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Residents press council to add pickleball courts and accelerate Righetti Ranch park amenities; council accepts consent agenda
Summary
Multiple residents urged the City Council to include dedicated pickleball courts and to speed delivery of an enclosed dog park at Righetti Ranch; councilors acknowledged public support and approved the consent agenda that includes related items 5‑0.
Dozens of residents, neighborhood representatives and recreation advocates asked the San Luis Obispo City Council on May 20 to speed construction of park amenities in the Righetti Ranch development and to include permanent pickleball courts in Phase 1.
John Mackenzie, representing Friends of SLO City Dog Park, said the Righetti Ranch dog park has been delayed and urged the city to explore public‑private partnerships to accelerate construction. Several speakers, including Jonathan (a Righetti Ranch resident and president of the local pickleball club) and Jeff Herbst, described pickleball as a high‑demand, multi‑generational activity and asked the council to fund eight new permanent courts in Righetti Ranch Park. Physician and player Brooke Schumacher told the council that eight courts would accommodate 32 players and estimated — based on Parks and Rec materials — that building eight permanent courts would cost less than $2 million.
City Manager Whitney McDonald acknowledged the many emails and in‑person comments received, told the council staff heard strong community support for pickleball, and said staff will continue to work with Parks and Recreation on phasing decisions. Multiple council members thanked speakers for their input. Councilmember Shoresman specifically noted strong support among neighbors and said she lives nearby and supports the park work.
The matter was part of public comment on Consent Agenda item 6e. Council Member Francis moved approval of the full consent agenda and Council Member Marks seconded; a roll call vote approved the consent agenda 5‑0. The consent vote carries forward the staff recommendations listed on the packet, and staff said they will continue outreach and planning for Righetti Ranch park phasing and courts.
Other details raised in public comment: speakers said San Luis Obispo currently has seven permanent pickleball courts, that some neighboring cities have small dedicated facilities (for example, Morro Bay and Grover Beach), and that pickleball classes offered by the city are among the most popular. Supporters also tied recreational courts to public health benefits, tourism and community building. Dog‑park advocates said Laguna Lake’s enclosed off‑leash park is opening May 30 and asked for help to accelerate the Righetti dog park promised during development.
Council took no separate vote tonight to add the pickleball courts to the city’s CIP; the public comment and consent vote will inform staff work on park phasing and budget discussions going forward.
