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Item 12.a. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A PLAY
STRUCTURE AT HERITAGE SQUARE PARK
OCTOBER 25, 2016
PAGE 2
In April of 2016, Riley Betita, an Arroyo Grande resident and a Boy Scout with Troop
413, approached City staff with a project idea to design and install a play structure
somewhere in the Arroyo Grande Village area. Mr. Betita is working on the criteria to
attain Eagle Scout rank, one of which is to plan and construct a community project.
Again, recognizing that there are no publicly accessible children’s play structures in the
Village area, and that the request has periodically surfaced, the Public Works Director
agreed to work with Riley Betita on the project concept, with the understanding that the
project is not currently funded, is not a stated City priority and that the planning efforts
for this project may not come to fruition. Additionally, staff explained that the project is
substantially more involved than typical Eagle Scout projects and would require
substantial time, public participation and formal City Council approval.
On June 8, 2016, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered the Village
Playground Structure idea and provided comments and recommendations. The
Commission reviewed two proposed locations for the play structure at the Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting on September 14, 2016 and requested that staff bring
back a refined plan with the option of the tractor themed structure and two bouncers to
be located in a lawn location in Olohan Alley. The Parks and Recreation Commission
on a 3-1 vote at their October 12, 2016 meeting recommended approval of the
proposed project to the City Council along with a recommendation to fund a portion of
the project with Park Development funds.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
There are currently no public play structures in the immediate vicinity of the Village area
of Arroyo Grande. Placement of a play structure is not a currently budgeted project
nor has this issue been identified by the City Council as a staff goal. As stated above,
there has been previous interest in placing some sort of children’s play elements in the
Village area and as such, when approached by Riley Betita, staff agreed to the extent
possible, to provide assistance with this particular project idea. As this is a non-
budgeted project, all costs associated with the project would need to be borne through a
private community fund-raising effort, unless the City Council approves that the project
use City collected Park Development funds.
Park Development funds are assessed to new development projects in Arroyo Grande
and are restricted for new or expanded park facilities and cannot be used for park
related repairs or program costs. The purchase and installation of a new play structure
in an existing park would qualify for the use of Park Development funds. There is
currently no prioritized list of projects for use of the existing Park Development funds.
Other potential uses of Park Development funds may include, but not be limited to:
Sports Field lighting for non-lighted fields and the Soto Sports Complex
Item 12.a. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A PLAY
STRUCTURE AT HERITAGE SQUARE PARK
OCTOBER 25, 2016
PAGE 3
Expansion of the Elm Street Recreation Center
Contributions to the proposed 5-Cities Men’s Club Recreation Center project
Expansion options at the Women’s Club Community Center
Purchase of property for a future park in the “Western Addition” neighborhood
near the Police Station
The limited amount of funds proposed for use on the project would still leave a
substantial balance of Park Development funds available for future projects. Previously,
the project alternatives were for a small play structure to be placed at Heritage Square
Park or in a landscape area near Kiwanis Park in Olohan Alley. Three different play
element design options were presented for consideration, including the following three
potential play structure elements:
Geo Dome Play structure
Stagecoach Play structure
Tractor Play structure
After consideration, public comment and discussion, the Parks and Recreation
Commission on September 14th, 2016 supported the preparation of a refined plan with
the option of the tractor themed structure and two bouncers to be located in a lawn
location in Olohan Alley. A graphic depiction of the tractor themed play structure and
the site design of the project are attached. (Attachments 3 & 4)
Subsequent to the preparation of the final plan, Public Works staff found out that the
area in Olohan Alley for the proposed play structure will not be accessible during
construction of the Bridge Street Bridge Renovation project which may begin
construction in the spring of 2018. The area proposed for the playground may not be
available for public access as it will be used for construction equipment access, material
storage and staging during the construction window. (Attachment 5)
Based on this new information, at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on
October 12, 2016, staff recommended that the Commission reconsider the proposed
location and recommend that the play structure be placed in Heritage Square Park at a
location near Mason Street and shown in the attached aerial map. (Attachment 6)
Alternate sites in Heritage Square Park were also considered.
The Parks and Recreation Commission on a vote of 3 to 1 recommended approval of
the currently proposed site. The specific location in Heritage Square Park is supported
by the Executive Director of the Village Improvement Association and the Coordinator
for the Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series. The Historical Society has been
notified and discussed the project at a recent Board meeting. No response has been
provided. If approved, the project will require a Plot Plan Review and a building permit.
Item 12.a. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A PLAY
STRUCTURE AT HERITAGE SQUARE PARK
OCTOBER 25, 2016
PAGE 4
Staff is recommending that the play structure be purchased and installed by the City
using City of Arroyo Grande Park Improvement funds in the amount of approximately
$40,000. The purchase of this specific play structure element would fall under the “sole
source” exemption of the City’s Purchasing Policy. Remaining costs for site
improvements are proposed to be covered through the Eagle Scout project.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the purchase and placement of the proposed play structure at Heritage
Square Park and appropriate $40,00 from the Park Development Fund for project
expenses;
2. Approve the purchase and placement of a play structure at an alternate location in
the Village Area;
3. Do not approve the request; or
4. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
There are currently no public play structures in the immediate vicinity of the Village area
of Arroyo Grande. This proposed facility would benefit families that live in the Village
area and provide an addition public recreation facility. Playgrounds and play structures
are shown through multiple studies to have child development benefits, including but not
limited to improvements in brain development, motor-skills, and social capabilities.
