The following is my personal opinion and not that of the Envisioning PT Golf Course and Mountain View Commons stakeholder’s committee, of which I am a member.
For nearly 30 years, …
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The following is my personal opinion and not that of the Envisioning PT Golf Course and Mountain View Commons stakeholder’s committee, of which I am a member.
For nearly 30 years, I’ve walked, biked, or drove around the PT golf course and wondered what it would be like if this 56-acre city-owned property were accessible to more than a small minority of the population.
With respect to golfers, the PT golf course has never been a “public” space, as yard signs claim. Unlike truly public spaces where everyone is welcome, the golf course is reserved exclusively for golfers, and severely limits the number of people that can utilize the space at any time.
The golf course is also not “green” or “open.” Yes, it has trees and grass, and yes, you can see into it, but it is a highly manufactured, unnatural space with relatively few native plants and very little animal habitat. Instead, it requires large quantities of water (which the city pays for) as well as significant fossil fuel consumption (and pollution) in the form of gas-guzzling mowers. Contrast this with a possible city park that utilizes permaculture design in support of climate resiliency all while providing ample walking, biking, and other athletic opportunities for everyone.
The city is currently exploring the future of the golf course. Drawing upon a recent study by the National Golf Foundation, which recommends approximately $1 million in repairs and upgrades, the city is now faced with a decision. Do we sink more public money into the golf course, or do we instead choose inclusivity, increased recreational opportunities, as well as environmental health and resiliency?
Please visit cityofpt.us and click on the “Envision PT Golf Course” button. There you’ll find info about the city’s decision-making process, schedule, as well as an online comment form.
Gabe Van Lelyveld
PORT TOWNSEND
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Snowball_InHawaii
Some folks enjoy bowling - but they might have to drive a ways to get to the nearest bowling alley. Perhaps golfers could do the same. There are other greens, although they require a drive. The property here should be open to everyone (other than those who would pitch a tent, and live on it). But once it is up for development, it will never again return to an open space, for the exclusive use of those who golf. There are those who would develop Port Townsend into a vast sea of homes and businesses, with every square foot and mile covered with homes and businesses. If they don't like Port Townsend the way it IS - there are plenty of other places they could move away to.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Report this
MargeS
First they took away the roller skating rink, now a church, then the bowling alley, now a grocery, now the golf course, now high priced homes, whoops, not yet, still time to designate it a green space for the enjoyment of anyone no matter what age to play golf. Tell the Jefferson County schools their students can't use it, you will have to go to Sequim. Tell the people who raise thousands of dollars for non-profits, who cares.
You don't always have to be politically correct, even though it is Port Townsend.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Report this