City Relies on Extension for Expertise

In 2015, the only public, 18-hole golf course shut down in Henderson, Ky.  The closure left our community with 180 acres of weeds and no public golf course.  Surrounding the course was a relatively new middle income neighborhood 90% developed. Part of the golf course included several retention ponds to collect runoff.  Over the years, many of the overflow structures have not been maintained.

185 homes surround the course.  Home values started declining within the first year.  Estimates for loss of the value surrounding the course ranged from 10%-25%. 

In 2016, several of the homeowners contacted Extension for help asking what it would take to get the course back open.  Meanwhile, a local investor had pursued the purchase of the property with the intent to eliminate the course.  The homeowners banded together, with success, to convince the city of Henderson to not allow the re-zoning.  

One year later, the City of Henderson contacted Extension for information regarding the best options. Working with City officials, and the homeowners, Extension provided expert advice on the procedures to re-open the golf course including irrigation repair/replacement, rebuilding the greens and tees, and re-grassing.  Utilizing Extension’s resources, an overall budget was put together including clubhouse repairs, cart path replacement, and repair of the retention ponds.  Eventually, the City decided it was in their best interest to purchase the property and lease it out to an golf course operator to operate with the intent of protecting home values, protecting a crucial water shed retention area, and at the same time, offering a public golf course to all residents. At the same time, the city would close the 9-hole, outdated facility it currently operated.

Following a year of renovations, successfully contract with an operator, and a local benefactor, the golf course opened to the public as a municipality, operated privately.

After 6 years of operation, the public owned golf facility is reaching their goals.  As of 2022, the privately run golf course is giving back proceeds to the City of Henderson based on net income, still providing 15+ jobs, supporting youth golf, and protecting ground water.  

Extension continues to provide good sound advice with fertility management, budget management, and resources to help protect the environment.  Biannual site visits help private operators accomplish these goals and helps protect the cities interests.  

Some economic impacts include:

-Creation of at least 12 jobs; 6 full time.

-City of Henderson reduced annual cost of $220,000.

-Over 3 million in property tax revenue (based on anticipated 12% decline).

-Repair and protection of four retention ponds collecting runoff from over 320 acres.