1 Cupertino Blackberry Farm Golf Course Feasibility Study Public Survey & Outreach Summary | August 2022
Project Objective
In 2021, the City of Cupertino conducted a needs assessment to identify improvements for the Blackberry Farm Golf Course. City Council further directed staff to study 1) conducting necessary repairs and minor improvements to the golf course and 2) discontinuing the use of the site as a golf course and restoring the site to natural habitat and trails.
The City sought public input on these options by asking community members to share their feedback on the preferred future use of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course site.
Outreach Overview
Starting in May 2022, the City engaged with the community on this topic through a variety of outreach platforms and channels. The City solicited feedback from the community through the online survey, and additional events and engagement channels were used to provide information about the project and direct community members to the survey. The engagement process for this project included the following components:
• Ongoing: Engage Cupertino website
• May: Citywide distribution of informational postcards about the project • May 18: Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
• May 25: Online community survey launch
• June 6: Virtual community meeting
• June 11: Open house event #1
• July 7: Pop-up event at summer concert series at Memorial Park • July 11: Open house event #2
• July 15: Online community survey closed
The online community meeting on June 6 received 77 registrants and 66 attendees (in addition to City and consultant staff). The Q&A box at the community meeting received 53 questions and comments, and 15 questions and comments were provided verbally by workshop participants during the meeting. City of Cupertino staff also received 37 emails from community members about the project and option preferences and suggestions. Staff encouraged community members to share their opinions through the online survey.
Survey Overview
The City of Cupertino released an online community survey designed to gauge public opinions and priorities regarding the City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation’s Blackberry Farm Golf Course Feasibility Study. The City is considering the following two options regarding the site:
A. Golf Course Necessary Repairs and Minor Improvements – Replace the irrigation system, tee boxes, and greens. The ninth hole would be shortened to increase safety and eliminate errant shots to the parking lot, trail, and first tee box. This includes the possible expansion of the short game practice area. The empty ponds would be replaced with lowland native plantings. The Golf Course is estimated to be closed for 9–12 months if this option is chosen. On course ADA issues would be addressed. The preliminary 25-year cost estimate is $10.2 million for Option A.
B. Conversion to Natural Habitat – Establish accessible walking trails, free to the public, that connect with the Stevens Creek Trail and develop other visitor amenities, such as seating, an outdoor education area, and a ranger’s office. Allow the Stevens Creek riparian corridor vegetation to naturally occupy portions of the existing golf course. Plant and manage vegetation to foster the growth of drought-tolerant and native species. Establish a wildflower meadow and preserve the existing Coastal Redwoods.
Incorporate fire resilient management practices. This includes a study, with a preliminary conceptual design, to facilitate the feasibility discussion of the conversion to natural habitat option. This is not meant to be a finalized design for the site. The preliminary 25-year cost estimate $12.1 million for Option B.
The results from the survey help the City understand the community’s preferred future use of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course site. The survey included a total of 14 questions and received a total of 4,023 responses. 2 Survey Methodology
Survey responses were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by the consultant team.
Quantitative survey analysis was conducted through the online platform used to host the survey (Engagement HQ through Granicus). The website summarizes the results from close-ended questions and allows for filtering. Responses to most questions include two summary figures—one figure based on all respondents and one figure depicting only responses from Cupertino residents (those who checked “I live in Cupertino” on Q1).
Qualitative survey analysis was conducted through the software Dedoose, which allows assignment of “codes” to open-ended survey responses to organize and analyze qualitative data. The consultant team coded all open-ended responses for Q5, Q12, and Q13. See “Appendix” for the codebook used.
Survey response data were also reviewed to ensure validity. Any user ID (i.e., IP address) that appeared more than four times was manually reviewed. Most responses were assumed to be legitimate entries and kept (e.g., different email addresses entered, varied responses), but four responses were assumed to be duplicates from a single user and removed (all responses had the same email address and similar responses to open-ended questions; one of the five responses from that user ID was kept). The four removed responses preferred Option A; it should be noted that the removed responses comprised less than 0.1% of total responses and therefore did not impact overall survey findings. Eleven additional responses were removed that were “test” responses submitted by project team members.
Overarching Survey Takeaways
Respondents were asked about their opinions and priorities for the future use of Blackberry Farm Golf Course. Key themes from the online survey results are summarized below.
