Council hears plan to spend $173,000 on Gleason Park driving range, opening targeted this season

Controller Beck presented ordinance CPO 202615 proposing a $173,000 budget to build a driving range at Gleason Park.

Beck said the project’s estimated cost is $173,000 and that the city currently has about $23,000 in the Gleason fund to apply toward the project. "We have about 23,000 remaining in a Gleon existing Gleon fund that has been carried over from previous periods," Beck said, noting a supplemental $150,000 from the county economic development income tax fund would complete the financing.

Councilman Williams expressed support and asked about expected revenue; the administration said forecasts are uncertain because the city is re-entering a market it left previously and that staff will provide renderings and more detailed revenue information at the next meeting. Officials said initial plans do not include lighting; the range would open "dusk to dawn" (daylight hours) to start, with phased additions such as lighting and layered terrain considered later.

The administration said the intention is for revenue generated by the range to be reinvested in Gleason Park amenities, such as walkways and lighting.

No formal vote was recorded during the presentation; the council adjourned afterward.