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Westlake Park users warn against Olympic Club proposal, cite fears of restricted access and artificial turf
Summary
Residents, seniors and nearby families told council a proposed deal with the Olympic Club could reduce public hours at Westlake Park and the Dolger senior center, and raised environmental and equity concerns about synthetic turf, fencing and limited public access.
Several residents told the council on July 27 that a proposed Olympic Club arrangement for Westlake Park and the adjacent Dolger senior center raised serious concerns about public access and environmental impacts.
Rich Swan said the draft memorandum of understanding (signed by the city manager June 24, according to speakers) is full of loose ends and warned the Olympic Club may secure exclusive use that would shrink public hours. “This entire idea is bad…It’s a great idea for the Olympic Club, and it’s a rotten idea for us,” Swan said.
Emily Stoop, a working parent, said Westlake is the only nearby green space for her children and urged the council not to “give those hours away to an exclusive private entity from outside of our city.” Tatum King stressed the park was dedicated for public recreation decades ago and warned that controlled access, a private clubhouse and replacement of natural grass with synthetic turf would make the park less welcoming and could have environmental and health consequences.
Speakers asked why broader notice had not reached all residents; King noted not everyone on her block received postcards about meetings. Council members said the concept stage remains open and indicated staff would continue community engagement before any final decision.
