First Tee seeks longer-term Baylands partnership as city studies a second-deck range
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Summary
First Tee Silicon Valley outlined plans to expand youth programming at Baylands—increasing capacity from roughly 300 to a potential 700 children—with staff noting an interim facility-use agreement expiring in February and a second-deck/ball-trajectory study due in early 2026.
Sarah Robustelli, division manager for Open Space, Parks and Golf, and George Moxie, president and CEO of First Tee Silicon Valley, briefed the commission on Nov. 25 about First Tee’s local programming and potential capital partnership at Baylands.
Moxie said First Tee has operated in the region for 25 years and currently serves about 300 kids and teens at Baylands. "All kids are welcome in our program, regardless of their background or ability to pay," Moxie said, noting that classes there cost $300 but that 30% of participants pay a reduced fee ("only paying $20") through financial aid.
First Tee described a proposal to secure a longer-term facility-use agreement and a capital partnership to develop a dedicated youth practice area between Embarcadero Road and the driving range perimeter. Moxie said building out that youth area and raising nets where needed could allow First Tee to expand capacity — he estimated the program could serve at least 700 kids a year if the site is developed in collaboration with the city. Moxie stated First Tee’s annual investment in the area is roughly $350,000 plus about $75,000 dedicated to school outreach.
Staff said an interim facility-use agreement is expiring in February; staff plans to present a mirror 3–5 year facility-use agreement to city council in January or February and is negotiating a draft term sheet for longer-term capital collaboration. Separately, staff described a feasibility study for a potential double-deck driving range that includes financial analysis, market use models and optional technology enhancements. The city’s ball-trajectory study, staff said, should be complete in January 2026 and will inform net-height and safety decisions.
Commissioners raised safety, visual and turf concerns. Several commissioners asked whether raising or adding nets would protect the youth area and Embarcadero Road from errant balls; staff said nets would require redesign and higher netting where the youth area is proposed. Commissioners also asked about synthetic turf, lighting and public engagement; staff said they will engage the community before proceeding and that answers about synthetic surfacing and lighting will be provided when design options are developed.
Staff emphasized the interdependence of four parallel efforts: the facility-use agreement, any capital partnership with First Tee, netting and potential resurfacing, and the second-deck feasibility study. Staff said those elements will be sequenced and returned to the commission for full review in early 2026.
Next steps: staff will take a 3–5 year facility-use agreement to council in January or February, finish the ball-trajectory study by January 2026, and bring the second-deck feasibility work back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for detailed review and public engagement.