Topic Key Takeaways
Resident and non-
resident responses
The survey received a total of 4,023 responses. Of those responses, 2,535 were from Cupertino residents (63% of the total responses) and 1,488 were from non-residents (37% of total responses).
Overall option
preference
When analyzing responses from all survey respondents, over half (n = 2,081, 52%) prefer Option A (Golf Course Necessary Repairs and Minor Improvements). However, when analyzing responses from only Cupertino residents, more than half (n = 1,433, 57%) prefer Option B (Conversion to Natural Habitat).
Option preference
reasons
The top reasons cited by survey respondents for preferring Option A include that Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a good course to play for kids, elders, and novices, Blackberry Farm is more affordable than other golf courses, and that there are sufficient other nature options nearby.
The top reasons cited by respondents for preferring Option B include concerns about drought, water use, and climate change and that natural habitat areas benefit a greater number of people and are more accessible.
Distance from site
The majority (71%) of survey respondents who live more than 5 miles from the site selected Option A, while most (52%) of respondents who live 5 or less miles from the site selected Option B. When filtering responses by those who live closest to the site (“less than ½ mile” and “less than 1 mile”), the majority (57%) of respondents prefer Option B.
Age
The most represented age group among survey respondents is people more than 60 years old (36%), followed by people 50 to 60 years old (23%). Generally, older respondents prefer Option A and younger respondents prefer Option B. The majority (66%) of respondents who selected Option A are 50 or older, while 52% of respondents who selected Option B are 50 or older.
Future use frequency
When asked how often survey respondents would use Blackberry Farm Golf Course in the future if the repairs and improvements were made, 48% indicated that they would use the golf course frequently or occasionally, and 52% indicated that they would use the course rarely or never. Among respondents that selected Option A, 87% indicated that they would use the golf course frequently or occasionally; among respondents that selected Option B, 4% indicated that they would use the golf course frequently or occasionally.
3 Survey Results
This section provides the results of each survey question, presented for all respondents and for Cupertino residents (when applicable). Note that percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number, so values may not total to 100%.
Contents
Q1. Which of the following describes you… (check all that apply) ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Q2. How far do you live from Blackberry Farm Golf Course? ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 Q3. What is your age? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Q4. Which of the following describes you… (choose one) ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Q5. Do you prefer to play at one golf course over the other? If so, why? ................................................................................................................................... 5 Q6. On average, my household plays golf at Blackberry Farm Golf Course… ............................................................................................................................ 7 Q7. On average, my household uses the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail… ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Q8. Currently, my household uses the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail for… (select all that apply) .................................................................................... 8 Q9. If Blackberry Farm Golf Course is repaired and improved as outlined in the NGF Study how often would you use the Golf Course in the future? .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Q10. If Blackberry Farm Golf Course is converted to natural habitat as outlined in the MIG Study how often would you use the site in the future? ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Q11. Considering the costs of both options, which recreational opportunities would you like to see prioritized at the Blackberry Farm Golf Course site? (Choose one) .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Q12. Why do you prefer one option over the other? .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Q13. Do you have any other thoughts about the future of the site you would like to share? ........................................................................................... 15 Q14. Provide your email address to receive periodic updates. ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Q1. Which of the following describes you… (check all that apply) Total responses: 4,023
As shown in Figure 1, over half of survey respondents live in Cupertino (63%) or visit shops, restaurants, and service businesses in Cupertino (59%). Less than 14% of respondents work in Cupertino, and about 5% of respondents go to school in Cupertino. Respondents were able to select as many options as applicable, which is why the percentages do not add to 100% (e.g., a respondent could select “I live in Cupertino” and “I work in Cupertino”).
Topic Key Takeaways
When asked how often respondents would use the natural habitat area in the future if Blackberry Farm Golf Course were converted, 57% indicated that they would use the nature area frequently or occasionally, and 43% indicated that they would use the area rarely or never. Among respondents that selected Option B, 96% indicated that they would use the site frequently or occasionally; among respondents that selected Option A, 21% indicated that they would use the site frequently or occasionally.
Preferred golf course
Among respondents that play golf at both Blackberry Farm and Deep Cliff, 40% of respondents prefer to play at Blackberry Farm, 35% have no preference between the two, 11% prefer Deep Cliff, and the remaining 14% did not explicitly indicate which course they prefer. Respondents like Blackberry Farm because the course is short and quick, better for seniors, novices, and kids, well-located, and affordable. 4 Figure 1. Relationship to Cupertino.
