Could Bayfront Park become a golf course? Could Bayfront Park become a golf course? (October 12, 2005)

By Rory Brown

Almanac Staff Writer

Some Menlo Park residents, including former mayors Steve Schmidt and Mary Jo Borak, are tying to keep Bayfront Park a place where residents can enjoy open space rather than improve their golf game.

At it's October 25 meeting, the City Council may decide to authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement with a private organization that is likely to propose building a golf course on the 160-acre park.

Ms. Borak said that when she served on the council from 1998 to 2002, public sentiment favored keeping the park an open space.

"I don't think a golf course is the best use for Bayfront Park, but having a public discussion whether or not a golf course is merited is something that needs to happen before we go forward," said Ms. Borak.

The matter will appear before the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 19, less than 24 hours before it is listed as an item on the City Council agenda, said Mr. Schmidt, a council member from 1994 to 2002, in an e-mail to the council.

"The council gave direction a couple of years ago, and we're following up on that," said Mayor Mickie Winkler.

City Manger David Boesch said he respects the perspective that there hasn't been enough public outreach about the issue, but doesn't agree with it.

"The staff report will show that if there is in fact interest in the council to go ahead with discussions, there will be a very intensive outreach effort for the project," said Mr. Boesch.

In 2003, the City Council authorized staff to talk with developers proposing "active recreational uses," but after negotiations failed with one business proposing athletic fields and facilities, city staff contacted golf developers, said Ruben Nino, director of engineering services, in a February 15 city staff report.

City staff is still considering two developers, and plans to recommend one to the council at the October 25 meeting, said Mr. Nino.
INFORMATION

** The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss Bayfront Park at its meeting on Wednesday, October 19, in the Burgess Recreation Center at 700 Alma St. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. ** The City Council will discuss Bayfront Park at its meeting on Tuesday, October 25, in the Senior Center at 110 Terminal Ave. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

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