$1.8 Million State Investment to Advance Two Major Park & Trail Projects in Nipomo

Author: Board of Supervisors
Date: 10/1/2026 9:45 AM

Senate pro Tem Monique Limón secures critical state funding for Jim Miller Park and a new perimeter trail at Nipomo Community Park

A $1.8 million state investment secured by State Senator and Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón will help advance two long-envisioned park and trail projects in Nipomo: Jim Miller Park in Olde Towne and the first phase of a perimeter trail around Nipomo Community Park.

The funding, included in AB/SB 113 and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, provides $1 million to San Luis Obispo County for the Olde Towne Nipomo Community Park, Trails, and Revitalization Project and $800,000 for the Nipomo Community Park Perimeter Trail.

"Pro Tem Limón has been a tremendous partner to Nipomo, and I'm incredibly grateful for her leadership in securing this $1.8 million investment in our community," said Supervisor Jimmy Paulding. "These are projects our community has envisioned for years, and this funding gives us a real opportunity to move them forward-creating new places for people to gather and recreate while making it safer and easier for families to walk and bike through Nipomo."

Jim Miller Park Project

The Jim Miller Park project represents both an important investment in the revitalization of Olde Towne Nipomo and a fitting tribute to Jim and Peggy Miller, two longtime community champions.
This community pocket park will be located on the corner of West Tefft Street and Carrillo Street and may feature a small playground, gazebo, gathering space, veterans memorial, historic interpretation recognizing the Dana Adobe and Pacific Coast Railroad, and areas for passive recreation. The project will also help create pedestrian and trail connections between nearby historic resources, natural areas, public spaces, and local businesses.
"I'm proud to have secured this $1 million investment that will create a needed community gathering place," said Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón. "This funding will help transform a once empty space into a public space that multiple generations can enjoy. I am grateful to the community leaders and partners who helped bring this vision forward."

The park is named in honor of Jim O. Miller, a founding board member of the Nipomo Community Services District and longtime advocate for the Nipomo community who first envisioned creating a park in Olde Towne. When the Olde Towne Nipomo Association was founded in 1994, it took up Jim's vision and has championed the park proposal ever since.

Jim and his wife, Mary Catherine "Peggy" Miller, both dedicated decades to serving and strengthening the community they called home. Peggy, who passed away in July at age 98, was affectionately known as the "Matriarch of Nipomo" and was a tireless advocate for preserving the community's history and character. She was active with the Olde Towne Nipomo Association, Dana Adobe, the Clark Center and numerous other community organizations and events.

"Jim and Peggy Miller were extraordinary champions for Nipomo," said Supervisor Paulding. "This park reflects what Jim and Peggy believed in-a strong, connected community where people come together."

For the Miller family, the project carries special meaning.

"My dad's name is already part of this place, but I think my mom's spirit belongs here too," said Don Miller, son of Jim and Peggy Miller and Olde Towne Nipomo Association board member. "My parents loved Nipomo and believed that a community is something you build together. They spent decades giving their time and energy to preserve the history and character of this community. Knowing that this project can create a place where children can play, families can gather and people can connect is a beautiful way to carry both of their legacies forward."

The $1 million state investment will serve as catalytic funding for a broader public-private partnership involving the County, community organizations, nonprofits, businesses and other partners. The project is intended to connect Jim Miller Park with the Dana Adobe Rail Trail, Olde Towne Creekside Preserve, historic Olde Towne resources and local businesses, helping create a more walkable and connected community.

Nipomo Community Park Perimeter Trail

The Nipomo Community Park Perimeter Trail has been a planned amenity since the park's master plan was updated in 2012. The planned multi-use trail would follow the outer edges of the park and provide recreational opportunities for activities such as walking, running and bicycling.

The trail would also provide a much-needed pedestrian and bicycle connection along Osage Street between Charro Way and Camino Caballo. This stretch of roadway is narrow and currently lacks sidewalks and bicycle lanes. With Dorothea Lange Elementary and Dana Elementary schools nearby, the route is regularly used by students and families traveling to and from school.

While the perimeter trail has remained unfunded for years, the $800,000 secured by Pro Tem Limón will allow the County to move forward with an initial phase of the project. The County currently anticipates focusing this investment along Osage Street, which would complete a significant portion of the planned perimeter trail while creating a safer route to school for students and families in the surrounding neighborhoods.

"This project will add an important recreational amenity to Nipomo Community Park, but its benefits go well beyond recreation," said Supervisor Paulding. "The Osage Street connection is badly needed by the students and families who walk and bike through this area every day. This investment allows us to begin building the perimeter trail while also addressing a longstanding safety need in the community."

Planning for Nipomo's Future

Both projects come as San Luis Obispo County prepares to release the draft update to the Nipomo Community Plan, the County's long-range planning document for transportation, parks, housing, public services and other priorities in the Nipomo area.

The draft Nipomo Community Plan is scheduled to be released on October 23, 2026, followed by a community workshop on November 8, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. at Nipomo High School's Olympic Hall. Community members are encouraged to review the draft and participate in the workshop to help shape the future of Nipomo.

More information about the Nipomo Community Plan update is available at slocounty.ca.gov/NipomoUpdate. Additional information about the Jim Miller Park and Nipomo Community Park Perimeter Trail projects will be shared as planning and design move forward.

Note: Jim Miller Park image is an AI generated conceptual rendering. Final park design and features are subject to change.