Golf Course Reconfiguration Project While we are planning a great new course to replace the existing one - now is a great time to get out and golf. Take advantage of our special discounted rates available now! | | |
REGULATORY PERMITS UPDATE:
Implementation of the Golf Course Reconfiguration Project requires acquisition of regulatory permits from state and federal resource agencies. Specifically, the Project requires a Section 404 Permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (which also involves consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service with respect to potential impacts to federally-listed endangered species) and a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board).
The application for the Section 401 permit was deemed incomplete by the Water Board. Below is the City of Palo Alto’s most recent correspondence petitioning for review and reconsideration to the state and regional Water Quality Boards regarding the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course reconfiguration.
At the February 3, 2014 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), the Site and Design application and the Park Improvement Ordinance for the Golf Course Reconfiguration Project.
View the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR for the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course Reconfiguration Project and Baylands Athletic Center Expansion Project)
City to Begin Work on Golf Course in Preparation for Flood Protection Project
Preparatory work began the week of August 12, 2013 on the San Franciscquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (JPA) flood protection, ecosystem and recreation project, which will impact the City’s Municipal Golf Course. An initial phase of work involved the importation and stockpiling of soil on designated portions of the Golf Course for future use as fill for new levees and on the golf course. Importation of soil began this summer to enable the levee portion of the creek project and for the golf course renovation which is planned to get underway sometime in the Spring of 2015.
To accommodate the soil stockpile area, several holes on the course were shortened with the par score of the course reduced from 72 to 67. The course will remain open for public use until construction begins.
Beginning in August 2013, approximately 90 trees had to be removed to make room for the soil stockpile. Soil hauling will take place Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. via Embarcadero Road to Geng Road. The soil importation will be continuous, weather permitting.
Overall, the City’s intention to overhaul the entire Golf Course will require the removal of as many as 600 trees, which the City plans to replace with a smaller number of native trees, shrubs, and grasses more appropriate for the Baylands location. The balance of the mitigation for tree removal will take place at off-site locations that would benefit from an increased tree canopy appropriate for those locations. The City is partnering with nonprofit organizations including Canopy, Acterra and Magic on the specifics of the tree mitigation plan. The goal is the replacement within ten years of the removed tree canopy.
In the Spring of 2015, the City plans to begin the renovation and reconfiguration of the existing Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course. The need for the Golf Course reconfiguration work was initially triggered by the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority's (JPA) upcoming project to realign the San Francisquito Creek channel for the purpose of increased flood protection within Palo Alto and neighboring communities.
Council approved moving forward with the Golf Course Renovation design concept “Plan G” (pictured above), which includes a full renovation of the Golf Course as well as the set-aside of land for future athletic fields.
The goals of the project are to:
- Reconfigure the Golf Course to accommodate the necessary flood control work of the JPA and to allow for future recreation fields for the City
- Reinforce a sense of place to the completed Golf Course facility
- Celebrate the Baylands environment
- Restore the golf asset as a “Point of Pride” to the community
- Conserve resources by transforming the fully turfed course to one with more naturalized areas that are in harmony with the Baylands area
- Promote Palo Alto by establishing a “must play” golf experience in the region
Forrest Richardson & Associates will be completing the design and prepare final plans and specifications to implement the Golf Course improvements.
View the Site and Design Plans.
Recent Staff Reports to Boards and Commissions:
For additional information please contact Joe Teresi at 650-329-2129.
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2015