Q2. How far do you live from Blackberry Farm Golf Course? Total responses: 4,023
As shown in Figure 2, about half of all respondents live 1–5 miles from Blackberry Farm Golf Course (53%); the remaining respondents live more than 5 miles (17%), less than 1 mile (16%), and less than ½ mile (14%) from the golf course.
A similar trend was indicated among Cupertino residents, except a smaller proportion of residents indicated living more than 5 miles from the golf course. Specifically, among respondents who identify as Cupertino residents, 53% live 1–5 miles from Blackberry Farm Golf Course, 24% live less than 1 mile, 21% live less than ½ mile, and only 2% live more than 5 miles from the course.
Figure 2. Distance from Blackberry Farm Golf Course.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q3. What is your age?
Total responses: 4,023
The majority (59%) of survey respondents are older than 50: 36% are over 60 years old, and 23% are 50 to 60 years old. Respondents 40 to 50 years old make up 17% of responses, and respondents 30 to 40 years old make up 12% of responses. The remaining 12% is comprised of respondents 18 to 30 years old (7%), respondents under 18 years old (2%), and respondents who prefer not to answer (3%). Trends among Cupertino residents are consistent.
5 Figure 3. Age of respondents.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q4. Which of the following describes you… (choose one)
Total responses: 4,023
Over half of respondents (55%) do not play golf at Blackberry Farm Golf Course nor at Deep Cliff Golf Course. About a quarter of respondents (28%) play golf at both courses. Fewer respondents (15%) play golf at Blackberry Farm but not Deep Cliff, and 2% play golf at Deep Cliff but not Blackberry Farm.
Similar trends were indicated by Cupertino residents, but with a higher proportion of people who do not play golf at either course; 64% do not play golf at either course, 21% play golf at both courses, 12% play at Blackberry Farm but not Deep Cliff, and 2% play at Deep Cliff but not Blackberry Farm.
Figure 4. Local golf course(s) used by respondents.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q5. Do you prefer to play at one golf course over the other? If so, why? Total responses: 1,597
Among respondents that play golf at both Blackberry Farm and Deep Cliff, 40% of respondents prefer to play at Blackberry Farm, 35% have no preference between the two, 11% prefer Deep Cliff, and the remaining 14% did not explicitly indicate which course they prefer. Among respondents who golf at Blackberry Farm but not Deep Cliff, the following themes emerged:
6 - Respondents appreciate that Blackberry Farm is a quick, short course (31% of respondents). - Blackberry Farm is a better course to play for seniors, novices, kids, and families (26% of respondents). - Respondents like the location of Blackberry Farm (17% of respondents). - Blackberry Farm Golf Course is affordable, especially compared to other courses in the area (15% of respondents). - Respondents appreciate the atmosphere and environment of Blackberry Farm (12%) and the fact that it is less crowded (5%) than other courses.
Many respondents indicated that they like golfing at both courses for different reasons (based on day of the week, who they are golfing with, or mood). Respondents who prefer Deep Cliff appreciate that the course is longer, more challenging, and well-maintained.
Figure 5. Commonly used words from responses to Q5 (note that for the purpose of this graphic, some words were removed, such as golf, course, Cupertino, Blackberry, natural, habitat, Deep, and Cliff).
Select quotes that reflect these themes are provided below. Note that some quotes were edited for grammar and clarity. • “Blackberry is a walkable course. It allows for a beautiful walk, a great sport experience, comradery between friends and strangers alike, a place for beginners to learn without the pressure of an 18 hole course where more experienced golfers would be less understanding.”
• “I prefer to play at Blackberry because it's more affordable, more interesting, less crowded, and is quicker to finish a round than Deep Cliff.”
• “Blackberry is good for beginners and children who are learning as there is less pressure on the course. Deep Cliff is a busier and more expensive course.”
