During the recent Park & Recreation Commission meeting held on June 4, 2025, in San Mateo, significant concerns were raised regarding the VIP membership program at the San Mateo Municipal Golf Course. A local resident and long-time business owner expressed frustration over the program's 14-day reservation window, which allows VIP members to book tee times well in advance. The speaker highlighted a personal experience where they arrived for a scheduled tee time only to find no other players had joined them, resulting in lost revenue for the city and a missed opportunity for other residents.

The resident argued that the current system allows VIP members to reserve times without penalty, leading to numerous no-shows that could otherwise benefit the community. They questioned the financial justification of the VIP program, suggesting that the revenue generated from membership dues should account for these no-shows and the potential hardships faced by local residents. The speaker also raised concerns about the overall management of the golf course, suggesting that the focus on the VIP program may be detracting from the maintenance and operation of the municipal facility.

Following this public comment, the meeting transitioned to updates on capital improvement projects within the parks and recreation department. Senior Project Manager King Leon provided an overview of ongoing projects, emphasizing the division of oversight between parks and recreation staff and public works. The presentation included updates on improvements planned for Central Park, although specific details were not disclosed during the public comments.

The discussions at this meeting underscore ongoing tensions between the interests of VIP members and the broader community's access to municipal facilities. As the commission continues to evaluate the VIP program and its implications, residents are likely to remain engaged in advocating for equitable access to recreational resources. The meeting concluded without further public comments, leaving the future of the VIP membership program and its impact on local residents an open question for future discussions.