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Let the record show that our money pit municipal golf course opened for business yesterday, so naturally today it rained. This pre St Patrick's Day opening is the earliest in a decade but that will not stop town officials from using the weather excuse this coming July at fiscal year finish when the course ends up in the (cherry) red once again.
Hickory Ridge, a 18 hole public/private course in South Amherst sold at auction yesterday to Appliedgolf, a major player who owns 13 other courses. Cherry Hill would have benefited somewhat by Hickory Ridge staying closed but now it may be quite the opposite as the new owners may invest more money into renovations, making it an even better course.
On average Cherry Hill only covers about 70% of its total overhead with the other 30% covered by taxpayers--the vast majority of whom do not play golf. Hickory Ridge needs to cover all its costs (including property taxes to the town) via membership fees, or the auctioneers gavel will fall again.
Looks like global warming is a blessing for a Cherry Hill!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately they need a little more than a blessing. More like a miracle.
ReplyDelete"On average Cherry Hill only covers about 70% of its total overhead..."
ReplyDeleteOr put another way, it covers a higher percentage of its overhead than any other recreational area the town owns. Now if we could just get those freeloaders who picnic in Sweetser Park to pay there way.
Yeah, and those darn little freeloaders using the swings at Groff Park.
ReplyDeleteNote to LSSE: those swings are starting to get tired.