Board advances measure to explore National Park Service management option for Sharp Park

The Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a first reading Dec. 6 on an ordinance requiring the Recreation and Park Department to include, as part of any long‑term planning for Sharp Park in Pacifica, an option for the National Park Service/Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) to manage or enter a long‑term agreement for the property.

The measure — authored by Supervisor Eric Mar and discussed by Supervisor David Chiu and others — responds to persistent concerns about Sharp Park Golf Course’s environmental constraints, ongoing operating deficits and the presence of federally listed species such as the California red‑legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake. The city owns the parkland but the course sits in Pacifica and includes wetlands and a seawall that raise long‑term maintenance and habitat issues.

The ordinance does not mandate closure of the golf course. An amendment adopted on the floor deleted language that would have said the city “shall offer to close the Sharp Park Golf Course” and instead required that any negotiation “shall include the option of closure of the Sharp Park Golf Course,” preserving alternatives including partial or no closure. The board also adopted additional language to clarify that nothing in the ordinance prevents the general manager from entering into negotiations with other potential partners — for example, San Mateo County — and that any resulting long‑term agreement would be subject to Board approval and appropriate environmental review.

Supporters said the move would ensure the Board and the public can compare alternatives — including habitat restoration and trail‑based recreation under National Park Service management — before committing to large financial investments. Opponents and some members voiced concern the measure prioritized a GGNRA path and urged transparency about the process and environmental review requirements. Supervisor Scott Wiener said he could not support the measure because the City and the GGNRA have a live and unresolved dispute about access and dog management in the GGNRA.

A roll call passed the ordinance on first reading after floor amendments. The Recreation and Park Department will be required to present any negotiated agreement to the Board, and the measure preserves CEQA/NEPA and other public‑process requirements.

What’s next: The ordinance passed on first reading; additional hearings and environmental review will be necessary before any change in Sharp Park management or use is approved. The amendment requires any agreement negotiated with the National Park Service or other entities to be brought to the Board for review and approval.

Vote: Item 42 (as amended) passed first reading, 6 ayes, 5 noes.