The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCC 2025-09-09_11a Soto Sports Complex Master Plan and Pickleball Court Request_PP PresentationSoto Sports Complex Master Plan & Pickleball Multi-Use Court Request Discussion 09/09/2025 Good evening Mayor and Council Members, my name is Sheridan Bohlken and I am presenting for your review and discussion the next steps for development of the Soto Sports Master Plan, as well as consideration of a request to convert two existing tennis courts into multi-use courts that could also accommodate pickleball. 1 Background 09/09/2025 Soto Sports Complex 18-acre facility located at 1275 Ash Street 7 seasonal sports fields (softball, baseball, soccer, football) 4 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts Concessions, meeting room with pool tables, 2 restrooms Community Garden with 24 plots 2 water retention basins The Soto Sports Complex is an 18-acre community recreation facility located at 1275 Ash Street. The complex provides seven seasonal sports fields for softball, baseball, soccer, and football, four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a concessions building, a meeting room, public restrooms, a community garden with 24 plots, and two stormwater retention basins. The complex serves neighborhood residents, local and traveling teams, regional tournaments, as well as hosting community events. 2 Soto Sports Complex 09/09/2025 3 Background 09/09/2025 Elm Street Park 3.2-acre facility located at 1221 Ash Street adjacent complex Recreation Services mobile office Kiwanis Inclusive Playground Dog Park managed by Elm Street Dog Park Association Gazebo with BBQ, open grass for events Portable restrooms 34 parking spaces Immediately adjacent to the sports complex is Elm Street Park, a 3.2-acre facility. The park includes the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground, the only off-leash dog park in the Five Cities area, a gazebo with barbeque facilities, and an open grass area used for sports and events. Following the demolition of the former Mark M. Millis Community Center in early 2025, the site now includes a mobile office for Recreation Services, portable restrooms and 34 parking spaces, 4 Elm Street Park 09/09/2025 Need to update picture with full park; explain current conditions challenges of parking and restrooms 5 City Council Goals & Community Survey 09/09/2025 Community Priorities Survey Council Goals 10-Year Capital Improvement Program $275,000 for Soto Sports Master Plan in FY 2025-26 Connectivity, community center, Elm Street Park & Soto Sports Complex infrastructure In February of this year, staff presented the results of the Community Priorities Survey, which highlighted recreation activities and additional pickleball courts among the community’s top four priorities. Building on that feedback, in May the Council advanced these priorities by approving the 10-Year Capital Improvement Program, which dedicates $275,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 for the development of a comprehensive master plan for Soto Sports Complex and Elm Street Park. This master plan will proactively address connectivity, community center opportunities, and much-needed infrastructure improvements, ensuring these facilities continue to serve our residents well into the future. 6 09/09/2025 Community Engagement FlashVote & Workshops OR Alternative Recreation Facilities Recreation Office, Community Center, OR Defer until survey Infrastructure Restrooms, parking, lighting, basins, safe spectator areas Connectivity Safe pedestrian pathways & linkages Council Input on Master Plan In order to advance the master plan, Council direction is needed on several components: the appropriate community engagement tools, such as FlashVote surveys and workshops; whether the plan should include a Recreation Services office or a broader Community Center facility; confirmation of infrastructure priorities such as restrooms, parking, lighting, and spectator safety; and the inclusion of pedestrian connectivity throughout the complex.” 7 Soto Sports Courts 09/09/2025 Pickleball/Tennis History Growth trends Current use, local courts Separately though related to the Soto Sports Master Plan, Council recently asked staff to present a discussion about the potential of converting 2 tennis courts at Soto Sports Complex into multi-use courts for both pickleball and tennis. As the pickleball and tennis courts are within Soto Sports Complex, tonight’s discussion will help guide priorities and efforts. Pickleball was first introduced in Arroyo Grande in 2014 as a pilot program and has since grown significantly, with over 220 active club members this year. Tennis also continues to serve important an role through local play, youth camps, and regional tournaments. Both sports remain active in the community and nationally, with tennis participation increasing 8% in 2024, and pickleball identified as the fastest-growing sport in the United States having expanded by over 220% in the last five years. 8 Multi-Use Court Request 09/09/2025 High demand for pickleball Request: Convert (2) tennis courts closest to the pickleball courts into (4) multi-use courts Estimated Cost: $12,000 (line striping and portable nets) Benefits & challenges for multi-use courts Due to high demand and extended wait times for pickleball play, there is interest in converting two existing tennis courts into four multi-use courts. The estimated cost is $12,000, which would cover striping and portable nets. While multi-use courts would increase flexibility and maximize limited space, they may also create operational challenges, including greater strain on restrooms and parking, and potential conflicts between tennis and pickleball users. 9 Council Input on Multi-Use Courts 09/09/2025 Defer installation of multi-use courts until survey & community engagement confirm priorities (recommended). Convert (2) tennis courts into (4) multi-use courts after restrooms and parking are addressed. Immediate conversion of (2) tennis courts into (4) multi-use courts. Construct new, dedicated pickleball courts in future. Estimated cost: $100,000-300,000 As directed, staff has prepared several options for Council’s consideration regarding the multi-use court request. Staff’s recommendation is to defer installation until the Master Plan process is complete. This approach will help ensure that improvements are coordinated as part of a larger plan, rather than piecemealed, so that future opportunities for other uses are not limited. 10 Recommendation 09/09/2025 Confirm the next steps and implementation plan for the Soto Sports Complex Master Plan Review, discuss, and provide direction on the possible conversion of two tennis courts at Soto Sports Complex into multi-use courts Find exempt from CEQA In conclusion, staff recommends that Council confirm the next steps for implementation of the Soto Sports Complex Master Plan, review and provide direction on the proposed multi-use court conversion, and determine that the actions under consideration are exempt from CEQA. 11 AG Pickleball Club Participation 09/09/2025 12