Artificial turf for golf courses, a sustainable solution...
Successful case with Artificial Grass Golf Courses. The case is about a course with more than 30 years old, it is a 9 holes course (pitch and putt), located in Libertyville, in the state of Illinois (USA).
The city council has decided to cut corners on a deal that will bring a new concept in golf course design.
This concept is a course with long Par 3 holes, located along the Des Plaines River.
Business models for golf courses in public spaces.
This public camp will enter into a 10-year lease agreement with a company specialised in operating the camp. golf courses.
Including an option for another 10 years, this is the answer to an ongoing problem that did not seem to have a good solution.
The new operator plans to replace the greens and tees with a synthetic turf surface high quality.
It will also introduce a short game academy and practice putting green.
This space will help those who want to learn and perfect the game from more experienced players.
All this, having as its main ally the use of synthetic turf.
Field rates will be maintained in 2013.
This lease requires the two parties to meet annually to agree on the rates.
Various types of programmes will be set up and the operation is marketed as a year-round training centre and a quick turnaround option.
Under the agreement that went into effect last week, the operating company will pay the county $20,000 per year.
This includes the lease of the field and the other 10 option years will be $ 25,000 per year.
Wanting to keep open what is considered a major spending detail and in the face of an annual deficit that has averaged around $ 83,500 in recent years.
Village leaders had few options and were considering closing the golf course.
Continuing losses have been a problem, community leaders have already been cutting back in recent years in a difficult economy.
Acquired in 1979, the golf course is located in a sensitive flood valley, which often creates non-reproducible conditions.
The studies showed that the land had no value at all
These studies determined that it was a wetland bank and even maintaining the open space would cost more than $ 30,000 per year in maintenance.
A covenant prohibiting development for residential use also meant that the land would have little use unless it was used as a golf course.
The number of rounds played fell from a peak of 13,298 in 2003 to 4,214 in 2011.
To eliminate the shortfall, the cost to residents of playing a round would have had to increase from $ 10 to $ 30.
The idea of leasing the Artificial Turf Golf Course has evolved from a meeting about a year and a half ago led by the head of the recreation department of the village and the Sports Complex.
A facility at the Sports Complex was being considered, but did not work out.
"Basically, we are providing a high level of service with a qualified professional staff and they (village officials) don't have to worry about it," he said of his plans for the Libertyville golf course.
The expected opening date is mid-May,? said the president of the golf operating company.
The artificial turfwhich is being used by several golf companies across the country, will be easier and much less expensive to maintain and provide greater consistency.