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Residents urge council to allow cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing at Salida Golf Course in winter
Summary
Multiple residents told council the Salida Golf Course, now zoned park, should allow low‑impact winter uses such as cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing; they argued greens are protected, fairways tolerate foot traffic, and temporary fencing and signage could protect sensitive areas.
During citizen comment a series of residents urged the council to allow winter recreation — cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing — at the Salida Golf Course, which the city recently designated as park land. Speakers said winter use was historically tolerated and that the course’s greens are fenced and protected during dormancy, while fairways and irrigation heads are designed to tolerate occasional foot traffic.
Sue Sully and other residents described past experience skiing on golf courses and proposed low‑impact safeguards such as temporary fencing, signage and clear routing to keep users off sensitive areas. TJ H. (a retired landscape architect) testified that fairways are not highly sensitive to pedestrian use and noted greens are routinely protected; he recommended permitting guided or signposted winter use when snow cover is sufficient.
City representatives said the golf course lease and ongoing negotiations include confidential parameters discussed in executive session; the mayor reminded the public that a new lease will be finalized in a public meeting in the future and that detailed lease terms cannot be discussed publicly until that process is complete.
Council did not take an immediate vote; the testimony will inform lease negotiations and future public discussion on park uses.
