SALIDA, CO— As the City of Salida prepares for the upcoming City Council hearing on October 7, 2025, regarding proposed updates to the City’s Land Use Code and Zoning Map, we want to provide residents with clear and factual information about one specific area of interest, the golf course located on City-owned property.
The City of Salida recognizes the golf course as an important recreational and economic resource for the community. There are absolutely no plans to change the current use of the property, and the existing lease agreement remains in effect. The golf course will continue to serve residents and visitors, and the City remains committed to supporting its role in our local quality of life.
This unique property often prompts questions about its zoning and long-term use. The City is committed to transparency and public understanding throughout this important planning process.
The property is currently zoned R-1 (Residential Single-Family), and under the proposed Zoning Map update, this zoning will remain unchanged. The golf course property is owned by the City of Salida, but it is operated by a private entity under a long-term lease. This distinguishes it from other public parks, such as Riverside Park or Marvin Park, which are open to the public without restriction. Because of its lease arrangement, the golf course is a recreational facility with controlled access, not an open-access city park. Some have asked why the golf course is not proposed to be zoned as “Parks & Open Space.” While this is a common question, the City has intentionally chosen to keep the R-1 zoning for the following reasons:
Flexibility for the future: R-1 zoning allows for the golf course to continue operating as it currently does, but also gives future City Councils and citizens the ability to re-evaluate its use if community needs evolve.
Parks zoning would be more restrictive: Applying a Parks designation would limit the property’s use to open-access public park purposes — which does not reflect the current leased use and could unnecessarily constrain long-term planning options.
Maintaining the R-1 zoning ensures that any potential changes to the use of the land would still require a full public process, including community engagement, public hearings, and Council action.
The City encourages all residents to stay informed and engaged as the Land Use Code update process continues. The City Council will hold a public hearing on October 7, 2025, where community members are invited to speak during public comment.
For more information about the Land Use Code update, visit https://www.cityofsalida.com/commdev/page/land-use-code-rewrite.
