Inn, Shelter Cove, Lighthouse Suites, Seacrest, and Shore Cliff Lodge. Our Dog Friendly restaurants include Alphy s Adobe Grill, Honeymoon Cafe, Garlands Hamburgers, Mo s Smokehouse BBQ, Hoagies Grill, Guiseppes Express, Rosa s Italian Restaurant, and many more. Also a new dog show is proposed for the Fall of this year. The SEC has currently approved Fire Hydrant 5K, a dog friendly race and dog expo, the link is also listed below. If I can be of any help, please let me know. Commission recommendation: The PRBC recommends the Council: 1) Move this issue to a SHORT TERM GOAL, provide the necessary resources, direct staff to work with the PRBC to begin seeking Public Comment regarding a suitable site. The Commission asks that the Council : Give the PRBC the green light to notify citizens and seek public comment regarding the preferred site. The Commission would: -Review and discussion of previously suggested locations -Site visits where indicated -Public outreach and invitation to PRBC meetings for suggestions -Survey of local neighbors at the most promising sites Page 3 of 9

4 The results of the Commission s efforts would be brought back to the Council for consideration. 2) Move toward the development of a Dog Park within the upcoming 2 year budget cycle. Why? Dog parks provide social outlets for dogs and dog owners. A Park for people with dogs would provide a place for owners to take their dogs (rather than the beach, which often results in ocean contamination) For tourists, a Dog Park would be a resource as Pismo Beach tourist facilities tout the City as dog friendly. For Pismo Beach and area citizens, volumes of s have been received and the city recreation survey indicated an off-leash dog park was the most requested feature over shade, play equipment, athletic courts and live music. Are there potential sites in mind? Multiple sites have been discussed over the years. If provided the opportunity, the Commission would flush these out through public outreach with the most feasible and community supported sites. If a site was selected, how would a Dog Park be funded and built? The Five Cities Dog Park Association has committed to raise the funds for a dog park. Park construction would need to occur with city collaboration. However, there may be some need for City funding for studies, research etc. on the various sites explored. Page 4 of 9

5 2. Capital Improvement Program and 2013/15 budget funding for: a. Restrooms at Palisade Park. b. Bello Street and Shell Beach Hall improvements. c. Trail Improvements As a follow-up to comments presented in the Recreation Survey, the PRBC established a subcommittee to review the condition & extent of existing recreation and parks facilities in our system. a. Restrooms at Palisade Park. The City has done a wonderful job of establishing several lovely parks, but there is a current need for an additional one PRBC recognizes that restrooms are not appropriate in every park (for varying reasons, i.e., lack of need, no viable location, inconsistent with a park largely used by nearby residents, etc.) and, therefore, is not recommended restrooms in Beachcomber and Boosinger Parks, despite requests from some park users. The survey indicated a desire for more public restrooms at our facilities. Restrooms in recreation areas are critical for public enjoyment of recreational areas and events. In some cases, temporary portable restrooms have been utilized which the committee felt should be replaced with more permanent restrooms of better quality. Although, small neighborhood parks utilized primarily by people in the neighborhood may be ok with no restroom, the Committee felt that areas with reserve-able picnic areas that might be utilized by people outside of the neighborhood for family gatherings, birthday parties, etc. should have some kind of restrooms/hand washing stations within a close proximity. Commission recommendation: 1) Direct inclusion of a restroom and include funding for a Palisades Park restroom in the 2013/15 budget 2) Provide a directive to the Commission to draft a program for developing additional park restrooms followed by Council consideration to budget adding one or two restrooms per year. Why? Palisade Park is used heavily by persons who do not live nearby and, therefore, have no access to bathroom facilities After the off-leash dog area, restrooms were the second highest requested park amenity in the survey commissioned by the City. In Palisade Park, there are several picnic tables, a play area, parking lot, horseshoe area, etc., all geared toward encouraging people to stay for some length of time. This restroom could also be used by the tennis players at the courts on Shell Beach Road, and the port-a- potty there could potentially be removed. A restroom could be placed on the existing slab adjacent to parking lot and relocate a picnic table to another location or Page 5 of 9

6 closer to Shell Beach Road, for future use by folks on the Complete Streets trail. A restroom would increase attractiveness for rental and the rental fee. Palisade Park is used heavily by persons who do not live nearby and, therefore, have no access to bathroom facilities. How could a restroom be funded? A restroom in this area would potentially cost approximately $200,000. Private donations and the City s Park Development could be considered. Regardless of timing for funding, a restroom at this location should be included in the City s Capital Improvement program for future development in the near future. Currently there is approximately $100,000 in the City s Park Development fund that could be considered for future purchase and installation of a restroom and related improvements. b. Bello Street and Shell Beach Hall improvements These two facilities are regularly utilized by the community for meetings, community classes, family gatherings, voting stations, etc. These aging facilities are in dire need of upgrades and/or repairs in order to prevent further deterioration. Deferred maintenance on the heating system at the Bello St. Vets Hall has already resulted in some activities moving to other locations. This may result in loss of revenue and impact the ability to continue providing services to the community. These building are historical treasures and will be beyond repair if necessary improvements are not undertaken in the near future. These buildings honor the character and history of Pismo Beach. These buildings are used for recreation activities enjoyed by both tourists and residents. These buildings serve as locations for necessary assistance for residents (i.e., food preparation for poor or house bound seniors) The Vets halls are the main locations for the recreation department and they are not being adequately maintained. Funding for and implementation of a maintenance and improvement program, or these locations is needed or these areas will eventually become unusable. Some of the items noted during a review of the facilities involve safety issues. Flooring needs to be replaced not just to upgrade the facility but to address potential tripping hazards. Other items observed include: a need to paint interior rooms, old deteriorated windows that are most likely not energy efficient & show signs of water damage due to leakage, window covering is in very bad shape, acoustical material in the Bello St. hall is in very bad shape and in need of upgrade. Page 6 of 9

