Presentation on the Westport Light Golf Course Debate

Written by Meghan Anderson

June 9 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing conversation about the future of Westport Light State Park. For the first time since the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Washington State Parks and Westport Golf Links (WGL), those opposed to the proposed golf course were given the opportunity to present directly to city leadership.

*An Image from the Westport Light State Park Slideshow*

A Brief History

In the mid 2000s, construction began for the Links at Half Moon Bay golf project on land owned by the Port of Grays Harbor. The project was later abandoned, leaving behind partially altered landscapes. In 2015, Washington State Parks purchased the 270–300-acre site and incorporated it into Westport Light State Park.

However, since entering into the MOU in 2018, State Parks has been bound to explore the feasibility of a new golf course on this land, delaying any investments in ecological restoration. During this time, Westport Golf Links has enjoyed regular access to city and park officials, presenting marketing materials and project updates, while opposition voices had remained largely unheard.

June 9: A New Perspective Enters the Room

Thanks to the City of Westport’s Council and staff, local and regional advocates were finally given the opportunity to present an alternative perspective. During the public meeting, advocates shared a detailed slide presentation and were joined by 18 additional speakers who offered public testimony about the proposed development.

You can view the June 9 presentation video here.

Highlights from the Presentation

The opening segment set the tone with a Mission, Equity, and Vision statement grounded in the values of public access, environmental stewardship, and equitable enjoyment of Washington’s most cherished lands and waters. If you have some time, it’s well worth listening to the public comment and presentation.

Subsequent slides covered:

A comparison of golf course density vs. surf access in Washington

Land-use impacts drawn from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
A discussion of the Public Trust and how privatizing state parkland contradicts that obligation

Concerns over fertilizer and pesticide use, referencing findings from the AECOM report
Beach access and impacts to surfing in the area
Summaries of coastal erosion threats
The importance of wetlands for flood protection on the peninsula
Zoning conflicts between the proposed development and current land use policies

A Democratic Moment

This meeting was a powerful example of civic engagement. It provided a long-overdue opportunity for the community to be heard and to present a thoughtful, data-supported case for preserving Westport Light State Park as an intact natural area. Regardless of where you stand on the proposal, most can agree that equal access to leadership and decision-makers is essential to a fair and transparent process.

In response to the presentation, WGL submitted a Formal Response from Westport Golf Links letter, which is available online. I submitted a reply to their letter as public comment for the July 14 City Council agenda, titled M. Anderson Public Comment.

What Comes Next?

The future of Westport Light State Park remains uncertain. But what is clear is that on June 9, advocates came together to share a unified, compelling vision—one rooted in public access, ecological integrity, and community values. It was a proud moment for all who participated and a reminder that voices matter.

The presentation concluded with a powerful quote from Aldo Leopold, offering a philosophy we can reflect on:

“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

In that spirit, thank you, to everyone who contributed time, energy, and heart to this important conversation.

Editor's Note: On July 15th, Washington State Park Commissioners came to Westport and Grayland to tour the State Parks. The tour was open to the public and attended by Commissioners, Park Rangers, Park Staff, Mayor Ed Welter, Ryann Day of Westport Golf Links, Members from Friends of Grays Harbor, and a handful of residents in opposition to the golf course project. On the tour, park staff pointed out how rare and unique the wetlands at Westport Light State Park are and mentioned they are the most highly valued and protected wetlands in Washington State.

On the same day, the Convention of Wetlands released a report that states, “the global destruction of wetlands, which support fisheries, agriculture and flood control, may mean the loss of $39 trillion in economic benefits by 2050.”