HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/3/2026 Item 7a, Marc
oxforduniversity M <oxforduniversity1@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 3,
To:E-mail Council Website; Stewart, Erica A; Francis, Emily; Boswell, Mike; Shoresman,
Michelle; Marx, Jan
Subject:Support for Preserving the Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express my ongoing concern regarding the future of the San Luis Obispo City Laguna Lake
Municipal Golf Course and to voice my strong support for keeping it open, as a resident since 1978. For
over 70 years, this golf course has been a cherished recreational space that serves a diverse range of
people in San Luis Obispo—from elementary, middle school, high school, college students and families
to seniors, tourists and even local wildlife also enjoy the space, making it a valuable community asset for
all.
However, I am deeply troubled by the repeated attempts to remove this course, particularly the recent
push to do so for a fourth time. This issue dates back 23 years, with the first debate beginning as early as
April 15, 2003, followed by June 1, 2010, May 9, 2014, and now again on February 3, 2026. It is important
to note that, despite the repeated attempts, the community’s support for the golf course has remained
strong every single time.
When this issue was first brought up in 2003, the city was thriving. San Luis Obispo had a growing
economy, and parking was abundant in the downtown area. Affordable housing was not the pressing
issue it has become today. However, decisions like road diets, the elimination of a lot of parking
downtown, and many other missteps have contributed to the city's economic struggles. The Laguna Lake
Municipal Golf Course has had no part in these decisions and should not be made the victim of poorly
planned urban changes. It has been a space for everyone to use and, over the course of 70 years, has
remained a place for the community to thrive. The fact that it has continued to serve multiple generations
says a lot about its value to the people of San Luis Obispo.
The Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course has never moved; it has served this community faithfully, and its
maintenance needs should be addressed as part of its natural upkeep, just like any other public facility.
However, it seems to me that the city may have intentionally allowed it to fall into disrepair, pointing to
issues like the collapsed bridge and golf shop as a reason to eliminate it altogether. These issues arose
following a major rainstorm in 2021, yet the repairs have been delayed year after year, which raises the
question of whether the city is purposely trying to make the golf course appear too costly to maintain.
Additionally, when it comes to the costs of maintaining city facilities, it is worth noting that the Damon-
Garcia Sports Fields (soccer fields) only covers 34% of its expenditures, and the Simsimer City Pool
covers just 28% of its expenditures. In comparison, the Laguna Municipal Golf Course covers 45% of its
own expenses, recovering a higher percentage of its operational costs than any other recreational facility
in San Luis Obispo. This shows that the golf course is one of the most self-sustaining and successful
facilities in the city, and it deserves to be preserved and maintained for the community rather than
eliminated.
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Regarding the golf course’s maintenance costs, I believe that rather than prematurely cutting this vital
space, we could explore other options for funding. If concerns about the cost of replacing or repairing the
golf course bridge and golf shop persist, why not consider a community-driven solution? I’m confident
that with volunteers and initiatives like GoFundMe campaigns, the community would come together to
raise the necessary funds. This would be a great opportunity for residents to pitch in and take ownership
of maintaining something so important to them. The San Luis Obispo City Laguna Municipal Golf Course
is a legacy that continues to serve the community, and its preservation is critical. If the city is concerned
about the cost, then rather than abandon it, I encourage you to explore collaborative solutions that
benefit both the golf course and the city’s budget.
I want to remind you that the city has a $4 million surplus, and last year, the city approved a $13.7 million
budget for Righetti Community Park. Given this, it seems disingenuous for the city to complain about the
costs associated with the golf course, when it has readily spent substantial amounts on other projects.
The Laguna Municipal Golf Course has been neglected in terms of maintenance funding, but that could
have been prevented with proper allocation of resources to ensure the health and safety of the course.
It is clear to me that the Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course is still serving a vital and viable role in our
community, as demonstrated by the new report and the many letters that continue to pile in, supporting
its continued existence. The community is not neglecting it, in fact, they are using it and want to keep
using it. That’s what matters most. The public outcry and these letters reflect the community’s clear
desire for this golf course to remain open and operational.
The idea of removing it would be catastrophic on every level. The golf course provides a safe, accessible
recreational space, offering a unique peaceful natural environment that serves all members of the
community. It is one of the very few golf courses in the state with 10 holes, and the fact that many golfers
play two rounds (20 holes) instead of the traditional 18 shows how valuable this space is for our
residents. This golf course continues to be an integral part of San Luis Obispo’s history and should
continue to serve the community for future generations.
I ask that you take into consideration the public outcry and the numerous letters received in support of
keeping the Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course. The wisest course of action would be to honor the
legacy of this iconic space, which has been a part of our community for 70 years, and preserve it for
future generations. If you recall the movie The Descendants (2011), where George Clooney's character
had the opportunity to sell family ancestral land located on Kauai for profit, but ultimately decided
against it, recognizing the value of preserving the land his ancestors had cared for, this same sentiment
should apply to the Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course. Like the property in the film, this golf course has
been preserved and cared for by the community, and its continued existence ensures it remains an
essential piece of San Luis Obispo’s natural and recreational heritage. Don’t ruin something that has
been so carefully maintained. The community, the workers, and the families who have enjoyed it for
decades all want to see it continue as the beloved golf course it has been for 70 years.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Scott Marc
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