Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (Wis.)
David Zeller of Allouez, who often cross-country skis at the Brown County Reforestation Camp in Suamico and Allen Dewane Neshota Park in New Denmark, says it makes sense for the county to provide similar ski trails at the Brown County Golf Course in Hobart.
"People would have more choices. And it helps disperse the traffic and reduce the impact on trails," he said. The Reforestation Camp often gets crowded and overused on weekends, said Zeller, who co-owns Zeller's Ski and Sports in Allouez.
"Having more outlets promotes fitness and makes better use of facilities," he said.
County officials agree.
The county opened ski trails at the golf course last winter and, based on good public response, plans to continue grooming trails there this winter. A one-mile leg will be added to a two-mile loop trail, said golf course superintendent Paul Delfosse.
Last year, the county did not charge a fee at the golf course because of the limited trial basis. Now the county will consider implementing a $2 a day fee for skiing. Golf course skiing would be added in the season pass for other county parks at $50 a year for family, $40 for single.
Trail-grooming equipment is used at four county locations: the golf course,
Neshota Park, Reforestation Camp and Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico. County parks and facilities director Bill Dowell said it was too early to estimate attendance or revenue.
"But the move would be good for the clubhouse, good for the parks system and good for the people," he said.
The trails, which wind through the rough near the fence line, would not harm the greens.
Delfosse said skiing would help make the golf course a year-round destination. Its new clubhouse already is open year-round.
The Safari Steakhouse restaurant is expected to benefit from having skiers, he said.
The golf course is self-supporting, operating as an enterprise fund on money generated by greens fees and concessions. The course contributes money to the county's general fund.