A man looking to soften the environmental impact of the Mountain Valley Golf Course’s transformation after it closes this fall is circulating a petition calling on officials to oppose any industrial or large-scale commercial development there.
Creating the petition was Brendan Welsh-Lowe of Schuylkill Haven, who regularly saw how beautiful the golf course in Barnesville was when he worked there a few years ago, he said. That is what motivated him to start his signature drive on change.org, and the petition is now being spread on social media.
This petition calls on local officials to oppose industrial or large-scale commercial development at the property and to prioritize preservation of open space, low-impact uses, or alternative options that better align with the character of the community.
Welsh-Lowe started the petition Monday, and as of Thursday about 1,100 had signed it. He said that at some point he plans to forward it to local, county and state officials.
Mountain Valley currently has two 18-hole golf courses and serves as one of Schuylkill County’s premiere special events venues, but announced last Thursday that it will permanently close during the second week in October.
“After careful consideration, we have made this difficult decision that Mountain Valley Golf Course will cease operations at the conclusion of the 2026 golf season,” the owners said in a news release. “The entire complex is being purchased for future commercial development and industrial business use.”
The announcement of the sale of a 108-acre property with access to Interstate 81 has led to speculation about its possible use as a warehouse or data center.
In February, the Ryan Twp. supervisors rezoned portions of the golf course from residential to industrial, and the township has enacted new ordinances regulating data centers, solar farms and warehouses. Among other things, those uses would require water feasibility studies and conditional use hearings, potentially making industrial development more difficult.
The thought of what a large-scale business would do to the property and to the surrounding countryside, though, troubles Welsh-Lowe, he said.
“The potential for industrial or large-scale commercial development on this land is deeply concerning,” he said on his change.org page.
“Transforming such a large, scenic, and environmentally valuable property into warehouses, data centers, or other industrial uses would significantly change the character of the area. It could increase truck traffic, noise, light pollution, and stormwater runoff, while also reducing wildlife habitat and permanently eliminating a meaningful green space.
“Open spaces like Mountain Valley play an important role in supporting environmental health, preserving local character, and providing residents with places to enjoy nature. Once land like this is developed, it cannot easily be restored. Many community members believe this property should be carefully considered before any large-scale development moves forward.
“I created a petition to show that there are community members who would like to see this land preserved or at least carefully considered before any major development moves forward. This isn’t about opposing progress – it’s about making sure the character of the area, open space, and community value of this property are part of the conversation.
“I don’t know if this will ultimately change the outcome, but I do believe it’s worth trying and showing that people care. If you feel the same, please consider signing and sharing. …By signing, you are showing support for protecting a valued local landscape and ensuring community voices are heard before permanent changes are made.”
Welsh-Lowe said on Thursday that he was surprised by how much attention his petition had already received, and how many had signed it.
“It shows how much people care about this property,” he said.
Located at 1021 Brockton Mountain Drive, Mountain Valley Golf Course is assessed at $2.7 million for real estate tax purposes, according to records on file at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.
Since 2004, the property has been owned by Mountain Valley Corporation, which has offices in the St. Clair Industrial Park, county records show.
Mountain Valley has two 18-hole championship golf courses, a restaurant, and banquet facilities for weddings, corporate functions and special events. There’s also a golf pro shop, a driving range and a pavilion that overlooks Locust Lake.
The business employs about 70 people, according to online sources.
Mountain Valley said in a statement that golfers, event guests, and community members can expect business as usual until its closure, with scheduled tournaments, outings and events moving forward as planned.
Many from the community, though, have been lamenting how big of a void the closure will mean going forward with the golf courses and event space going away.
The venue has hosted banquets, weddings, proms, class reunions, fundraising dinners, golf tournaments. and many other functions regularly over the years.