Source: Star News (Wilmington, N.C.)
The city is considering spending roughly $ 1 million on a new clubhouse at the Wilmington Golf Course, but some golfers say the course's limited funds would be better spent on fairways and greens.
During the budget process this spring, city leaders likely will decide whether to renovate the one-story clubhouse - slightly or substantially - or tear it down and build anew.
Built in the 1940s and 1950s, the 4,600-square-foot clubhouse is deteriorating, and its plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems are outdated and inefficient, according to a consultant's study done late last year. The clubhouse also is too small and not configured to handle expanded concessions - including a short-order grill - and other services envisioned by the management of the city-owned course, the consultant found.
"The clubhouse hasn't had a substantial fix since it was built," said Gary Shell, deputy director of the city's Community Services department. "It's just antiquated. I'd say 40 percent of it is unusable."
Despite the clubhouse's condition, 61-year-old Harold Howell, who plays the municipal course about twice a week, said he and most of his playing partners would rather available funds be invested in the course, not a new building.
"You'd like for it to be nice, but a big, elaborate clubhouse doesn't impress like a course does," Mr. Howell said.
Despite an increase in greens and cart rental fees last year, the municipal course remains one of the most affordable in the region - 18 holes cost $ 12 on weekdays for city residents, $ 24 with a cart. The course, designed by prominent golf course architect Donald Ross, is a favorite of retirees and others who prefer a low-frills round of golf.
But the price hikes aren't increasing revenue as much as the city had hoped. Play is down, Mr. Shell said, because of the higher fees and inclement weather last summer and fall. Mr. Shell said play typically drops after fee increases, then returns within a year or two. He couldn't immediately say how much play had decreased since the price hike.
"The big question for this year is how much the play is going to come back," he said. "We think it's going to be good."
Yet the decrease in play, among other issues, is causing city officials to think extra hard about how much to spend on clubhouse improvements. City Finance Director Brent McAbee cautioned that a large appropriation for the clubhouse would virtually wipe out the golf course's undesignated fund balance - about $ 720,000. That would make it difficult to make course improvements, purchase new equipment and do other capital projects in the coming years.
"I don't think redoing the clubhouse is imminent," Mr. McAbee said, adding that the City Council and city manager would have some decisions to make this spring.
Gene Allen, 84, who has been playing the municipal course for more than 50 years, said he hoped whatever the city does wouldn't necessitate another hike in fees.
"The way I look at it, if they do all that, it's going to make me pay higher greens fees," he said. "I hate to see them keep raising the greens fees, especially for us older, retired guys."
Mr. Shell said he doesn't plan to recommend increased fees this year. If anything, he said, the city might consider lowering prices in the winter months to compete with other courses that decrease rates in the off-season. The municipal course currently charges the same fees year-round.
The golf course operates somewhat like a separate business through the golf course enterprise fund, which is designed to sustain itself with course revenue without taking from the city's tax-supported general fund.
The clubhouse study by Jefferies & Faris Associates Architects & Planners of Wilmington recommended that the city build a new clubhouse instead of renovating.
"Design of this option should result in an energy efficient, low maintenance, environmentally friendly structure," the study said.
It estimated the cost of a new building at more than $ 930,000, not including the cost of a temporary facility during construction, as well as furnishings, fixtures and some other expenses. All said, the cost could exceed $ 1 million.
The study also proposed three extensive renovation options, which would cost a little less initially than total reconstruction, according to the study. Renovating the old building also might avoid criticism from preservationists concerned about its historic value, the study indicated.
But John Jefferies, whose firm conducted the study, said a new building, over 50 years, could make up the additional costs with energy and maintenance savings.
Deputy City Manager Mary Ann Hinshaw said the city is evaluating its options and looking at other information.
"With construction prices the way they are, we have to look at all those (options) really close," she said.
The city originally planned to renovate the clubhouse and set aside $ 350,000 to do it, Mr. Shell said. But in January 2004, renovation bids came in much higher than the budget, and the study was done to examine alternatives.
Because of lower-than-anticipated revenues, some planned improvements at the course will be put off, Mr. Shell said.
This year the city will erect vinyl fencing along the course's border with Pine Grove Drive. In the past several months, vandals have twice driven onto the course, doing an estimated $ 8,000 in damage to greens and fairways, Mr. Shell said. Also planned for this year is a rerouting of the cart path between the 11th and 12th holes to increase safety for golfers driving across Pine Grove Drive in carts.
