SLO City Council Considers Closing Laguna Lake Golf Course

Councilwoman proposes repurposing the 26-acre course for affordable housing, community center, or habitat restoration.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The San Luis Obispo City Council is holding a study session to explore a proposal by Councilwoman Jan Marx to repurpose the Laguna Lake Golf Course, a 26-acre, 10-hole executive golf course owned and operated by the city. Marx believes the property could be better utilized for affordable housing, a community center, or creek and habitat restoration, arguing the golf course only serves a small group of primarily seniors. However, city data shows the course is used by a diverse range of ages, including many under 18 and 18-55 year olds. The city currently subsidizes the golf course by $450,000 per year.

Why it matters

The potential closure of the Laguna Lake Golf Course has sparked strong opposition from residents and golfers who view it as an essential community asset that has served the area for over 70 years. Critics argue the proposal reflects "bad politics" and a disregard for the public good, calling for transparency and representation that reflects the needs and desires of the community.

The details

The Laguna Lake Golf Course is a 26-acre, 10-hole executive golf course located at 11175 Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo. In addition to golf, the property hosts various community events and activities, including the popular September Scramble obstacle course, high school cross country championships, family movie nights, weddings, and non-profit events. A staff report refutes Councilwoman Marx's claim that the course only serves a small group of primarily seniors, showing a diverse user base including 7,770 under 10 years old, 11,272 between 18-55 years old, and 4,937 over 55 years old.

  • The San Luis Obispo City Council is holding a study session on Tuesday, February 4, 2026 to discuss the proposal.
  • During an April 15 City Council meeting, Councilwoman Marx asked for an analysis of the fiscal viability of the golf course.

The players

Jan Marx

A San Luis Obispo City Councilwoman who proposed repurposing the Laguna Lake Golf Course.

Laguna Lake Golf Course

A 26-acre, 10-hole executive golf course owned and operated by the City of San Luis Obispo.

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What they’re saying

“The Laguna Lake Golf Course has been an essential part of this community for over 70 years, serving not only long-time residents but also students from Cal Poly and Cuesta College, families, and local schools like San Luis Obispo High School and Laguna Junior High who use it.”

— Jim Names (CalCoastNews)

“To tear it down for housing, when there are already other housing projects underway in the city, would be a huge loss. This is a matter of honesty and integrity. The public deserves transparency and representation that reflects the needs and desires of the community. What we're witnessing, instead, is bad politics and a disregard for the public good.”

— Jim Names (CalCoastNews)

What’s next

The San Luis Obispo City Council will hold a study session on Tuesday, February 4, 2026 to further discuss the proposal to repurpose the Laguna Lake Golf Course.

The takeaway

The potential closure of the Laguna Lake Golf Course has sparked strong community opposition, with residents and golfers arguing it is an essential community asset that serves a diverse range of users. The debate highlights the tension between the city's fiscal concerns and the public's desire to preserve valued recreational spaces.