City of San Luis Obispo, CA

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The City officially broke ground on the long-awaited Righetti Community Park on March 31. This marks a major milestone for one the largest new park projects the City has undertaken in more than two decades.  

“This park is a great step forward for our entire community and will offer important recreation opportunities for those living in this area of the City, many of whom have been waiting for this park for a long time,” said Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we designed this park with all community members in mind. We are so excited to begin construction and bring decades of planning to life.” 

Largest Park in Righetti Ranch Parks System 
The Righetti Community Park is a major new comprehensive park planned for San Luis Obispo’s Orcutt Area, one of the City’s key growth areas. The largest of the three parks in the Righetti Ranch parks system, the Righetti Community Park will be comprised of nearly 11.25 acres and is designed to serve both nearby neighborhoods and the broader community with high-quality recreation space.  

This project represents continued investment in neighborhood livability and sustainable infrastructure, helping the City keep pace with growth while enhancing quality of life for everyone in San Luis Obispo. 

When complete, the Righetti Community Park will support healthy and active lifestyles and create a shared place for people of all ages to gather, play, and connect. It reflects years of community input and prioritizes the amenities residents asked for most, helping ensure the park meets real needs. The park will include the following amenities: 

• A state-of-the-art playground for all ages and interests  
• A large recreational natural turf area 
• An event gazebo and shaded seating areas  
• 8 pickleball courts 
• A bike park with a pump track and bike skills track  
• Walking and bike paths with lighting 
• Restrooms 
• Parking 

Three Phases of Construction 
Crews have set up fencing and prepared the site for active construction that will occur in three phases, which are listed below. During construction, nearby residents can expect typical construction noise, along with vehicles and equipment moving in and out of the area. Standard construction hours will be 7 a.m.– 4 p.m.  

Construction updates will be provided through SLO in Motion, the City’s ongoing initiative to share information about how the City is revitalizing neighborhood parks, enhancing recreation spaces, and improving accessibility throughout San Luis Obispo.  

Phase 1: Playground, picnic area, parking lot, bike pump track, pickleball courts, & recreational turf fields 
Phase 2: Basketball/futsal courts, parking lot, and restroom 
Phase 3: Tennis courts and parking lot 

The City is investing in upgrades that create more welcoming, sustainable, and connected public spaces for residents of all ages and abilities. The development of Righetti Community Park reflects this broader commitment by expanding access to high-quality outdoor amenities and strengthening the livability of the community for generations to come. 

The San Luis Obispo City Council approved the construction contract for multiple phases of the Righetti Community Park, awarding the project to Brough Construction, Inc. in the amount of $13.6 million in December 2025. This significant investment advances a vision years in the making and reflects the community’s deep commitment to recreation, wellness, and high quality public spaces. 

The Righetti Community Park is part of a group of Righetti Ranch parks, including the recently opened Righetti Hill open space trail system. These projects are the result of the Parks and Recreation Element of the City’s General Plan – also known as the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future – which serves as an essential guide for the future of parks and recreation in San Luis Obispo through 2041. This long-range plan addresses the evolving recreational needs of our community and includes key considerations for developing new parks, like the Righetti Community Park.  

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work on these key neighborhood improvements,” said Avakian. “We hope community members will reach out to the project team with any feedback or questions during construction.”

Website: Get to know the SLO in Motion projects by visiting www.slocity.org/sloinmotion. 
Email us: sloinmotion@slocity.org 
Call us: 805-783-7887 
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