The Portland, Ore. course is being renovated into a 9-hole, par-3 course with a natural-turf driving range, as part of a larger project to reshape the existing landscape into a recreational haven for city residents. The contract is KemperSports’ second with the city of Portland; the firm also manages Heron Lakes GC.
KemperSports has been selected to manage Colwood Golf Course in Portland, Ore. It is the Northbrook, Ill.-based management firm’s second contract with the city of Portland, in addition to Heron Lakes Golf Course.
Located on land recently acquired by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), Colwood Golf Course is being renovated into a much-anticipated 9-hole, par-3 course and natural-turf driving range. The facility also includes the Colwood Grill, which offers ample banquet space for weddings and corporate functions.
Situated amid open parkland and forested and wetland areas that protect the Columbia Slough in Northeast Portland, Colwood Golf Course and the surrounding property are the cornerstone of a long-term restoration project that will reshape the existing landscape into an important public natural area. The plan calls for a wetlands restoration project to preserve the natural landscape while focusing on improving water quality, all located within the urban backdrop of Portland.
The non-profit First Tee of Portland non-profit group will be offering classes for youth at Colwood GC in the near future, and Portland Public Golf, part of Portland Parks & Recreation, is working with a non-profit partner to hire local workers from the city’s Cully neighborhood, where the course is located.
“Expanding the game of golf to traditionally underserved communities is exactly what we’ve been envisioning for this property,” said Portland Public Golf Manager John Zoller. “And from here on, [we hope to] further these sorts of efforts in conjunction with our valued partners.”
“We are proud to bring a large portion of the Colwood Golf Course and natural area into public ownership, and KemperSports is the right company to manage the course,” added Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “It is land that represents significant environmental and recreational opportunities for the entire City of Portland.”
The Trust for Public Land, the national non-profit organization that managed the complex deal to transfer Colwood Golf Course to the City of Portland, called the transfer a “win-win situation.” PP&R will manage more than one-third of the restored land as a natural area, protecting wildlife and water quality, to create a rare opportunity for Portland residents to access nature in the heart of the city.
Significant restoration and enhancement of wetlands and forest will be undertaken by the owner of the industrial portion of the property. Forty-eight acres at the north of the property was rezoned for commercial/industrial use in October 2013.
During the transition, as PP&R finalizes plans for the land in consultation with the local community, part of the property will continue to be operated as a 9-hole golf facility with other amenities. Ultimately, the aim is to give local people close-to-home access to a lifetime of outdoor recreation.
“We look forward to working with Portland Parks & Recreation on the redevelopment of Colwood Golf Course,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “The 9-hole, par-3 course and driving range currently being developed will be a great amenity for the local community and help us grow the game of golf.”
For more information on Colwood Golf Course and Portland Public Golf, visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/63560.
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