QUINCY TOWNSHIP: After public outcry for months and a renewed push following a public announcement of its closing, it appears South Mountain Golf Course will have its lease renewed by the Pennsylvania DCNR.
The site of the nine hole golf course has been the subject of years of debate and planning by the DCNR and the state, with it being central to a possible future home for a Michaux State Forest welcome center and hub. Those plans were put on hold but not permanently ended a few years ago, but after a decision was made in late November to not renew the family-owned golf course’s lease, it appeared that those plans had accelerated.
That had changed, according to PA State Rep Chad Reichard, who’s district includes the golf course.
“Receiving the call that the course has been saved was truly a highlight of my time serving the people of southern Franklin County,” Reichard said. “This was what I was elected to do: To represent and fight for the people of the district and I’m never going to stop doing that.”
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) renewed the lease with the George family, owners of the course, for 10 years.
Reichard noted the grassroots efforts to save the community golf asset was a team effort that spanned from local residents and golfers to House Republican leadership and its staff.
“The community rallied around the Georges and their beloved links when word that DCNR had plans to close the course spread. So many people passed around and signed petitions to keep the course open. The Franklin County commissioners and local elected officials stood firmly in support of preserving the course,” Reichard said.
“I want to personally thank House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) and Republican chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams), both of whom once represented parts of Franklin County, for taking a big swing at saving the course,” Reichard continued. “They helped guide me, a lawmaker in his first year in office, and amplified my voice so that DCNR and the governor heard it loud and clear.”
Reichard also thanked House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) and Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland) and Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), along with Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams), for their help.
“Gov. Josh Shapiro also deserves credit for righting this wrong with DCNR. I am grateful he recognized that forcing a small business to close was not in the best interest of our community and the state,” Reichard said. “With the lease renewed, I am counting down the days until I, along with other golfers, can tee off for a round at South Mountain Golf Course in the spring.”
