A shuttered Stockton golf course could become a campground for the unhoused under a proposal expected to come before the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors next month.
Last week, the board approved proceeding with intent to buy a 62-acre parcel that includes the closed Oakmoore Golf Course on North Wilson Way. The issue is scheduled to be heard again at the Dec. 10 meeting.
The county has stipulated a price not to exceed $9.6 million.
Supervisors envision a campground serving unhoused persons as a use for the property while also providing facilities for the public works, environmental health and community development departments.
“It’s an absolute home run,” Supervisor Paul Canepa said at the Nov. 12 meeting. He said he has been enthusiastic about finding a large property for “safe camping.”
The parcels have space to accommodate pet owners, an issue that experts have said can be a sticking point when it comes to luring people experiencing homelessness off the streets. Or, Canepa said, the setting could have other enticing uses, such as urban farming.
“It’s a great idea,” Supervisor Miguel Villapudua said of the campground proposal. “I think in the future it’s going to be huge for San Joaquin County.”
Supervisor Tom Patti said it shows the county is being creative in finding solutions to homelessness and “really doing a lot more than other counties are doing.”
The county issued a statement indicating acquisition of the property is part of a five-year plan and said that when it comes to a campground for unhoused individuals, it “will perform its due diligence before determining if the area is suitable for such a use.”
Councilmember Dan Wright, whose district is north of the golf course and separated by a river, said he applauds the board for showing leadership on the thorny issue of homelessness.
“Clearly our unhoused could benefit from a camping and parking site directly intended for them,” he told Stocktonia in an email. “However, such sites need to be carefully planned and implemented.”
As such, Wright said he wants assurances that adequate security will be provided at the site along with facilities, such as restrooms and laundry, as well as “wraparound” services such as alcohol and mental health counseling.
Also, Wright said, a single site would not be enough. At least one other location, best situated in South or South Central Stockton, would be needed.
County documents indicate that the property, which includes three houses and the golf course’s old clubhouse, is owned by Gurpartap Singh of Oakmoore Properties.