• “Blackberry is a beautiful course and manageable size for seniors. It is also more affordable than any other golf course in the vicinity.” • “My daughter and I prefer Blackberry Farm. The course is in better shape than Deep Cliff. Play is faster than Deep Cliff. It is easier to get on than Deep Cliff. Overall, the golf experience at Blackberry Farm is much better in our view.” • “I love Deep Cliff. Tight narrow challenging. But often too busy. Need Blackberry as a plan B.” • “Prefer to play at Deep Cliff because it is a more challenging course and more scenic.” • “I prefer Deep Cliff because it is 18 holes and is much better taken care of.” • “As a more skilled golfer, Deep Cliff has 18 more challenging holes and is a nicer natural setting. Deep Cliff has better separation between holes that provides more isolation and more pleasant environment.” • “I enjoy both golf courses and golf at both. Blackberry Golf Course would benefit from a renovation. I would golf there more often if it was maintained better.”
7 • “The venues are very different. I play Blackberry Farm because it is easy to walk (i.e., it is flat and short). I play Deep Cliff because I want a more complete, full-length golf experience.”
• “As an ex-golfer it's clear that the two courses are serving different audiences. Those who are at all serious about their game will play Deep Cliff, those who (for whatever reason) don't care will play the cheaper/easier/casual Blackberry and still have a great day.” • “Both courses are very unique to Cupertino and should be kept.” • “They are both very different courses. I love Blackberry as a quick 9-hole round during the week to get out of the house, and Deep Cliff provides 18 holes on the weekends.”
Q6. On average, my household plays golf at Blackberry Farm Golf Course… Total responses: 4,023
Most survey respondents rarely play golf at Blackberry Farm Golf course. Half of respondents’ households (51%) never play golf at Blackberry Farm Golf Course. The remaining half of households play at Blackberry Farm 1–5 times per year (18%), 6–12 times per year (13%), 13–24 times per year (9%), and more than 24 times per year (10%).
Among Cupertino residents, a greater number reported that their households never play golf at Blackberry Farm (59%). The remaining households play at Blackberry Farm 1–5 times per year (15%), 6–12 times per year (10%), 13–24 times per year (7%), and more than 24 times per year (9%).
Figure 6. Frequency of use of Blackberry Farm Golf Course.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q7. On average, my household uses the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail… Total responses: 4,023
About a quarter of respondents’ households never use the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail (28%); 24% use the trail less than 1 time per month, 21% use the trail 1 to 3 times per month, 14% use the trail 4 to 11 times per month, and the remaining 13% use the trail more than 12 times per month.
Among Cupertino residents, households use the trail more frequently. Fewer households never use the trail (19%); 22% use the trail less than 1 time per month, 23% use the trail 1 to 3 times per month, 17% use the trail 4 to 11 times per month, and 18% use the trail more than 12 times per month.
8 Figure 7. Frequency of use of Stevens Creek Corridor Trail.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q8. Currently, my household uses the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail for… (select all that apply) Total responses: 3,599
Most respondents use the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail for walking for leisure or exercise (selected by 73% of respondents), followed by biking for leisure (19%), dog walking (18%), commuting (4%), and other (3%). About 20% of respondents indicated that their household does not use the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail. Respondents were able to select as many options as applicable, which is why the percentages do not add to 100% (e.g., a respondent could select “Dog walking” and “Commuting”).
Among Cupertino residents, a higher proportion of respondents use the trail; 80% of respondents use the trail for walking for leisure or exercise, 20% use it for dog walking, 19% use it for biking for leisure, 4% use it for commuting, and 3% indicated “other.” About 14% of respondents indicated that their household does not use the Stevens Creek Corridor Trail.
Figure 8. Types of use of Stevens Creek Corridor Trail.
All Respondents (n = 3,599) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,365)
Q9. If Blackberry Farm Golf Course is repaired and improved as outlined in the NGF Study how often would you use the Golf Course in the future?
Total responses: 4,023
About 34% of respondents indicated that they would use the course frequently in the future if it is repaired and improved; 15% would use the course occasionally, and 9% would use the course rarely. Just under half of respondents (44%) indicated that they would never use Blackberry Farm Golf Course in the future.
9 Cupertino residents generally indicated that they would use the golf course less often. Among Cupertino residents, 26% said they would use the course frequently, 13% they would use the course occasionally, and 10% said they would use the course rarely. About half (51%) of respondents indicated that they would never use Blackberry Farm Golf Course in the future.
Figure 9. Anticipated future use of Blackberry Farm Golf Course if repaired and improved as outlined in the NGF Study.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Q10. If Blackberry Farm Golf Course is converted to natural habitat as outlined in the MIG Study how often would you use the site in the future?
