Title
Review and Recommendation on the Greenway Golf Plan for the Old Fire Training Tower Area.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Golf Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Recommendation on the Greenway Golf Plan for the Old Fire Training Tower Area.
BACKGROUND
In July 2012, the City Council approved a 20-year lease with an option for a five-year extension with the City of Alameda (City) and Greenway for operation and maintenance of the Golf Complex, after an extensive RFP process.
On March 20, 2018, the City Council approved a first amendment to the lease to extend the lease term and require additional drainage and improvements to the North Course as well as improvements to the clubhouse, golf shop, and patio space.
The old fire training tower has been a topic of discussion by the Golf Commission several times in recent year as it is a focal point for the Corica Park entry.
DISCUSSION
Greenway has completed renovation of the Mif Albright 9-Hold Par 3 Course, Driving Range, and South Course. Renovation of the back nine holes on the North Course are anticipated to be completed in June 2022. Greenway has stated their intent to complete these holes as well as the Clubhouse and associated buildings in the same timeframe. Greenway approached the City with a proposal to improve the area where the dilapidated Tower sits at the main entry of the Golf Complex at Island Drive and Clubhouse Memorial Road. Greenway would like to have these improvements completed prior to the grand re-opening of the North Course. The Tower area is not part of the current lease, but is a cornerstone to the Golf Complex entry. Based on these points, Greenway is intent on seeing this area improved so the entire facility presents itself well to the public.
To do so will require City Council approval of a lease amendment to incorporate the Tower area into the land area leased by Greenway. The Tower and surrounding property is currently excluded from Greenway’s leased area and is the responsibility of the City. With this change, Greenway would be responsible for all project costs and project management including a structural assessment to understand the integrity and safety of the Tower, as well as hazardous materials assessment and any associated abatement costs and permits. Greenway will work with City staff to make a decision on whether to preserve and stabilize the Tower or to remove it. In either scenario, Greenway intends to remove the fence around the Tower and landscape the area. The Tower is not on the historical study list and is not considered a historic resource.
If it is feasible to retain the Tower, then Greenway may propose to reface all four sides of the tower and demolish any connected buildings. Greenway further intends to create artwork for each of the four sides that honors the Alameda Fire Department and the service of first responders as well as possibly honor the City’s long connection with the U.S. Navy. Corica Park signage would also be incorporated into the Tower design so it becomes a focal point for the park entry. This redesign is intended to be a collaborative process with the community, Alameda service organizations, the Golf and Recreation and Parks Commissions and any other interested organizations. Greenway hopes to hold a student art competition to determine the four designs for each of the Tower sides. The building design will require Planning Board approval. The area surrounding the Tower is intended to be resurfaced and landscaped so it blends into Corica Park. To be clear, these plans and expectations from Greenway are not obligations under the proposed lease amendment. Thus, Greenway would not be contractually required to undertaken any of the work mentioned above.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the City from approving a second lease amendment with Greenway to incorporate the lease area including the deteriorated Tower. With this lease area adjustment, Greenway is responsible for any financial impact of improvements to the Tower and its surrounding area. There are no additional financial contributions from the City.
RECOMMENDATION
To discuss and make recommendations on the Greenway Golf Plan for the Old Fire Training Tower Area.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director