In response to the July 31 Gazette article about the town of Amherst’s working group tasked with examining the future of the Cherry Hill Golf Course and making recommendations for the “Montague Road site,” Cherry Hill is the only remaining affordable public golf course for locals this side of the river. Based upon our daily all-season use, we report that the course is populated and well enjoyed by golfers of all ages as well as other sport enthusiasts. Nothing replaces the tranquility and beauty of the fairways, greens and views while mastering a character building sport like golf that can be played throughout a lifetime.
The working group’s draft charge is financial: should the town subsidize Cherry Hill operations, or can it be self-sustaining? Amherst has a gem with its golf course and should embrace and capitalize upon the year-round recreational opportunities it continues to bring to area families and individuals of all ages. Amherst’s website claims the course’s reputation as “one of the best nine-hole courses in the Northeast.” Paul Brockelman, Amherst’s town manager stresses the importance of its summer-season community pool and we agree with its importance. However, maybe it is time for course users to petition town officials to extoll the virtues of the Cherry Hill Golf Course and not abandon what has been to date one of the town’s understated resources.
Please find a way to maintain the course. While big ticket items loom, the course should not be sacrificed for belt-tightening.
Donna Kurkul
Hadley