7 Commission recommendation: Include in the Capital Improvement Program and in the 2013/15 budget funding for items not included in the recent Council authorization for maintenance at both halls and marketing of the halls as a community resource. Specifically: For the Shell Beach Veteran s Hall: Replace hardwood floors before they are beyond repair; address ADA issues in the restrooms; replace curtains and windows For the Pismo Beach Veteran s Hall: Replace curtains on the stage; replace the white acoustical material throughout the interior of the building; turn the old phone booth into a coat rack area; replace the floor tile throughout (trip hazard in some areas); replace the windows in the classroom area (there appears to be leakage and water damage below the windows). Marketing: Identifying these venues as attractive, viable facilities for private and public functions. c. Park and trail improvements, beach access, open space and facilities : The City has focused a great deal of attention and resources on the Complete Streets Master Plan for bike paths through the city. However, there is no mention in the City goals regarding the potential for completion or expansion of hiking or walking trails. Inclusion of future trail development as part of the Council goals could open the door for future discussions with neighboring agencies regarding trail connection points & may provide opportunities for future funding sources. A future Pismo Creek Trail leading from the ocean all the way to the Price House & potentially beyond has been discussed. A possibility of a future ridgeline trail has also been discussed. An existing budget line item for development of a trailhead at 4 th Street & Five Cities Drive could be the first step toward a trail along the lagoon toward the ocean. Each of these has been noted in the Pismo Creek Trail Plan and the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Beach Access Plan approved by the Council a few years ago. There are a few existing trailways within the city that could be connected with relative ease in order to provide a more complete trail system in our community for residents and visitors alike. Page 7 of 9

8 A more complete hiking/walking trail system could provide another element to attract visitors & business to our community. In the short term there are trail segments in need of construction; the Pismo Creek trail from Price House to the beach, for example, and the trail easement that exists from Highland to the Pismo Creek trail at the Bello street bridge. On a long term basis budgeting is needed for planning and feasibility studies for proposed Ridge trail and sections of Bluff trail. Commission recommendation: Direct staff that each of the projects in the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Beach Access Plan be included in the Capital Improvement Program. During the mid-year budget review, consider some element/improvement identified in the Bicycle/Pedestrian/Beach Access Plan. 3. Commission support for adequate Recreation Division staffing. The Recreation division offers City, San Luis Obispo County residents and tourists enriching recreational opportunities. The Recreation Division: Manages forty-five (45) contract instructors providing community programs, schedules Maintains reservations for public use of two facilities (Pismo Beach Veterans Hall and Shell Beach Veterans Hall), the sports complex, beach volleyball courts, and multiple numerous parks. Develops, organizes, advertises and manages multiple community wide special events and ongoing recreational opportunities throughout the year, including the Concerts in the Park series, Stride With the Tide, Pumpkins on the Pier, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Father / Daughter dance, Holiday Harmony, and monthly Senior dances.. Advertises and contracts for monthly excursions and opportunities for international touring. Recreation Division staffing is currently not supporting consistent staffing, resulting in turnover and inconsistency. Funding for more stable staffing in the Recreation Dept could improve the focus and efficiency of recreation programming. The Recreation Division is currently authorized for two ½ time Rec Coordinators. Unfortunately, because of the limited pay there has been constant turnover in these positions. There have been 6 recruitments in the past two years to fill vacancies in these positions. Sometimes these are talented people who like the job & its challenges but who feel they must take on a 2 nd part-time job or move on to find something with more hours and or benefits. Unfortunately, the recruitment process for these low level positions can take three to four months. As a result, the Rec Supervisor is often in a position to have to complete the Coordinator tasks in addition to her own. Page 8 of 9

9 Because the nature of the services provided are somewhat seasonal it often takes 6 months or more to effectively train a new staff member to fulfill their duties independently. Commission recommendation: 1) Fund a 38 hour per week full-time/benefits entry level Recreation Coordinator with a Bachelors degree. Eliminate the 19 hour per week part-time coordinator position. Why should the position be modified? While community programs and events have increased, improved in quality, and have been expanded to a wider population, they cannot be sustained with current staffing levels. The high staff turnover of the part time position has resulted in the constant re-training of new personnel, utilizing resources better spent on maintaining existing recreational programming and developing new programs. To retain staff, avoid constant training by the Recreation Supervisor due to ongoing turnover by part time staff, increase customer service to exemplary levels, maintain consistent high quality programs and engage in new program development, the current part time position should be eliminated and replaced with a full time position. What is the community benefit? Improvement of the increased offerings and quality of service to city resident, San Luis Obispo county participants and the tourist community. Page 9 of 9

Report to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board: Off-leash Dog Areas. Background

1 Report to the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board: Off-leash Dog Areas Report by Ad Hoc Committee: Jan Kirschbaum, Wayne Marshall, Gail Till, Bill Hornsby (P.U.P) January 20, 2005 Background