Time to play Callippe Time to play Callippe (November 11, 2005)

Dedication caps city planning effort that started in 1988
by Jeb Bing

More than 400 jammed the front portico of the Callippe Preserve clubhouse last week to dedicate the $34.5 million public golf course and trails, which officially opens this weekend.

Many who came for the dedication ceremonies also stayed for a complimentary round of golf. A breakfast buffet was provided in advance of the ceremonies, which included more than an hour of speeches by Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, Tom Isaak, president of CourseCo, Inc., which is now managing the course, and architect Brian Costello, the Callippe golf course designer.

Planning for Pleasanton's municipal golf course started in 1988, with six potential sites considered before the 530-acre Happy Valley site at the southwest corner of Pleasanton was chosen.

Callippe Preserve is an 18-hole, 6,800 yard, par 72 facility that encompasses 145 acres. Specific amenities include three miles of public trails and a: * 7,400-square-foot ranch style clubhouse, with seating for 40-50 inside and 140 outside on a protected patio. * Short-game practice area and a 20 stall practice range. * 4,700-square-foot cart storage building. * 19,000-square-foot maintenance yard area with a 5,500-square-foot maintenance and storage building. * 154-space public parking lot.

Surrounding the golf course are 28 acres that are being preserved as open space. This includes 173 acres retained under city ownership, and 107 acres of the Koopman Ranch through a conservation easement.

Public access through the city-owned space is provided by a trail that circles the golf course and offers spectacular views of the course and the outlying Tri-Valley area, including Mt. Diablo.

Because of competition from public and the many private golf courses in the Valley, green fees at Callippe have been set lower than a more competitive market might have allowed.

The trails, which will be available to hikers, joggers and equestrians, are free and can be accessed from the water tank that overlooks the course or from the clubhouse. A boon for wildlife

The course is named for the Callippe Silverspot Butterfly, an endangered species. A preserve to protect the Callippe butterflies is located adjacent to the golf course on land purchased by the city.

Along with large trees along Sycamore Creek that bisect the golf course are waterways surrounded by dense plant material that are part of a riparian habitat. These special areas are particularly important to raptors, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and great-horned owls. The city has increased the size of the habitat by planting hundreds of riparian trees, such as oak and sycamore, along the creeks.

As golfers approach the fourth hole, they might also see California quail feeding in the scrub to the hill on their left. After the breeding season, these birds become gregarious, gathering large groups around the golf course, called coveys. Reasonable fees

The fees at Callippe provide a 15 percent discount for Pleasanton residents. Those fees are $36 on weekdays and $51 on weekends, with senior rates for those at least 60 years of age set at $26 on weekdays. Out-of-town fees are $42 weekdays, and $60 on weekends and holidays, and $30 for seniors. There are no senior discounts on weekends.

Special junior rates for those under 18 have been set at $12 for residents, $13 for non-residents.

"Twilite" fees for those starting play after 1 p.m. are $22 weekdays and $33 on weekends and holidays for Pleasanton residents. Non-resident twilite fees are $26 on weekdays and $39 on weekends and holidays. After 3 p.m., a special rate is available for residents only: $13 on weekdays and $22 on weekends and holidays.

Special rates are also available for only nine holes of play on a space-available basis. For residents, the nine-hole rate is $20 on weekdays and $28 on weekends. For on-residents, the fee is $22 on weekdays, $31 on weekends and holidays.

Cart fees for the 18-hole course will be $13 for all golfers, regardless of the number of holes played.

Starting times can be reserved by residents up to 15 days in advance, and up to two weeks in advance for non-residents. To make reservation, call (925) 426-6666. More information:

For more information on Callippe, access the Web site at www.playcallippe.com.

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