Golf course project has grown irresponsibly

The village of Mount Prospect has been relatively fiscally responsible. But can that be said of our Mount Prospect Park District?

When discussion was opened about golf course revisions, the question was asked: If you started from scratch, what would it take to build an 18-hole golf course? The response was about $5 million, the main problems being drainage and irrigation maintenance.

The latest report states that the cost of upgrading the golf course will be $8.6 million plus another $1.6 million for a new park district maintenance building. That's over $10 million.

The plan includes paved cart paths throughout the course; a full-scale driving range with 20-plus driving slots; reconstruction of all greens; reconfiguration of several fairways; eliminating the drainage problem; installing a new irrigation system; and moving the maintenance building to Busse Road.

This is supposed to be a community golf course serving citizens of the Mount Prospect Park District. I don't believe it is in the best interests of the community to have a golf course revision that competes with private country clubs. The course has a small footprint, and having a full-size driving range will create congestion on the course as well in the streets around the golf course - due to the lack of adequate parking which is not being addressed.

Full paved cart paths deflect golf balls that land on the path. The driving range with 30-foot black netting extending hundreds of feet will be an eyesore to the neighbors.

Essentially, this course will not be nonproductive for two years.

The cost of playing golf should be reasonable for all citizens. Cost to play should be less for park district citizens than nonresidents.

The changes are over the top, too expensive and do not reflect fiscal responsibility and consideration for the neighbors who live adjacent to the golf course.

Thomas Braun

Mount Prospect