PARMA, Ohio — Mayor Tim DeGeeter said the Parma community deserves the newly completed Ridgewood Golf Course Event Center and Clubhouse.
“I look at that and think it’s really the right porridge for Parma,” DeGeeter said.
“It’s not grandiose; it’s not bare bones. It’s the right fit. That’s what we should be aiming for, striving for here in the city of Parma.
“As a long-established community, we’re celebrating 200 years next year. What great timing for that to really reintroduce the new Parma.
“We deserve nice things, and we’re really excited to present this to Parma and to our surrounding communities.
“We think it’s a game changer for the city.”
Inside Parma’s new Ridgewood Golf Course Event Center and Clubhouse.John Benson/cleveland.com
With a seating capacity of 180 people, the $12.3 million event center — which can be divided into smaller gathering spaces — also features a bar/lounge area, aptly named The Flamingo Pub.
There are also six golf simulator bays named after famous golfers.
The golf simulator bays at Parma’s new Ridgewood Golf Course Event Center and Clubhouse are named after famous golfers.John Benson/cleveland.com
Boasting country club views of the golf course, the 11,400-square-foot venue offers outdoor amenities such as patios, covered porches and a porte-cochère.
And it was all completed on time — and with cost savings.
“I don’t know the exact figure, but we are going to be under budget,” Parma Service Director Tony Vannello said.
More than five years ago, the city started conceiving the future of the golf course as it pertained to the demolition of the nearly 100-year-old clubhouse.
Parma’s new Ridgewood Golf Course Event Center and Clubhouse includes The Flamingo Pub.John Benson/cleveland.com
The mayor praised Parma Parks & Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi for his guidance and leadership during the entire project.
“We’ve hit the mark with the event center space, The Flamingo Pub, the patios and the pavilion,” Vittardi said.
“So you can go and use that facility whether you’re a golfer or a non-golfer.”
The pavilion at Parma’s new Ridgewood Golf Course Event Center and Clubhouse. John Benson/cleveland.com
As for those duffers, the city has a surprise waiting on the turn.
“Flipping the No. 9 and No. 18 hole for the signature hole right in front of the clubhouse, there was a concern about delivery of food and beverage when you make the turn playing 18,” DeGeeter said.
The result was a drive-thru barn.
“That’s a great feature, because it keeps play moving,” he said.
“You don’t have to go all the way to the other side of the clubhouse if you want to restock on beverages or grab a hot dog or a sandwich.
“There’s also a bathroom, so you can drive right through and you’re back out on the course.”
The new facility already has private parties booked for December, which is also when residents will get their first chance to tour the venue.
“‘Frosty’s Fest’ is Dec. 7, so we’ll have our annual holiday parade end at the doorstep of the event center, where we’ll really open it up so the community can come in and can see it,” DeGeeter said.
“Then, next year, on a date not yet determined, we’ll do a nice grand opening and official dedication.
“Obviously, we’ll also be rocking and rolling for golf season and everything else as we continue to book events and have patrons come up to the event center.”
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