Together, we can do it

I appreciate local golfer Rob Dickson’s letter in which he shares his concerns and suggestions (“Letter to the editor,” Saturday). I agree that it is unfortunate that Mayor Allan Mansoor and parks and recreation commission chairwoman Wendy Leece did not have an opportunity to discuss their ideas with the greater golf community before those ideas became public. I am confident that they will include city golfers and all interested parties in the discussion of this proposal to solve the field-shortage issue. I am also confident that this proposal, if pursued, will result in dramatic improvements in the Mesa Linda golf course.

I believe the mayor and parks chairwoman agree with Dickson’s point regarding the value of our golf courses to the community, and that they are not interested in diminishing that resource. I am sure that their interest is in providing a new and improved golf experience to complement our championship Los Lagos course.

Both leaders have told me that they believe this project can be a win-win situation for golfers, homeowners, youth sports groups, taxpayers and the city. I do not think they would have put forth such a proposal if they believed otherwise. We all firmly believe that with proper planning, Costa Mesa has the ability and resources to meet the many needs of our community. We are committed to doing so without detrimentally impacting our citizens.

Over the last several years, the city has allowed increased use of fields that are very close to residential homes. The resultant noise, trash, parking impacts and lighting have negatively impacted many residential neighborhoods. We do not believe these impacts are fair, or appropriate. They ultimately degrade the quality of life in our neighborhoods. This worsening situation has led to the current search for field space which is not adjacent to homes, and can reasonably be obtained and improved by the city.

Contrary to preliminary estimates, the proposal will not require a loss of nine holes of Mesa Linda, but most likely four to five holes. The mayor’s proposal includes rebuilding Mesa Linda into 18 holes designed to modern course standards. Compared to the design approaches of the 1960s, today’s designers make much better use of space, and add interest without the need for super-long fairways on all 18 holes.

That said, a good number of the new fairways should remain long, to include that particular interest in the course. The intent is not to compromise what we have, but to significantly improve upon it. Many in the golfing community would welcome a new and challenging 18-hole course that would continue to generate revenue in line with the existing Mesa Linda course.

The prospect of change often stirs many emotions, both good and bad, but I give you my word that I will only support a project that is beneficial to all parties and not punitive to any group. I believe that the mayor and parks chairwoman would agree.

Certainly, the golf community will need to be involved in any discussion regarding the facility. I am confident that the mayor and parks chairwoman will join me in working with the community, and will work to find solutions that are beneficial to all involved parties. Just imagine: 10 centrally located, lighted, regulation soccer/football fields, with support facilities and open park space. In addition, we get a new and improved Mesa Linda golf course, and all without a whopping bill of up to $100 million for the land.

That is a proposal we should all be able to support, and it seems reasonable that the golf community will join forces with the youth sports community to help bring this idea to fruition.