El Dorado Hills, Calif. (May 15, 2025) — A proposal to construct a boutique hotel on a portion of the former El Dorado Hills Executive Golf Course has sparked discussions among residents and local officials. Developer Bob Leach suggests that the hotel could generate revenue to support the reopening of a nine-hole golf course on the site.
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) acquired 55 acres of the defunct golf course in January 2024 for $10 million, utilizing cash reserves. An additional 11 acres adjacent to the archery range along El Dorado Hills Boulevard were donated to the district. The purchase agreement includes an option to buy the remaining 41.5 acres for $9.96 million within 18 months of the initial escrow closure .InEDC+ InEDC+3
Leach’s proposal aims to develop the hotel on a segment of the property to generate funds necessary for revitalizing a portion of the golf course. However, the EDHCSD’s authority to engage in such economic development activities has been questioned. In a March 2025 statement, the El Dorado Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) clarified that “economic development is not one of EDHCSD’s chartered powers” .
Community response to the proposal has been mixed. While some residents see potential benefits in terms of recreation and local economy, others express concerns about preserving open space. In a 2015 advisory vote, 91% of El Dorado Hills voters opposed rezoning the golf course land for residential development .InEDCInEDC+1InEDC+1
The EDHCSD is currently conducting a community engagement survey to gather public input on the future use of the former golf course. The survey, open until June 23, 2024, seeks to inform the district’s planning and ensure that any development aligns with community preferences .
As discussions continue, the fate of the boutique hotel proposal remains uncertain. The EDHCSD Board of Directors will consider community feedback and legal constraints before making any decisions regarding the property’s development.
As of May 16, 2025, the second community survey for the Central El Dorado Hills Park Visioning project has not yet been released. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) has indicated that initial concept plans are forthcoming, with the second survey to follow. Residents are encouraged to sign up for updates to stay informed about the project’s progress and opportunities for community input.
For more information or to participate in the community survey, residents can visit the EDHCSD’s official website or contact the Community Engagement Team at centraledhpark@edhcsd.org.
— By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer.
