Golf may be best option at Bayfront Park, says staff Golf may be best option at Bayfront Park, says staff (February 16, 2005)

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

After talking to various developers, Menlo Park city staff members say that building golf facilities at Bayfront Park could make more financial sense than putting in soccer or baseball fields.

Soccer and baseball fields seem not to be financially viable for private developers, "unless the city is willing to fund a substantial portion of the initial construction costs," city engineering director Ruben Nino wrote in a staff report. Golf facilities, though, offer potentially greater income for developers, he said later.

After sending out a request for proposals last year, staff members talked to the Big League Dreams firm about putting in baseball fields, a golf facility, lighted soccer fields and an indoor sports pavilion, a project with a loose cost estimate of $6.4 million, Mr. Nino said. The firm, though, would not assume any financial participation or risk in the project, he said.

Staff members now plan to work with golf developers on partnering with the city. The City Council is likely to discuss a golf project during its March 5 priority-setting session for the coming fiscal year.

The council will also discuss Mr. Nino's report at its Tuesday, February 15, meeting, starting at 7 p.m. at the Menlo Park Senior Center at 110 Terminal Ave. To see the report, go to menlopark.org, click on "City Council" and go to the meeting agenda.

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