Everything’s on the table except…
County Recreation and Parks Director Bob Barrett says more community input will be accepted in the coming months about the future of the former Gunpowder Falls Golf course.
A resumption of golf operations, however, is not in the cards, Barrett said.
“We’re going to move forward later this year with plans for a park,” Barrett said. “The only option off the table is the golf course.”
The county, which by law owns Gunpowder Falls and the county’s other five public golf courses, took over management or the Kingsville facility from the Revenue Authority in January. Authority and county officials say the course has been a money-pit for them as well as two previous, private owners.
Barrett said the inability to find water sources on the property made it more expensive to run and ruled out concessions at the course — which can be a big money-maker.
Additionally, when the Revenue Authority bought the 122-acre course in 2004, community groups were clear about not wanting large group outings or weddings at the clubhouse — other potential revenue sources.
Barrett said he even made an offer to area golfers who want to save the site.
“I asked for people to step forward with a private operation agreement,” Barrett said. “No one has stepped up and the banks don’t have the money for that anymore.”