Sunday, October 11, 2009

The case for keeping Sharp Park


Until recently, most San Franciscans didn't know the city's Recreation and Park Department owns 400 acres of magnificent open space in Pacifica. Just as folks are waking up to the innumerable recreational possibilities at Sharp Park, the department is considering giving it to the federal government.

As the second densest city in the United States, San Francisco needs all the open space it can get. That includes our properties outside the city limits like Camp Mather near Yosemite and Sharp Park in Pacifica, where we can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities at affordable rates. So what are people thinking when a proposal pops up to give away Sharp Park, a large swath of open space that stretches from a hilltop down to the Pacific Ocean?

This is gorgeous beachfront property, with a golf course already in place. Is our world-class city so inept we can't figure out how to protect endangered species at a golf course without having to either give away the land or eliminate golf there? The course and the endangered frogs and snakes have co-existed for years. Sensitive management practices will allow golf (or other recreational uses) to continue while also supporting these rare species. Other cities manage to do both. We can, too. More:

1 comment:

Suzanne Valente said...

Ms. Wuerfel is credible. I have worked with her for many years on Rec and Park related matters.
Ms. Wuerfel states: "Claims that city golf courses lose money are just not true. I analyzed the financial information for the first six years of the city's Golf Fund. The Recreation and Park Department's accounting practices have created the appearance that Sharp Park golf course is losing money when it is not. These findings were submitted to the Recreation and Park Commission and the Recreation and Park Department."

I can understand why the attendees at the Plater-Davidson dog and pony show got so upset, including Jim Vreeland. I am told that Brent Plater not only told the audience Sharp Park Golf Course was losing money, but further stated that current Sharp Park Golf Course management was effectively "skimming" money from the operation. No wonder those in the audience who appreciate the golf course and the people who work so hard to manage it went ballistic!! Ever had someone lie to your face? It's unsettling at best, infuriating at worst. This matter should be resolved based upon the FACTS. There are more facts to come...stay tuned.