DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The working group tasked with planning the future of the old Lester Park Golf Course and its ideas to Duluth City Councilors Monday.
Since last year, the 25-member Lester Park Working Group has been coming up with proposals for the future of the course. Chair Tim Meyer broke them down into three options.
Sunnarborg Plan
This plan is mainly a large-scale development that would include an 18-hole course, but transform the area with amenities like a hotel, two restaurants, shops, office spaces, community spaces, and 455 housing units.
With a focus on connectivity with the city, it would integrate bike trails into already existing ones and the Lakewalk.
According to Meyer, this proposal would bring in more than $10 million annually in tax revenue.
Meyer did list many cons for this proposal, including that it would likely require the sale of the land or a long-term lease.
It’s also the largest project, and Meyer expressed concerns that it could take three phases to complete.
Barrier Free Golf/COGSS Recreation Plan
The second plan is to work with two non-profits, Barrier Free Golf and Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS).
According to Meyer, these non-profits had separate plans but agreed to partner on the project.
They would manage the course and turn the space into a golf-centric recreation area that would include a simplified course suitable for the disabled, young, and elderly to play on.
At this time, they can’t confirm if it would be a nine or 18-hole golf course.
Leaders of this plan would lease the land from the city rather than purchase it in hopes of keeping ownership public.
Barrier Free Golf aims to raise $13 million through connections with the USGA, the Minnesota Golf Association, and others in the industry.
They have already developed a course in the City of Chaska, funded by private donations and bond proceeds from the city.
Quick-Start Golf and Multi-Use Plan
The third option is being called the Quick-Start Golf and Multi-Use Plan, which would take the longest to fully develop, according to Meyer.
This would be managed by a single non-profit with a focus on redeveloping the course to play on and then gradually adding a variety of developments similar to the Sunnarborg plan.
The project would lease city land and operate with cost-saving strategies, such as sharing equipment with Enger Golf Course and a temporary clubhouse.
According to Meyer, this has the longest timeline as the “Full realization of its goals may take over a decade, and fundraising is essential to begin golf operations.”
Councilors asked about housing possibilities for the second and third plans.
Meyer says they aren’t included in the plans, but could be.
The working group will take questions from the city and review plans, and is expected to plan public engagement sessions.
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