FARGO — Rose Creek golf course in south Fargo is undergoing another renovation, only this one has nothing to do with tees, greens or fairways. A tribute to former Fargo Park District superintendent Bob “Goose” Johnson is getting an overhaul.
Johnson was in charge when the course was opened in 1993. He retired in 1996 and died in 2002 with the “Bob ‘Goose’ Johnson Memorial Garden” dedicated in front of the Rose Creek clubhouse after that.
But the pond and surrounding plants and shrubs fell into disrepair in recent years and the Park District is starting over. The pond, which was having leaking issues, has been filled in and plants have been trimmed back for the season.
“We are taking this opportunity to refresh and re-energize the space,” said Rocky Papachek, the golf director for the Fargo Park District.
Papachek said the Park District staff plans on designing a new memorial to Johnson over the winter with a re-dedication planned for late spring or early summer. A memorial rock to Johnson will remain in its current spot.
“It will continue to be a central feature of the memorial garden,” Papachek said. “Our staff will design a new memorial area that continues to reflect our commitment to honoring Goose’s lasting impact on our parks and community.”
Johnson was the director from 1970-96. He was known for being a “dreamer” and was a driving force behind the creation of the Fargodome that was opened in 1993 in addition to Rose Creek golf course.
The course underwent a levee renovation in 2016 to address flood issues from the adjacent Rose Coulee, with most of the back nine getting an overhaul including moving two entire holes.
The Bob “Goose” Johnson memorial in front of the Rose Creek golf course clubhouse is undergoing an overhaul.
Forum photo
Jeff Kolpack, the son of a reporter and an English teacher, and the brother of a reporter, worked at the Jamestown Sun, Bismarck Tribune and since 1990 The Forum, where he’s covered North Dakota State athletics since 1995. He has covered all 10 of NDSU’s Division I FCS national football titles and has written four books: “Horns Up,” “North Dakota Tough,” “Covid Kids” and “They Caught Them Sleeping: How Dot Reinvented the Pretzel.” He is also the radio host of “The Golf Show with Jeff Kolpack” April through August.
