HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/3/2026 Item 7a, Phillips
John Phillips <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course
My name is John Phillips and I reside at 236 Clover Drive in San Luis Obispo. I play one or two rounds of
golf at Laguna every week. I wish to offer the following comments for your consideration at tomorrow's
study session on the financial sustainability of Laguna Lake Golf Course.
I urge the council to decide to preserve Laguna Lake Golf Course and to invest in improvements to
encourage increased usage. I am aware of past studies that show that revenue has for many years been
insufficient to cover direct costs of operating the course. However, this executive length course
conveniently located within the city is such an excellent demonstration of the city's values that I would
argue that you would be justified in continuing to operate the course at a deficit. The city values open
space. The city values recreational opportunities for its citizens, and this golf course serves youth,
college age golfers, local seniors and tourists visiting the area. The course is even used for cross-country
events by area schools.
Having said that, I think there are steps that could be taken to make the course more inviting which
would encourage more rounds of golf to be played there. This would require investments. Make the
drinking fountain near the restrooms functional. Maintain the practice areas for chipping and putting.
Install the new bridge over Prefumo Creek on the 2nd hole. (Having that bridge would no longer force
walking golfers to negotiate the steep slope leading to the ford in the creek. That slope is definitely a
safety hazard!) What can be done with the building which formerly housed the pro shop and snack bar?
Realistically, these improvements are not likely to eliminate the operating deficit. But they might reduce
that deficit. And, at least they would make the course more hospitable so that first time visitors would be
more likely to return. As it is currently, the course is an embarrassment for the city. We should be able to
do better.
Respectfully,
John Phillips
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