There’s talk again of a new bridge, construction is underway to fix the Washington Street exit and the Water Institute is now open on what was the old city dock that had rusted for years.
“Change can happen—and it should happen in many situations as our city grows and as our needs change,” writes Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister in his latest column. “Often, the time has finally come.”
As our community, society and demographics change, McCollister says we must continue to evaluate the habits, hobbies, trends and needs of our citizens.
“What worked in the past may not suffice for the future. We may not need it or be able to afford it,” he writes.
In 2011, McCollister penned a column suggesting that BREC replace the old 9-hole golf course at City Park and replace it with a central park that the entire community could enjoy.
McCollister envisions the park as “a place for a coffee shop, walkers, cyclists, picnics and kite flying. It could include a lake gazebo and paddle wheelers—right in the heart of the city.”
So, what has happened in the seven years since McCollister wrote the column?
“Let’s look at some recent numbers and ask what they tell us—and what should be done for the future,” he writes in the new column. “I got the recent data from BREC for the City Park golf course.”
The number of rounds played (including foot golf) fell from 12,234 in 2016 to 10,430 in 2017. Through Aug. 17 of this year, rounds played are at 6,891.
Meanwhile, 2017 revenues were $191,536 and expenses were $306,816 for a loss of $115,280.
“It is evident that 2018 is on track to lose money again,” McCollister writes. “In fact, BREC’s entire golf operation loses money. In 2017, the income only covered 55.3% of expenses, losing a total of almost $3 million ($2,763,163).”
Back in 2011, McCollister notes, there was even a petition on Change.org that garnered more than 1,100 signatures in favor of closing the golf course and creating a central park. The opposition countered and got just over 300 signatures.
“Maybe someone will start another petition to get BREC’s attention and tell them and other city leaders that the numbers say the time has come to act for the greater good,” McCollister writes. “It’s time for a change at City Park.”
Speaking of change, McCollister also writes in his new column about how the Post Office has changed in response to competition from FedEx and UPS as well as email, and how its is time to ask about what’s going on with the CATS bus system.
Read the full column. Send your comments to editor@businessreport.com.
