Hansen Dam Golf Course sits in the northeast San Fernando Valley in Pacoima, California, occupying land within the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. The course was designed by Ray Goates and opened in the early 1970s as part of the Los Angeles County park system's effort to provide accessible public golf. The facility operates on flood control basin land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a common arrangement for Southern California municipal courses where open space requirements align with recreational use. The layout plays across relatively flat terrain characteristic of the valley floor, with the San Gabriel Mountains visible to the north and east. The routing is straightforward, designed for playability and efficient maintenance rather than dramatic topography or water features. Mature trees line many fairways, providing definition and some strategic interest on what is otherwise an open, parkland-style design. The course serves a diverse local population and functions primarily as an accessible daily-fee facility for recreational golfers. Hansen Dam represents the practical side of public golf in Los Angeles County, where land constraints and budget considerations shape design and maintenance. The course provides a walkable round and accommodates players of varying skill levels. Its location within a larger recreation area that includes picnic grounds, a lake, and equestrian facilities reflects the mid-century approach to multi-use public parkland in rapidly growing suburban areas.