City Council advances plan to transform Larry Moore Park

By Camille DeVaul · Mon Apr 27 2026

New design adds youth sports fields, expanded amenities, and addresses neighborhood concerns

PASO ROBLES — The Paso Robles City Council met on Tuesday, April 21, for a regularly scheduled meeting, where members reviewed plans for significant improvements to Larry Moore Park.

Located at 155 Riverbank Lane, Larry Moore Park was originally developed in the 1980s as part of the Riverbank neighborhood. At the time, it was funded and maintained through the city’s Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District, supported by assessments from local residents. However, over the years, those revenues failed to keep pace with rising maintenance costs, leading to deteriorating conditions and the eventual closure of the park’s restroom and playground.

In 2016, the city transitioned the park into its broader park system, removing it from the maintenance district. Following that change, improvements were made, including the installation of a new playground and the reopening of restroom facilities. Still, city officials and community members recognized the park’s potential for more use.

During outreach to the community, the city proposed adding lighted youth baseball and softball fields, a multi-use turf area for soccer, and improved parking. While some residents supported the idea, others raised concerns about increased traffic, safety, and neighborhood impacts.

After the 2024 sale of a portion of Pioneer Park, the city allocated proceeds, along with Parks and Recreation Facilities Development Fees, to fund design and environmental analysis.

In May 2025, the council unanimously directed staff to continue pursuing long-term solutions to address growing demand for youth sports fields, including advancing plans for Larry Moore Park. Later that year, in December, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the proposed concept.

The resulting plan outlines a redesign aimed at serving both neighborhood residents and the wider community. Proposed features include two lighted ball fields, a shared-use rectangular field for youth sports, shaded spectator seating, and multiple playground areas. Additional amenities include a rock climbing and slackline zone, a lighted basketball court, a senior-friendly outdoor fitness area, and a native plant demonstration garden.

Plans also incorporate shaded picnic areas, a covered paseo designed to accommodate food trucks, updated restrooms, storage facilities, and a connection to the Riverwalk Trail system.

Over a nine-month period, three public outreach sessions were held to gather feedback and refine the design. In response to concerns about traffic and parking, the plan includes 97 parking spaces in a below-grade lot designed to reduce noise, lighting, and visual impacts on nearby homes. Entry and exit points are aligned with existing roadways, and vehicle headlights will be directed away from residences.

To address safety and quality-of-life concerns, the design includes lockable gates to prevent overnight parking, increased lighting for visibility, and a perimeter trail capable of accommodating emergency vehicles.

Lighting for the athletic fields will utilize a Musco LED system engineered to minimize glare and light spill through directional shielding and full-cutoff fixtures. Additionally, the fields are designed specifically for youth sports, helping to limit hours of use and overall intensity.

"It will be an imaginative, fun play environment," shared Gary Vasquez, representing David Volz Design who created the plans for the park.

With Councilman Fred Strong away from the dias at the time of voting, council approved the Larry Moore Park Concept Plan and directed staff to move forward with the project.

The next Paso Robles City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. in the Norris Room at Centennial Park.