It is probably unrealistic to think Eagle Bend Golf Course will pay for itself anytime soon, City Manager Mike Wildgen said during an online chat hosted by the Journal-World on Thursday.
Wildgen said he had accepted that the city-owned golf course below the Clinton Lake Dam may always need some sort of city subsidy.
"Given golf course development in the region, I expect our course to be popular, but not one that will necessarily pay for itself," Wildgen wrote in response to a reader's question. "This isn't any different than the aquatic facilities we provide, though. They haven't paid for themselves and won't in the future."
Wildgen said the city's goal was still to keep the course - which is expected to need about a $150,000 subsidy in 2005 - "moderately" priced. Commissioners on Tuesday approved another round of fee increases for the course. The latest increases, which will take effect Jan. 1, will raise green fees by $1 per 18 holes. Commissioners on Tuesday did direct Wildgen to study the possibility that increased green fees were driving away customers instead of generating revenue.
The number of rounds played at Eagle Bend is expected to drop by about 1,000 in 2005. That's following a $2 per 18 hole increase in green fees.
In other news from Thursday's chat, Wildgen said:
¢ The city is looking into existing state statutes that would create incentive programs to slow the conversion of older single-family homes into rental properties.
¢ Progress is being made to implement a program that would allow trains to travel through North Lawrence without blowing their whistles at each crossing. Wildgen said talks with federal officials to create a railroad quiet zone had gone well.
Commissioners are expected to receive an update on the project in September. Wildgen said a couple of crossings likely would need improvements before the program could begin.
To see a complete transcript of the chat, go to www.ljworld.com.
Comments
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LawrenceMommy (anonymous) says…
"Commissioners on Tuesday did direct Wildgen to study the possibility that increased green fees were driving away customers instead of generating revenue."
You think??? Let's see...we aren't getting enough customers, so let's raise the price! Has anyone on the Commission ever taken an economics class?
I golfed there in it's first year because greens fees were low. But I haven't been since, nor will I, as the prices rise higher and higher...to attract new customers??? I fail to see their logic.
merrill (anonymous) says…
I say forget the golf course and set it up as year around camp gound with RV pads/hook ups, tent pads ,picnic tables
and plant more trees. This would not require expensive weed control,fertilizers or mowing machines consequently not nearly as labor intensive. Next year the music festival campers will make it pay for itself.
Orchards Golf course is back on track why not send college students to that course when it's at their back door. Considering that Alvamar and now the Lawrence Country Club have spent a ton of money on those courses I would bet tournaments would be more attracted to those locations.
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
it could make money by lowering the fee's because golfers from out of town will catch wind and spread the word. it will make money by having a higher volume of customers. raising fees will drive away customers. it is common sense. that is why the government should NOT try to run a business.
let's see....the thing doesn't make money so let's raise prices...that should draw more customers....how pitiful that some people could be so ignorant. that's why business leaders need to run for office.
smitty (anonymous) says…
Wildgen justifies funding the golf course by comparing it to the swimming pool. Apples and oranges. The people who use the golf course are capable of spending money on fees, cart rentals, expensive equiptment, 19th hole. The swimmers are not of that same economic bent. The pool is intended for a wider selection of the public, the golf course is subsidized elitism.
Not only that but the many free camping sites at the spillway were eliminated. For the life of me I can't understand why since these sites are not close enough to interfer with the course.
Wasn't a banker chambercrat mayor then? Bad politics and a poor justification on Wildgen's part now.
Merrill's idea makes more sense for the use of a greater number of Lawrence's people and a revenue maker too.
Godot (anonymous) says…
So, Mr. Wildgen, when you were selling this project you said it would pay for itself in two years. Were you lying then, or just incompetent?
lunacydetector (anonymous) says…
what free campsites were eliminated when the golf course went in? there weren't any at that spot.
smitty (anonymous) says…
AGAIN, at the spillway. There were many camping sites on the eastern side of the spillway. I've camped there before the city eliminated them while fishing at the spillway.