In his quarterly golf course report for the final quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, Parks and Recreation Director Scott Coakley had great news for the Town Council at their July meeting.
“The golf course continued its strong financial performance during the quarter. Total revenue for April through June was approximately $582,000, an increase of more than $64,000 or approximately 12 percent compared to the same quarter last year,” Coakley said. “The largest gains came from greens fees and rentals, reflecting continued growth in rounds played and overall activity. We also experienced steady performance in concessions, pro shop sales and clubhouse rentals.
“As expected, fourth quarter’s expenditures included several planned capital purchases and continued investments in maintaining the golf course. Those capital expenditures are budgeted separately from operating expenses and represent long-term investments that will benefit the course for many years.
“This year’s financial results represent an important milestone in the financial performance of Jamestown Park Golf Course. Over the past six financial years, we have worked diligently to strengthen the financial performance of the golf course. During the earlier years of this period, the course experienced operating losses. However, each year we made steady progress by increasing revenue and controlling expenses and improving operational efficiency.
“I’m pleased to report that 2025-26 marks the first operating surplus during this six-year period with an operating profit of $57,856. This achievement represents years of steady progress and a continued commitment for responsible financial management. Revenue increased from approximately $1 million in fiscal year 2020-21 to approximately $1.64 million this year, an increase of more than 52 percent. We experienced strong growth in cart rentals, increased rounds of plan, expanded tournaments and greater use of our clubhouse facilities. Fiscal year 2025-26 was also the strongest annual revenue growth for the six-year period with revenues increasing nearly 17 percent over the previous year.”
Coakley said management focused on responsible expense management, noting maintenance costs naturally increased. He said golf shop operations reduced personnel and contracted service costs.
“These improvements, combined with continued revenue growth, allowed us to eliminate reoccurring operating losses and achieve a positive operating result,” he said.
“Capital expenditures include equipment, facilities and infrastructure improvements. Separating operating results from capital investments provides the clearest picture of financial performance. Operating results answers whether or not the golf course generates sufficient revenue to cover the cost of daily operations. Capital investments indicate the town’s ongoing commitment to preserving and improving this valuable public asset.”
Coakley said the numbers tell the story of the Golf Course’s financial progress, with reduced operating losses, increased revenue and expenses being responsibly managed. It all goes back to the Town’s continued investment in the facility.
“This operating surplus is not the achievement of one department or one individual. It is the result of teamwork, collaboration and employees who take pride in serving this community every day,” he added.
He thanked several people for helping make this happen: the town manager and assistant town manager, finance director and finance department, and employees of the Parks and Recreation Department and golf course team.
“This has been an exceptional year for both departments and the success we’re celebrating tonight belongs to them,” Coakley said. “[They] work together as one unit. They share equipment, resources, responsibilities and are always willing to step in and help wherever it is needed, whether it’s maintaining our parks, preparing the golf course before sunrise, supporting tournaments, community events or providing exceptional customer service. Their dedication has strengthened not only our financial performance of the golf course, but also the quality of services we provide throughout our Parks and Recreation Department. Jamestown Park Golf Course is financially stronger today than it has been in recent years. We remain committed to building on that success.”
At the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting Aug. 3, Coakley ask the committee for recommendations about rates charged at the golf course. It appears some players are receiving more than one discount each time they come to play. For example, some people get both resident and senior rates. Committee members agreed only one rate should apply. The Committee suggested Coakley check other courses to see what they do as well as speak with the Jamestown Golf Association about updating their membership forms.
The greens were aerified July 6 and 7 and have grown back nicely, according to Justin May, Golf Superintendent. He added that drought has caused the ponds on the course to get low but recent rains have helped fill them up. New projects are redoing some cart paths and fixing potholes as well as sodding some of the shady fairways this fall.
The Capital Improvement Program lists purchase of a bed knife grinder but mechanic Justin King is rebuilding an older one.
Concrete for sidewalks and shelters in the park area will be done as will fencing and equipment for the new dog park, according to Jeff Goard, Parks & Recreation Superintendent. Work is in progress to repair damage done by the fire a couple of months ago at the new playground.
Soccer rentals are up and the Town has received $50,000 revenue since taking over and opening the field at Jamestown Elementary School.