Contributor Opinion by Joseph Jordan: RedGate A Green Space

>The following contributor opinion is by Rockville Central friend Joseph Jordan:

Redgate Golf Course is the single largest piece of open, green space left in the city. It has been a jewel in the city crown for 35 years. For 29 of those years the golf course enjoyed strong financial success, finishing in the black every year – until 2003. Yet, during every budget cycle, questions are raised about its fiscal performance. This is to expected, especially when it operates as an enterprise fund. It is the only Recreation and Parks entity left as such. The recent subsidies to the fund pale in comparison to those given to other city programs. Two years ago, light was shed on several things that had negative impact on the course’s ability to sustain its’ outstanding performance as a revenue generator. These factors included a 58% increase in administrative charges; a year when it rained more than it didn’t; the summer of the sniper, when no one went outside; the summer when dozens of courses were hit with drought, then heavy rains and turf disease; outside, annual income promised to the golf course was taken away and redirected to another fund. These were all factors that led to significant decline in play and subsequent loss of revenue. It is this recent loss that now gets carried forward every year. It gives the appearance RedGate is doing worse than it is.

In an effort to remedy the situation and give the course a fighting chance, in 2006 a five year plan was drafted by staff and approved by the previous Mayor and Council. FY 08 marks the end of the second year of that five year plan, and it is my understanding that on a cash basis, Redgate did in fact finish in the black the first year and is on track to do so again in FY08.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have been a strong advocate and supporter of the golf course. I have worked closely with Burt Hall (director of Recreation and Parks) and the golf course staff in helping come up with ways to improve service as well as revenues. I chair an advisory group that consists of players representing the diverse population using the golf course — Asians, seniors, residents, non-residents, women, Hispanics. We established a volunteer program where players “adopt” holes and, on their own time, repair ball marks, seed tee boxes, etc. At my own expense, I have designed and conducted web based surveys that provided valuable information to Mr. Hall, as well as golf staff, on topics including course conditions, comparisons to other courses, fees, staff, pro shop, snack bar, tournament programs, etc. I mention all this because it is important to know what the players are willing to do to help the golf course succeed, as we ask for continued support.

We expect our elected officials to weigh and scrutinize discretionary expenses. I am not sure why Redgate is frequently singled out as the one city amenity to make a case for shutting down. Several years ago there was speculation selling the land could fund future Town Center development. There is a view by some that golf is an elitist sport and taxpayers are subsidizing such a sport. If you spent any time at Redgate you would quickly see nothing could be further from the truth. It is a melting pot of people from all walks of life looking to enjoy a few hours of outdoor recreation.There can be such things as amenities that bring value and prestige to the city that outweigh the bottom-line. I hasten to add some can also drive revenue in other areas. For example, many people playing golf at Redgate make a day of it…doing some shopping as well as staying in town for dinner and maybe a movie.

It is my understanding the RORZOR folks expressed concern about the possibility of the city selling the golf course . . . even parts of Glenview Mansion. The general consensus in RORZOR was that a developer-oriented Mayor and Council could, with three votes, sell off Redgate at will. I was told the city agreed to designate RedGate as “park zone” as opposed to residential. I don’t think this has been done yet. There was a great deal of talk about a “Green Rockville” during last years election. There is nothing greener in the city than the acres of green grass, green trees and storm water management ponds that make RedGate the special place it is.

My passion for preserving Redgate goes beyond saving a golf course. Redgate represents a community within a community, where men, women and children…young and old…all ethnicities…share a love and passion for a game. New friendships are made and old ones nourished. Just last week one of those friends passed away, and another in February. Both were charter “members” of the Redgate family, and as friends recall fond memories, many of the stories told will revolve around times shared at Redgate over the past 35 years.

Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to join the growing list of contributors! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.

(Photo from RedGate Website.)

Share and enjoy:

Hide Sites