Village to Preserve Woodridge, Ill., Course

Officials announced intentions to seek an intergovernmental agreement with the park district to conduct a five-year financial plan for Village Greens Golf Course. The agreement would preserve the 18-hole golf course and the district would be responsible for financial losses or gains.

Much to the delight of residents, Woodridge, Ill., officials have announced a plan to preserve the Village Greens Golf Course, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The village was considering hiring an outside consultant who would gather information about potential reinvestment options at the course that could have included razing it to make it a commercial retail site. The village released a statement several weeks ago noting that course revenues have declined, adding that capital improvements must take place, the Tribune reported.

Village administrator Kathleen Rush told residents last week that local officials will seek an intergovernmental agreement with the park district to conduct a five-year financial plan for the course.

The agreement looks to preserve the 18-hole golf course, but the district will be responsible for any financial losses or gains at the course. The village is expected to pass the intergovernmental agreement this month, the Tribune reported.

“The residents clearly stated that open space is a priority,” said Mayor William Murphy. “Our interest as a board was to obtain data to make wise decisions about the course. The village is not an expert, but the park district is.”

Mike Adams, Executive Director of the park district, said the district approved an agreement to manage the course in 1995. He said that though the course has seen a decline in revenue, it is self-sustaining and is not paid for with tax dollars. The course is owned by the village, the Tribune reported.

“Our experts will assess the course to see what needs to be done,” said Adams. “I think our course still has more customers than other courses do. Our prices are more affordable.”

After the village announced a plan to hire an outside contractor, several residents formed a “Keep the Village Green” committee, the Tribune reported.

“There were rumors that there was going to be a big box store there,” said committee member Mike Huber. “It really scared us. The site is only designated to be an open space.”

The course was private and known as Maplecrest Country Club from 1959 to 1972. The owners sold the property to the village under the stipulation that it would remain an open space. The village made the purchase through a referendum specifying the site should provide outdoor recreation, open space and flood control facilities, the Tribune reported.

“Many people have purchased trees that have been planted on the course to remember loved ones who have passed away,” said resident Sharon Haley. “I couldn’t imagine them being torn down. I applaud you for keeping our course.”

Tags: Chicago tribune Kathleen rush maplecrest country club Mike Adams mike Huber Sharon haley village green golf course woodridge ill.