The Parks and Recreation Commission of Santa Barbara convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss the ongoing operations and future plans for the municipal golf course, managed by CourseCo since 2016. The meeting highlighted the golf course's historical significance, financial performance, and community engagement initiatives.

The presentation began with an overview of the golf course's establishment in 1958 and its transition to CourseCo management due to financial challenges faced by the Parks and Recreation Department. The course, which operates as an enterprise fund, has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to record-high rounds played.

CourseCo representatives detailed the financial health of the golf course, noting that revenues have consistently exceeded $4 million annually since 2021, allowing for the restoration of reserves and the initiation of capital improvements. The fiscal year 2026 budget projects total revenues of approximately $5.2 million, with significant allocations for maintenance and capital projects, including tree replacements and course renovations.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of community programming, with CourseCo implementing non-golf events to attract a broader audience. Recent initiatives included movie nights that drew over 200 attendees, many of whom were not regular golfers. This approach aims to enhance community engagement and demonstrate the golf course's value beyond traditional golfing activities.

Environmental stewardship was another key theme, with CourseCo highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices, including being an Audubon-certified facility. Plans for educational events, such as the First Green program, aim to engage local students in learning about environmental science through golf course management.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the sustainability of the golf course amid fluctuating participation rates and the potential for future economic downturns. CourseCo representatives assured that the established reserve fund and ongoing capital improvements would help maintain operational stability even during challenging times.

Overall, the meeting underscored the golf course's successful turnaround and its role as a valuable community asset, with plans for continued investment in infrastructure and community engagement initiatives. The commission expressed optimism about the future of the golf course and its contributions to Santa Barbara's recreational landscape.