Total responses: 4,023
About 35% of respondents indicated that they would use the natural habitat frequently in the future if it is converted from Blackberry Farm Golf Course; 22% would use the natural area occasionally, and 20% would use the natural area rarely. Just under a quarter of respondents (23%) indicated that they would never use the natural habitat area in the future.
Cupertino residents indicated they would use the natural habitat more frequently. Among Cupertino residents, 44% said they would use the natural area frequently, 24% they would use the natural area occasionally, and 17% said they would use the natural area rarely. About 15% of respondents indicated that they would never use the natural habitat area in the future.
Figure 10. Anticipated future use of the Blackberry Farm site if converted to natural habitat as outlined in the MIG Study.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
10 Q11. Considering the costs of both options, which recreational opportunities would you like to see prioritized at the Blackberry Farm Golf Course site? (Choose one) Total responses: 4,023
Just over half (51.7%) of all survey respondents prefer Option A, necessary repairs and minor improvements to Blackberry Farm Golf Course. However, when viewing responses by only Cupertino residents, over half of respondents (56.5%) prefer Option B, conversion of the golf course to natural habitat.
Figure 11. Preference for future use of the site.
All Respondents (n = 4,023) Cupertino Residents (n = 2,535)
Generally, Option A (golf course) is preferred by those living further from the golf course and Option B (natural habitat) is preferred by those living closer to the golf course. Most respondents (71%) who live more than 5 miles from the site selected Option A, while 52% of respondents who live 5 or less miles from the course selected Option B. When filtering responses by those who live closest to the course (“less than ½ mile” and “less than 1 mile”), the majority (57%) of respondents prefer Option B.
Figure 12. Preference for future use of the site by distance from site.
Lives more than 5 miles from site (n = 697) Lives 5 or fewer miles from site (n = 3,326)
Generally, Option A (golf course) is preferred by older respondents and Option B (natural habitat) is preferred by younger respondents.
When filtering responses by those who selected Option A (golf course), 66% of respondents are 50 or older in age. The remaining respondents are 40 to 50 years old (15%), 30 to 40 years old (10%), 18 to 30 years old (5%), under 18 years old (2%), or responded “prefer not to answer” (3%). Comparing these age demographics to those who selected Option B (natural habitat), 52% of respondents are 50 or older in age. The remaining respondents are 40 to 50 years old (19%), 30 to 40 years old (14%), 18 to 30 years old (9%), under 18 years old (2%), or responded “prefer not to answer” (3%).
11 Figure 13. Age of respondents by option selection.
Selected Option A (n = 2,081) Selected Option B (n = 1,942)
Q12. Why do you prefer one option over the other?
Total responses: 3,134 (1,627 selected Option A (golf course) and 1,507 selected Option B (natural habitat)) Top reasons given by respondents for choosing Option A (Necessary Repairs and Minor Improvements to Blackberry Farm Golf Course) include the following. Percentages refer to the proportion of respondents within the specified option (i.e., 29% of respondents who selected Option A and responded to Q12 indicated the given theme). - There are sufficient other natural areas and walking trails nearby (29% of respondents). - Blackberry Farm Golf Course is a good course to play for seniors, kids, novices, and people who want to play on a shorter course (29% of respondents).
- Respondent plays golf (25% of respondents) (note: likely more than 25% of respondents who selected Option A play golf, but 25% of respondents to this question specifically indicated that playing golf was a reason for preferring Option A). - Blackberry Farm Golf Course is affordable and/or more cost-effective than Option B (11% of respondents). - Blackberry Farm Golf Course provides healthy outdoor exercise (8% of respondents).
Additional themes (each representing less than 5% of responses) include that the golf course brings in revenue, benefits community members’ mental health and quality of life, benefits many people in the community, acts as a fire break, and provides habitat for wildlife.
Figure 14. Frequency of commonly identified rationale for preferring Option A.
12 Figure 15. Commonly used words from respondents who selected Option A (note that for the purpose of this graphic, some words were removed, such as golf, course, Cupertino, Blackberry, natural, and habitat).
Select quotes that reflect these themes are provided below. Note that some quotes were edited for grammar and clarity. • “Golf was a life saver during the covid pandemic closures. It is a relative flat course easy for seniors to walk and enjoy a recreational activity well into their 90's (the new 70's). It is a source of beauty to walk and enjoy the wildlife – hawks, coyotes, deer and my favorite, the squirrels!”
