Stockton’s once-loved municipal golf course is now on the path to becoming an active greenspace, thanks to a recent plan approved by the city council.
Van Buskirk Golf Course, located in south Stockton, has been closed for some time. However, it may take some time before the plan is implemented. The city’s lease agreement with the former operator expired in 2019. It is located between Houston Avenue, the levees along the San Joaquin River, and French Camp Slough.
The public was able to enjoy the golf course for more than 60 years before it closed its doors in 2019. The classic Larry Norstrom layout was constructed in 1960. Since the Van Buskirks decided to donate the 214-acre land to the city on the condition that it be used only for recreation, the property has been surrounded by a chain link fence.
The former Van Buskirk Golf Course in South Stockton is engulfed by a grass fire that has spread over several acres. The 214-acre site has been idle ever since the city closed the golf course in 2019. Clifford Oto/Stockton Record/USA Today Network
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Stockton City Council members unanimously approved last week a plan to create a 192-acre public park on the site of the old municipal golf course.
The city had planned to redevelop the site, but a grass fire that spanned several acres in June destroyed the plans. It’s getting a second chance.
Steve Noll, an employee of Design Workshop (the firm hired to design this park), said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, and I think once it’s completed, it will be one of, if not, the most prominent parts of the region.”
Stocktonians were given the chance to provide feedback and view the design proposed for the park at several community meetings. In January, the council approved a preliminary design of the master plan.
The master plan, approved on Tuesday, includes an “adventure park,” an event lawn and BMX track, a bike trail and disc golf course, a dog-park, a skate-park, splash pads, pickleball and basketball courts, and areas that could serve as flood control spaces. Noll, however, said that the master plan was an “evolving” document and intended to be used by staff as a framework to secure funding.
Noll replied, “We can update the system.” There are opportunities in the future if new ideas come up.
District 4 Councilwoman Susan Lenz stated that she thought the city had done a “very good job” in obtaining public input for the design of the new park. A city report states that there were six stakeholder meeting, two online surveys with 110 responses, nine meetings of staff, and four meetings in person with the community.
Lenz stated that “Most people were happy, I must say, in a few meetings at the beginning. They wanted a park with varying activities for children and adults.” “I think this is a good idea. I hope that we can raise the money to make this happen.
Kimberly Warmsley, vice mayor of San Joaquin One Voice, said she and the council advocated for federal funding on the trip to Washington D.C. that took place in May. According to the vice-mayor, Mayor Kevin Lincoln and she met with the Biden administration to discuss the project during the same trip.
“We have worked with federal lobbyists repeatedly.” Warmsley stated that they have visited Washington D.C. every year for the Van Buskirk Project. I don’t think anyone in the audience or who is listening should believe that this city does not prioritize this park. We knock, we beg, we plead, we take people to tacos… we are trying to get the project funded.”