DISADVANTAGES:
Expenditure of the proposed $40,000 would remove this funding for another beneficial
park expansion project in the future. Additionally, the space proposed for the play
structure placement does have other current uses that will need to find alternative
locations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
It is likely that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines. Appropriate environmental review
will be completed in advance of the project.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Attachments:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes- April 17, 2013
2. Village Area Aerial Map- Location options
3. Playground graphic simulation- Tractor Play structure
4. Playground site plan - Tractor Play structure
5. Bridge Street Bridge Renovation project impact area map
6. Heritage Square Park Aerial Map- Project location
Item 12.a. - Page 4
MINUTES
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2013, 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
215 E. BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chair King presided and called the Arroyo Grande Parks and Recreation Commission
special meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
2.FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Ekberg led those present in the Flag Salute.
3.ROLL CALL
Commissioner Matt Ekberg, Commissioner Roxanne Shankland, Commissioner Marcy
Betita, and Chair Greg King were present at roll call. Vice Chair Shawn Blethen was
absent. Attending staff included Public Works Director Geoff English and
Administrative Secretary Alison Neff.
4.COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
5.CONSENT AGENDA
5.a. Consideration of Approval of Minutes
Action: Upon motion/second by Commissioners Shankland/Ekberg, the minutes of
the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of February 13, 2013 were
unanimously approved as submitted.
6.CONTINUED BUSINESS
6.a. Consideration of Options for a Potential Play Structure in the Arroyo Grande
Village Area
Public Works Director English addressed the Commission stating that he received
correspondence from Zachary Hall, a citizen of Arroyo Grande, requesting a
playground in the Village area. Director English presented the staff report, which
included a PowerPoint presentation reviewing all the publicly owned parcels in the
Village area with open turf areas. Director English stated that none of the parcels
except Heritage Square Park are large enough to accommodate a typical play
structure. He also presented some possibilities for stand-alone play pieces that could
fit in some of the other areas.
Discussion ensued and the consensus of the Commission was that Centennial Park,
Olohan Alley, and Heritage Square Park were the most feasible potential locations for
a small scale play element in the Village area. The following areas were
recommended for removal from consideration: Hoosegaw Park, Council Chambers
rear lawn, Hart-Collett Park, Old City hall front lawn.
Director English reported that he will bring back some potential locations at Heritage
Square Park along with some examples of play elements for future consideration by
the Commission. Director English stated that the eventual goal would be for the
ATTACHMENT 1
Item 12.a. - Page 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 17, 2013
PAGE 2
Commission to make recommendation to the City Council to designate specific
locations for the addition of future play elements.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.a. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit 12-007; Location – Southwest Corner of
The Pike and South Elm Street; Park Component Proposal Conformance
Public Works Director English presented the staff report, including a PowerPoint
presentation. Mr. Peter Burtness, property owner, addressed the Commission.
Kim Greene addressed the Commission citing concerns with lighting and Megan’s
Law.
After some discussion, Commissioner Shankland moved to find the project in
substantial compliance with Conditional Use Permit 12-007, Special Condition #122 of
Resolution #4488 with the addition of a picnic table to the area. Commissioner Betita
seconded the motion. The motion passed with Commissioner Ekberg abstaining.
8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Shankland reported that she attended the Commissioners Workshop in
Atascadero and attended two great sessions regarding partnerships and advocacy.
Commissioner Shankland reported that one example of partnerships she heard about
was giving naming rights to companies that sponsor parks. Commissioner Shankland
also mentioned that having a booth at the Saturday Farmers Market might be a good
opportunity for advocacy.
9. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Director English updated the Commission on the shade structures at Rancho Grande
Park. He reported that construction is nearing completion and showed some
PowerPoint slides of the park with the structures in place. Director English reported
dedication will be scheduled in the near future.
Alison Neff reported that the Youth Activity Fair is scheduled at the City of Arroyo
Grande and Woman’s Club Community Center on Sunday, April 21, 2013.
10. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Action: Upon motion/second by Commissioners Shankland/Ekberg, the meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Commission was unanimously adjourned at 8:07 p.m. to the
next scheduled meeting of May 8, 2013.
/s/ Greg King, Chair
ATTEST
/s/ Alison Neff, Secretary to the Commission
Item 12.a. - Page 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 17, 2013
PAGE 3
(Approved at Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 5/8/13)
Item 12.a. - Page 7
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ATTACHMENT 2
Item 12.a. - Page 8
ATTACHMENT - 3
Village Area Play structure- Tractor Concept with Rooster bouncers
Item 12.a. - Page 9
ATTACHMENT - 4
Village Area Play structure-
Site Plan- Tractor Concept with Rooster bouncers
Item 12.a. - Page 10
ATTACHMENT 5 Item 12.a. - Page 11
ATTACHMENT - 6
Village Area Play structure:
Heritage Square Park proposed location
Item 12.a. - Page 12