A cherished municipal golf course in San Luis Obispo has successfully navigated a significant obstacle: the local government. Laguna Lake Golf Course, which features ten holes designed for leisurely play and boasts a rich history within the community, will continue operating following discussions among city officials about its future this past week.
Every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., a dedicated group of senior golfers known as the "Lagunatics" assembles to enjoy their favorite pastime, a tradition they have upheld for many years. However, during this recent gathering, they exchanged their golf clubs for microphones and delivered an unusual yet heartfelt plea to the San Luis Obispo City Council: they sang a song.
"...such an asset to our city, gotta make it stay," the six members harmonized, proudly wearing their bright yellow polo shirts that showcased their group's name.
This musical performance took place during a council meeting that evaluated various city facilities and programs in preparation for budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year, and the future of the golf course was one of the pressing topics addressed.
According to a report from the city staff, Laguna Lake Golf Course manages to recover approximately 45% of its operational costs, a figure that, while not sufficient to classify it as profitable, is notably higher than that of other city-owned recreational venues, such as the SLO Swim Center and Damon-Garcia Sports Complex.
Public opinion strongly favored the golf course, with nearly 200 emails submitted to the city clerk's office concerning the course, around 90% of which advocated for its continued operation.
During the council discussions, alternative proposals were explored, such as transforming the golf course into affordable housing, creating a park, or handing over operations to a private entity; however, most of these ideas were quickly dismissed as impractical or prohibitively expensive.
"We support affordable housing initiatives. We just don’t want to lose our beloved golf course,” explained Lagunatics member Jeff Spevak, echoing the sentiments of many.
Despite the enthusiasm for preserving the course, it does face notable infrastructure issues. Two major repair projects are now prioritized on the city's agenda:
- Upgrading the pro shop, which sustained damage during the storms of 2021.
- Replacing the bridge that connects the first and second holes, which was destroyed in the storms of 2023.
The estimated total cost for both projects is just shy of $900,000.
Mayor Erica A. Stewart expressed her support for these necessary improvements, stating, "This course is truly a gem. We want to restore it and take genuine pride in it. I would love to see the bridge replaced so that we can enhance accessibility for everyone."
Parks and Recreation Director Greg Avakian confirmed that plans are in place for both repairs to be completed within six to ten months. The council has also tasked city staff with investigating new fee structures that could potentially increase revenue for the course.
As for the Lagunatics, they remain committed to playing and singing at Laguna Lake Golf Course, continuing their tradition with lyrics like:
"...down at Laguna where folks can play… such an asset to our city, please make it stay…"
