SLO County looking for new ideas to improve its Parks and Recreation facilities
Dave Alley
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation is currently in the early stages of updating its Master Plan for the first time in two decades and is seeking public input during the nearly one year-long process.
The county operates more than 30 individual facilities, including parks, open space, campgrounds, golf courses, plus community and regional parks.
“The parks are very important,” said Emily Moody, a mother of our who lives in Nipomo. “It’s a good getaway from when you’re stuck in the house with kids, you can bring them here and let them run around burn off energy.”
Starting this week, the Parks and Recreation Department has began a public outreach effort to encourage park users to provide comments, suggestions, concerns and other ideas on what they would like to see in the future.
“Right now, the process for the Master Plan update is collecting information, looking at all of our existing facilities, looking at our existing documents, any past needs assessment or strategic plans gathering public information through community surveys or having focus groups to look at different aspects of parks and recreation in this county and gather community input from special interest groups and organizations and non-profits,” said Shaun Cooper, San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director.
A mailed survey was recently delivered to 5,000 households randomly selected throughout the county.
On Monday, an online survey opened up through the Parks and Recreation Department website that allows anyone in the county to answer questions.
“We are looking for information from the public on the types of recreation facilities they like, the types of facilities that they use, the types of facilities that they like to see what’s lacking,” said Cooper. “What are the activities they’re interested in? How often they use our park facilities? We are looking at all aspects of parks and recreation in the county and what types of programs or activities they like to do.”
The online survey will remain active and open to the public through Dec. 15.
“The public input will help guide our plan for the future, which will help us make decisions, prioritize projects, prioritize funding for projects, and help us guide, a sustainable system into the future for parks and recreation in the county,” said Cooper. “Anybody is welcome to get online and take the survey. Share the link with your friends. We want as many people as possible to complete the survey online. It’ll be considered along with the statistically valid survey for the community input.”
The county pointed out the survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish.
“I think it’s important to know what the town wants or the things that draw them in,” said Moody. “I think it’s important for (the county) to be involved with the people. I think it’s important to listen to the people of the county to see where funding should go.”
For anyone who would like more information about the County of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Master Plan, or to provide online input, visit www.slocountyparksplan.com.
The Parks and Recreation Department expects the Master Plan to be updated and completed by fall 2026.
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