Whether it's golf in the unseasonably warm December or sledding in the snow, we've got recreation opportunities for all!
Once the snow flies at Binder Park Golf Course, we invite everyone to continue enjoying activities there – outdoor sledding, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing, plus the indoor golf simulator that’s always available.
Though snow is in the forecast this weekend, the unseasonably warm December has let outdoor tee times continue and golfers should keep calling the clubhouse for daily hours when the weather is favorable.
As staff continue planning and programming, the City Commission approved the golf course’s 2016 budget on Tuesday night. Following steady budgets in recent years, Parks & Recreation Department staff is working through the process of excess land sale options and new, non-golf-related programming at the facility to provide new revenue opportunities.
Bonds used to improve the golf course were refinanced in 2009 and, at that time, it was determined that debt payments would increase substantially starting in 2016. Therefore, staff is developing new ways for visitors to utilize the golf course, be it for fitness events, weddings and more.
“These are not novel approaches,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Hovarter. “Many golf courses offer their assets for more than just playing and teaching golf.
“The golf course is performing at a level that is consistent with the market, and the performance has been very stable. The issue is that we do not see any real opportunity to increase golf-related revenues to a level that would offset the increased bond payments.”
The most immediate change for 2016 is a 3 percent increase in golf course fees, which amounts to less than a dollar increase for all green and cart fees and a $5 to $25 increase in membership fees.
Everyone should stay tuned for future announcements on activities and opportunities at Binder Park Golf Course.
In the meantime, current hours are weather dependent, so call 269-979-8250 to check daily availability. Once the winter activities begin, activities are available during daytime hours on weekdays, and the clubhouse is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.