The Parks and Recreation Committee met 11/06/2023. The meeting lasted around 20 minutes and the vast majority of it was taken up with a discussion about the proposed changes to Reid Golf Course’s rates in 2024. This new rate policy included increases to adult and senior daily fees (up by $2), twilight rates (up by $1), discount cards (up by $5.35), and passes (up by $15 – $40 for individual passes and $250 for an annual business pass).
The committee approved the changes as proposed. There is, however, the possibility that when the item comes before the Common Council for a final vote Alderperson Schultz (District 9) will move to amend the policy to include a discount of some sort for veterans. He did not make such a motion at the committee meeting in order to give it some thought and talk to staff further.
I’ve prepared a transcript of the discussion for download:
Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Tom Flick told the committee that they try to keep Reid Golf Course’s rates in the middle of the rates for area golf courses. They don’t want to bee the most expensive, but they don’t want to be at the bottom either.
For 2024, they did raise more rates than they had the last few years. This was due to increases in credit card fees, the cost of labor, utilities, and food and beverages. It was also needed to assist with capital improvement plans.
Beyond that, when they had reviewed the rates at other courses, Reid had been fairly low. Per Deputy Director Flick, “[W]e feel that we put together an A plus product out there for the community and residents of Appleton and we want to reflect that on how we operate and position ourselves, you know, for the future.”
They also wanted to reinvest in the course for the future. They had a master plan for the golf course that would address some primary issues [they did not go into what those issues were]. They want to work on the driving range and also do some work on the part of the golf course that was not touched during the stormwater project. They also hoped to upgrade and revamp the clubhouse at some point in the future.
Alderperson Schultz noted that they did not offer a veteran discount and asked whether that had been something that had been offered in the past or that they were considering offering. Reid currently did not have a veteran discount, although veterans could play for free on Veteran’s Day. There was, apparently, a veterans policy for the Parks and Recreation Department, but Reid Golf Course was a separate enterprise. Deputy Director Flick said that they would take a look at offering a discount.
Alderperson William Siebers (District 1) mentioned that Alderperson Schultz could move to amend the rates, but Alderperson Schultz decided to hold off because he wanted to give it further thought and discuss it with staff. Additionally, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Dean Gazza voiced a preference for waiting because he wanted to research what other golf courses were doing so that he could make a recommendation.
It is possible that Alderperson Schultz will be making a motion to amend the item when it comes before the Common Council on 11/15/2023.
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1134133&GUID=C3C5CF43-6CA8-4980-9E31-67F95019E492
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