The Hippocratic oath for physicians is a useful tool for our thoughtful city leadership to evaluate the plan that GroundSwell drafts in the next few months. 

The recent survey points to trails, habitat and golf(!) as the top three priorities for future use of the golf course. 

The first two would suggest we add to our miles of local trails (Chetzamoka, Larry Scott, Cappy’s Trail, Discovery, Fort Worden), and recapture more habitat, all of which must be valued and supported. 

If we cannot find room for the third priority — that is, if priorities are mutually exclusive — we could make an irreversible decision, and do harm, by closing a beloved 118-year-old golf course. 

Port Townsend golf is a healthy outdoor activity, with some volunteer involvement, low drop-in fees, and affordable monthly rates, all in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not your high-brow, glitter card country club — it’s a public course. National Golf Foundation standards may not be a burning necessity here. 

Here’s to the idea of exploring innovative plans to see how these top three priorities can be addressed in a collaborative way. Time share? Clever landscaping? Compatibility testing? 

Glad we have the services of an experienced, thoughtful consulting firm. 

John Capps
PORT TOWNSEND