Department Summary

The San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for providing the community with a wide variety of recreation programs, planning new park facilities, and managing City open space that is accessible to the public.

Parks & Recreation is a customer driven service that is responsive to the needs of the public. Recreation programs promote wellness and human development through leisure pursuits. The Department can also facilitate the rental of a number of indoor and outdoor recreation sites. Department staff manage a wide range of special events and parades that occur in San Luis Obispo. Park Rangers create a safe and secure environment for the public to enjoy the City’s parks and open space areas and encourage protection of natural resources.

Mission Statement

With integrity and enthusiasm we are committed to providing quality parks, open space, recreation, cultural and educational services, essential to the enhancement and promotion of personal well being and a sense of community.

Activities/Facilities  The San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department strives to be a well-organized, quality oriented, and accommodating organization that meets the needs of all users regardless of ability and interests.

• The Department works to provide quality beneficial activities for all ages with a focus on safety, wellness, and enjoyment

• Facilities shall be safe and clean for all users

Staff  The main goal of Parks and Recreation staff is to facilitate the needs of the users by being flexible and accommodating through the use of good customer service

• Front-line staff shall be effectively trained in program aspects and users needs

• Employees are chosen for their professionalism and commitment to Department goals, enthusiasm about their jobs, and pride in the work that is produced

• Department staff are committed to act as counselors, motivators, and mentors

• Accomplishments of staff are recognized at all levels of the organization

• Staff input is encouraged at all levels

• Staff strive to work together and be team players

Customers  The service goal of the Department is to provide customers with answers in a timely manner and always have someone available to answer questions when first asked

• The concept of “one-stop shopping” is actively pursued in serving customer’s needs

• Customer feedback and comments about programs and facilities are greatly valued

• Parks and Recreation shall serve as a facilitator between City departments and community groups to fulfill needs

• Customers are treated with courtesy and respect

• The Department shall fill the needs of a growing and diverse population

Volunteer Opportunities

The Parks & Recreation Department values all its volunteers. Over 20,000 hours of volunteer assistance is given each year to department programs such as: Jack House docents, SLO Triathlon, Teen and Senior Activities, Special Events, Youth Sports, Golf Course, Aquatics and the Volunteer Trail Lookout Program. Without these hard-working helpers, many programs would not be possible or would be offered at a higher cost to the participant. The rewards are endless in volunteering for the Parks & Recreation Department!

Interested in volunteering for the Parks & Recreation Department???  An application form in PDF format can be viewed or downloaded using Adobe Acrobat Reader.  For more information, contact Christine Wallace, Recreation Supervisor at (805) 781-7303.

Key Department Contacts

Parks & Recreation Department Administrative Offices:
1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-7300 - office
(805) 781-7292 - fax

Parks & Recreation Director
Betsy Kiser    781-7294

Recreation Manager  
Linda Fitzgerald  781-7293

Recreation Manager  
Shannon Bates  781-7296

Golf Course Supervisor
Todd Bunte  781-7228

Recreation Supervisor - Aquatics
Robin Perrin  781-7288

Recreation Supervisor - Recreational Sports
Richard Ogden  781-7305

Recreation Supervisor - Children's Services
Rani Shah 781-7289

Recreation Supervisor - Facilities
James Bremer  781-7295

Ranger Services Administrator
Doug Carscaden 781-7302

Recreation Supervisor - Seniors/Teens/Classes
Sheridan Bohlken  781-7282

Recreation Supervisor - Special Events/Volunteers/Skate Park
Christine Wallace  781-7303

Supervising Administrative Assistant
Marti Reynolds  781-7298

Public Information Officer 
Ashley Lopez  781-7070