Practice facility could stay open after golf course closes

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The greens of the Lafayette Golf Course are officially closed. But if there's enough "green," some parts may continue.

The city parks board voted to close the course Monday afternoon. Board members said they were one flood away from being forced to make the same move last spring.

But the recent transfer of the Battle Ground Golf Club into public hands has eased their minds about the vote.

They also voted to keep the driving range and putting green open as a practice facility until at least June 1.

Parks Board President Dave Mecklenburg hopes it's longer.

"We don't have that many driving ranges in town to play on," Mecklenburg said. "That gives the community a place to go hit golf balls and putt and chip and learn the parts of the game. Hopefully it can be financially supportive so we can keep it open. That's one thing I always said from day one that I'd like to see happen."

Park staff estimate it will cost about $30,000 a year to keep the practice facility open after June 1. Golfers can continue to play the course until March 1, though there will be no maintenance of the course or golf carts available.

Mayor Tony Roswarski said his office has received several ideas for what to do with the course, but a decision will not be made until probably 2014.