• “When our kids were teenagers, playing golf every week was the only set-aside time for us to communicate as a family. Currently, we play as a couple, or with our adult children or our friends. It’s a time we catch up with each other.” • “There is a shortage of golf courses for our community and a wide variety of existing open space areas. Having a short executive course is a terrific value for the community. This option also provides exercise and development for our youth and school golf teams to practice their golf skills.”
• “I wouldn't use the natural habitat, since there are many nearby existing options that are bigger and nicer that I already use.” • “It's convenient and keeps me out getting exercise and socializing with friends.” • “Restoration back to natural habitat will see only those that live bordering the space or within a few hundred yards walking distance use it. The golf course is a destination that people come to and then perhaps shop and visit stores and restaurants in the vicinity afterward.”
• “There are very few inexpensive golf courses in the SF Bay Area. Golf can be an expensive sport to learn and we need smaller community courses like this one to remove some of the barriers to entry. I learned to golf at Blackberry Farm. My kids learned to golf at Blackberry Farm. It gets kids OUT OF DOORS, away from monitors, interacting with wildlife and other people. I can't tell you enough how important I think this small golf course is to our community at large.” • “I play golf and enjoy the exercise the game provides with the habitat it creates.” • “We are a growing community in need of recovering from the isolation of Covid and need to get back to exercising. We are aging but still like to play golf.”
• “When I play, I frequently witness seniors and youth of all ages on the course. The green fees are reasonable, and the shortness of the course makes it accessible to beginners as well as seniors. It would be a shame to lose this golfing option.” • “Blackberry Farms is my favorite local golf course. There are already plenty of places for me to walk the dog.” • “I play golf and cannot afford anywhere else.”
• “I golfed with my dad at Blackberry Farm and it holds a lot of great memories for me. In addition, my dad enjoyed the senior golfing and social opportunities that Blackberry provided.”
• “The golf course creates a good open space and fire break. It is far better maintained than the natural preserve which is poorly maintained. The grounds and creek need to be cleaned up.”
13 Top reasons given by respondents for choosing Option B (Conversion to Natural Habitat) include the following. Percentages refer to the proportion of respondents within the specified option (i.e., 49% of respondents who selected Option B and responded to Q12 indicated the given theme).
- Respondent is concerned about drought and water use of the golf course (49% of respondents). - Conversion to natural habitat benefits a greater number of people than golf (44% of respondents). - Conversion to natural habitat is better for the environment (respondents noted concern about climate change, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants) (18% of respondents). - Natural areas provide wildlife habitat (13% of respondents). - There are sufficient other options for golf nearby (10% of respondents). - A natural area is more affordable and/or cost-effective than a golf course (10% of respondents). - Natural areas provide mental health benefits and nature connection (9% of respondents). - Respondent does not play golf (9% of respondents) (note: likely more than 9% of respondents who selected Option B do not play golf, but 9% of respondents to this question specifically indicated that not playing golf was a reason for preferring Option B). - A natural area provides opportunities for outdoor exercise (6% of respondents).
Additional themes (representing less than 5% of responses) include that natural areas are good for seniors, kids, and dogs.
Figure 16. Frequency of commonly identified rationale for preferring Option B.
14 Figure 17. Commonly used words from respondents who selected Option B (note that for the purpose of this graphic, some words were removed, such as golf, course, Cupertino, Blackberry, natural, and habitat).
Select quotes that reflect these themes are provided below. Note that some quotes were edited for grammar and clarity. • “Climate change will continue to exacerbate drought conditions. Natural Habitat is far more equitable. Many more people will have the ability to access the natural habitat than the golf course (golf equipment costs money, walking does not; skill, talent & time are needed to golf; walking can be done by most everyone; walking in nature is a family-friendly activity, golf not so much).” • “With more people living in Cupertino it is good to have a place like blackberry farm area/trails for people to do walk, exercise, walking dogs, enjoy the outdoor nature reserve areas. The golf course does not benefit the majority of the population. It is only for a selected few.”
• “If water use was not a concern, retaining the course would be my preference. However, given the severe ongoing drought conditions in California, the days are past when we can continue wasting vast quantities of water on thirsty non-native vegetation for a purpose enjoyed by only a few. Converting to natural habitat is the environmentally-conscious choice, which also provides benefit to more members of the community.”
