The Alachua, Fla., property closed in March 2011 when the economy went stagnant and attendance dropped, but a group of residents are halfway to a goal of raising $500,000 for renovations. The group plans to reopen the golf course in the fall.
Residents who live around the Turkey Creek Golf Club in Alachua, Fla., felt they were at a loss when the golf course closed almost seven years ago, but nearing their funding goal has brought new enthusiasm to the community, the Gainesville, Fla., 5 WUFT-TV reported.
Turkey Creek Golf, LLC has reached the halfway point to raise $500,000 for renovations and hopes to reopen in the fall. The club closed in March 2011 when the economy went stagnant and attendance dropped. The club’s decline made surrounding property values decrease as well, according to Forest Hope, president of Turkey Creek Golf, LLC, WUFT reported.
After the course closed, the residents of Turkey Creek Master Owners Association decided to take matters into their own hands and purchased the golf course to restore its value. With the help of Fred Settle, president of International Golf Services, the community intends to renovate and reopen the course as soon as possible, WUFT reported.
The first phase of the reopening is set for September with the setting of the grass. There are additional challenges that the course faces before opening to the public, such as funding is needed for irrigation and course development, WUFT reported.
Though the land faces little flooding issues, some areas like bridges still need to be renovated, especially after Hurricane Irma. Additionally, the grass and paths of the land must meet certain standards. However, Settle is hopeful the course could be one of the best in North and Central Florida with the potential to bring in $2 million in annual revenues, WUFT reported.
Today, many residents are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The course is a way to give back to the community that has been so concerned about the course, according to Hope.
Loretta Shane, a homeowner in Turkey Creek and member of the marketing committee for Turkey Creek Golf, LLC, was a resident who felt a loss when the course closed. She joined the marketing committee to help and sees a significant improvement in the community’s willingness to be a part of the redevelopment, WUFT reported.
With the upcoming course redevelopment, Shane sees people care more about their houses and younger families move into the neighborhood. She, too, is excited about the developments and mentioned she will be there on opening day, WUFT reported.
“I feel the life is coming back,” said Shane.
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