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Council approves five‑year extension with American Golf to operate Las Palmas; requires annual reporting and school partnerships
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Summary
After wide public support and staff presentations on revenue and capital needs, council unanimously approved a five‑year extension of the Las Palmas Golf Course operating agreement with American Golf, increased certain revenue shares and added a 2% capital improvement fund and annual reporting to the Parks & Rec committee.
The City Council unanimously approved a five‑year amendment extending American Golf Corporation’s operating agreement for Las Palmas Municipal Golf Course through February 28, 2031.
Staff said the amendment raises annual rent modestly, standardizes a 10% revenue share for green fees and other categories, and establishes a 2% capital improvement reserve tied to gross revenues to fund course repairs and projects. Staff estimated the course generated about $217,000 of revenue to the city last fiscal year and described revenue growth since FY22. The amendment also includes monthly coordination meetings with city staff, an annual review of fees, and language to support youth and community programming.
American Golf general manager Jose Gomez and community members described growing participation, free youth programs with local schools, and the course’s role in making golf accessible. Multiple coaches, school assistant principals and community advocates said the course provides affordable access for Sweetwater Union High School District teams and youth development programs.
Council conditions and direction included a requirement for annual reporting to the Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Committee covering revenues, capital projects, repairs and habitat restoration, and encouragement to formalize partnerships with local school districts. Councilmembers emphasized the course’s value as one of the city’s few sizable open‑space assets and sought clarity on responsibilities for the Paradise Creek diversion and bridge permitting; staff said permitting and regulatory responsibilities will be clarified during the bridge permit process and that the course operator will be responsible for premises maintenance unless the lease specifies otherwise.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the amendment, schedule annual reporting to the Parks & Rec committee, and proceed with the capital improvement and permitting timeline included in the amendment.
