Editor’s note: This letter was originally published on savethecourse.com.
Vision Golf LLC understands the concern and anxiety over the preliminary suggested changes with the golf courses, because they and the other amenities have been an integral part of this community since its beginning.
As we move forward with our proposals, our intention is to work with the community to find what works best for all concerned. We know that change can cause some negative or positive results for different residents but hope the end result makes it a long-lasting fix to a problem that will not correct itself without some type of action.
Part of the problem right now is that we have people spreading misinformation about our intentions — just to cause hysteria and panic and thinking this will result in actions that will benefit their personal desires. It also damages our business operations by stating we are closing our golf course and clubhouse permanently. This has caused potential customers to rethink their plans for holding events at the club and have cost us much-needed revenue. As a business, we cannot tolerate this type of reckless behavior and will respond accordingly.
We have always had plans to share our proposals with the community when they are more definitive, and that is coming shortly, but at this time, we would like to put some rumors and accusations to rest:
• First, we have no plans to create any retail space on the property — other than a golf pro shop, banquet and meeting space and a snack bar/restaurant facility like we currently have at the clubhouse. We expect to build a new golf clubhouse with these same types of operations. The current clubhouse is in need of such major renovations, and, because of its age and dysfunctional layout, it is not feasible to renovate it;
• Second, with regards to the property being covered with townhomes. We are not developers, and what type of housing that will best suit the market is determined by the developer/builder that will develop the property. They will do the market research that will determine what works best, but we can say that the expectations are that there will be a mix of product of large single-family properties and condos/townhomes that are similar with other existing properties in the community. We want a new community that fits in like it has been here from the beginning, keeping that tradition of the “quiet exclusivity” of Walden Lake; and
• Third, the rumor that all of the golf courses will be closed is so far from the truth, and it is only put out there to cause widespread community panic. We have a 36-hole golf operation spread out on 300 acres in the community. Our intent is to use a portion of the property for development, so we can generate capital resources to upgrade and maintain the remaining property. Our expectations are to end up with a premier 18-hole golf course in a condition golfers will be proud of and excited to play and possibly a renovated nine-hole executive course that will benefit the youth and senior golfer in the community. We currently have the YMCA First Tee program operating here at the golf course and believe that program will benefit greatly from the new, shorter layout.
So, in the end, the community will have up to 27 holes of premium conditioned golf that will attract golfers from areas other than just this community. A smaller amount of exceptionally maintained golf is better than a lot of sub-par golf for the entire community — whether you border the courses or not.
We can share some of the other expected benefits from this project for the entire community that will be coming out with our plan. We see a community center with meeting space and a community style pool and deck, a community gathering spot that Walden Lake currently does not have. This center could host programs and events, such as Fourth of July celebrations, fall festivals, or dancing under the stars on the pool deck. How about additional trails and parks for the whole community? We trade out a piece of the golf amenity, one that does not work and services less than 5% of the community, for new amenities that benefit the entire community plus a revered golf experience for the golfers.
We hope, in the end, you can imagine the end result as we see it — a shiny new golf and country club, plus new community amenities that will make Walden Lake a celebrated place to live.
We also want you to know that we are working on plans to provide those residents who will be affected the most (those who live adjacent to the part of the golf course being developed) a beautifully landscaped buffer that will help minimize the visual impact of losing their golf-course view. We do not take lightly what changes will come from the project for those residents. If there were another way we could meet the desired goals, we would pursue that direction
We hope this information will help soothe some of your concerns. As things progress, we will do everything we can to keep you informed of what is happening with Walden Lake Golf & Country Club.
Steve Mercer and partners
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