• “Native plants and pollinators can find refuge at this natural habitat as climate change continues to destroy habitats and disrupt ecological systems.”
• “During a period of severe drought and a biodiversity crisis, both of which threaten to intensify in coming years, we should invest our public funds in solutions that mitigate both rather than exacerbating them.” • “I think expansion of the Stevens Creek Trail is a lot more beneficial for the entire community. A free, public space is a lot more inclusive.”
• “The majority of residents in Cupertino and Saratoga do not play golf. Renovating the old golf course will cost close to $2 million but will only serve a very small portion of the community. Restoring valuable wetlands not only benefits the residents, but all of the plants and species that could thrive in a wetland ecosystem.”
• “We need more open green space for the people of California to destress, exercise and relax.” • “Rich diverse natural habitat close to an urban area is better than a monoculture of turf.” • “We already have Deep Cliff Golf Course, I think more people, including more diverse ages, would use the natural habitat choice for more diverse activities.”
• “Multiple reasons: (1) Extreme water shortage. (2) We need to cater to a wider audience and not just the rich. (3) Alternative golf course available less than half a mile away. (4) We are paying to live in California's loving weather – let’s find more ways to be outside.”
• “Given the challenges of climate change, drought, and biodiversity loss, we need to be looking for every opportunity to restore habitat for native species.”
• “Option B supports and encourages neighborhood walks, outdoor exercise and enjoyment of a natural environment.”
15 Q13. Do you have any other thoughts about the future of the site you would like to share? Total responses: 1,498
Additional thoughts about the future of the site (that weren’t already reflected in responses to Q12) include the following themes. A “theme” is classified as an idea that was mentioned more than two (2) times. - Provide educational opportunities such as signage along trails, ranger-led classes and workshops, and guided nature walks to educate visitors on the site’s ecology, history, conservation, restoration, and sustainability. - Plant native, drought-tolerant trees and plants along the trail. - Extend the existing pool.
- Build additional public bathrooms.
- Develop water ponds to create habitat for birds.
- Design the site as a central community space that is welcoming to all residents. - Include shade in the design of the site to accommodate long and hot summers. - Include benches, picnic areas, and water fill stations in the design. - Build a playground to accommodate children.
- Utilize the space as an outdoor theater, meeting space, outdoor festival/music venue, farmers market, and amphitheater for outdoor programs.
- Build a café/snack shack/club house.
- Build trails that accommodate bikers (asphalt) and hikers (soft-surfaces tails). - Consider developing a bike or skate park.
- Involve Indigenous communities throughout the entire site development process. - Accommodate dogs in the design, either by creating dog friendly/off-leash trails or a designated off-leash dog park. - Provide a driving range/mini golf course and natural areas. - Include sports fields for sports such as disc golf and courts for pickleball, bocci ball, volleyball, tennis courts. - Connect trails to surrounding nature areas (i.e., Stevens Creek Corridor, Fremont Older Open Space). - Include a community garden/food forest in the site design. - Remodel/modernize golf course to be a low-to-no-water golf course (use reclaimed/grey water). - Concern that the presence of natural predators that accompany the natural habitat will post a safety risk to visitors and nearby residents.
- Concern that converting site into a natural area will attract people who are houseless and pose a security risk to surrounding neighbors.
- Concern that converting the site into a natural area will increase car and foot traffic. - Mix of concern and support related to developing housing at the site. - Mix of concern and support related to remodeling or replacing the Blue Pheasant restaurant.
Additional ideas related to the future of the site include the following:
- Provide additional public parking.
- Develop a Japanese tea garden/rose garden.
- Consider a low-maintenance design approach to a natural area. - Raise green fees to generate more revenue.
- Concern that converting the golf course into a natural site would destroy a historical site and course.
Select quotes that reflect these themes are provided below. Note that some quotes were edited for grammar and clarity. • “I would like to see this group consult with native Ohlone tribes to include some signage and understanding of native plants & animals.
