BGA defends use of local golf course

The+golf+course+is+a+well+known+location+in+Baldwin+City%2C+serving+its+uses+for+more+than+just+golfing+since+1951.

The golf course is a well known location in Baldwin City, serving its uses for more than just golfing since 1951.

In the early beginnings of summer this year, during a committee meeting, the topic of discussion was more housing in the community to broaden the tax space for more income for city and provide housing for families. To simplify it, to build more housing to help the city and families. The golf course was mentioned as an option for development.

The BGA, Baldwin Golf Association, heard of this and went to the city council to voice their disagreement with the idea.

“We are just stewards of this golf course and it’s our duty to care for and protect it,” BGA President Jay Armbrister said. “It will be there for the future generations to use and enjoy like us, our parents, and grandparents have done.”

The golf course made an argument, explaining all the uses the golf course, not just for golfing. The have the clubhouse, which they can have people book for parties or meetings, or how cross country use the course for running, most notably during the Maple Leaf Festival.

“The golf course is very important to Baldwin and Baker runners,” BHS cross country runner Ambrynn Stewart said. “We all have practices there, even have cross country meets there, and it’s one of the best courses we run at throughout the season.”

The city council issued a proclamation saying they would not sell the golf course for the remaining term while they are in office.

City Councilman David Simmons then approved the BGA to consider putting in a dog park after it had been mentioned by said association to be something they could add. At the first meeting between the groups, councilman Simmons indicated he wanted to take approximately six acres of golf course property, right next to the already built sidewalk preferably, to build a dog park, large parking lot, and an outdoor pavilion.

“Six acres would have affected 4 different holes,” Armbrister had said. “Getting rid of two of them all together, affecting the whole courses set-up.”

The BGA reapproached the city council once again and stood in opposition to this land reallocation, clearly fed up with the change in plans.

“We could easily still add a dog park and expand parking,” Armbrister said. “But in a way that would not affect the integrity of the nine hole golf course, that has been the way it is since 1951.”