I also would like to see this group consult with the Native California Plant Society Santa Clara Chapter, and Audubon. Let’s make this a grassroots participation and a model we can do in other parts of Cupertino.” • “Please work with Audubon Society at McClellan Ranch for ideas.” • “Upgrade the ponds to catch and retain water to allow for water all throughout the year.” • “Convert the course to a nature trail but also build a small retail strip mall that has pedestrian paths in front – so maintain the parking lot but not allow car traffic so then there can be shops that generate rental income for the city but also more retail and food options for those in park - e.g., cafes, boutiques, coffee shops, etc. – a quaint downtown feel.” • “I’m worried that having a nature preserve would cause The Blue Pheasant to go out of business.” • “ADA corrections and expansion could be part of the A plan and the Golf Course could serve another purpose – an outdoor area for disabled citizens.”
16 • “Changing its habitat will increase my allergies if your suggestions are followed. That will make it impossible to go in certain areas during my allergy seasons. We already have a lovely park in that area.” • “The city should partner with the restaurant. So many opportunities there. Please look to the city of Sunnyvale as an example. The city could partner with the Blue Pheasant the same way Sunken Gardens is partnered with Gold Rush Eatery. Both restaurants are on site.
Don't lose this opportunity!”
• “Some have suggested combing a bit of both options. I like that idea. Also, it would be better to consider converting to using reclaimed water and grazes that require fewer chemicals to maintain. If available now or in the future, using electric lawn mowers would be less polluting to the air (yes, I do understand that the manufacture of batteries can pollute the environment in the country that produces them, and recycling used batteries is not yet available).” • “The golf course is already a great place to see local wildlife. The birds on course are spectacular. By planting native plants in the features, you can increase that.”
• “Stevens Creek Boulevard is a major thoroughfare through Cupertino and the Blackberry Farm Golf Course stretch can be a high-speed raceway, especially at night when many cars regularly exceed 60 mph. If Blackberry Farm Golf Course is eliminated and a wildlife preserve/hiking trail is put in its place, many more vulnerable wild animals will cross Stevens Creek Bl. and the death toll of deer, opossums, raccoons, skunks and, tragically, maybe even unsuspecting drivers, will inevitably increase. This would be an extreme safety hazard and I have not heard anybody even start to address it.” • “A butterfly garden would be a wonderful addition.”
• “I think the binary approach – either keep the course or return it to natural conditions – is short-sighted and to be honest not very creative. For a city that prides itself on being a hub of new ways of thinking and contributor to Silicon Valley, I might say even a bit lazy. A new approach to the current state of Blackberry Farms Golf Course would be to transition those areas of the golf course not typically part of play (between tees and greens) could be planted with native plants. This would save water (and money!) and provide less park-like and a more natural setting. You could find an area to incorporate the wildflower meadow. But most importantly, the City should consider opening up the golf course to walkers/hikers on Sundays and Mondays (or some similar days of the week). Course maintenance could continue, and certain areas of the course could be off limits (stick to cart paths and fairways, for example). Walkers would have to pick up after themselves and their pets, the same as our City and County parks. Multi-use settings provide the most benefit for the most residents. I would hope the City could look at what is possible instead of finding reasons to try something new. Good luck on your project!”
• “Walkers, joggers, bikers would not have to be scared of getting hit with a golf ball, if the place was converted into a natural habitat.” Q14. Provide your email address to receive periodic updates.
Total responses: 2,213
17 Appendix
The following codes were used in Dedoose to analyze open-ended survey responses.
Q5: Do you prefer to play at one golf course over the other? If so, why? 1 Prefers BBF
2 Prefers Deep Cliff
3 No preference/like both/depends
4 Affordability
5 Atmosphere/environment
6 Better maintained
7 Location
8 Less crowded
9 Better for seniors/novices/kids
10 Shorter course
11 Longer/harder course
12 Safer course
Q12: Why do you prefer one option over the other?
1 Plays golf
2 Does not play golf
3 Affordability/costs
4 Wildlife habitat
5 Outdoor exercise
6 Mental health/quality of life
7 Mental health/nature connection
8 Revenue
9 Fire break/risk
10 Good for seniors/novices/kids/shorter course
11 Other nature options nearby
12 Other golf options nearby
13 Water use/drought
14 Climate/environment/pollutants
15 Benefits whole community/greater # of people/more accessible 16 Good for dogs
Q13: Do you have any other thoughts about the future of the site you would like to share? 1 Any responses that are unique from the reasons given in Q12 were tagged as “other” and reviewed for content (e.g., “recommend Tribal engagement” and “add classes about composting”)