Not a hole-in-one
Don't mess with politicians and their golf courses.
Star-News reporter Kevin Felt wrote a story in today's paper about the future of the Arcadia Par-3 Golf Course.
Apparently, Kare Youth League wants to buy a sliver of the 18-hole, 1,947-yard-long course - 9/10ths of an acre at the edge of the property. Problem is, it would involve moving one hole.
Here's what the council had to say about that:
"I would never be interested in selling any portion at a fair price," said Councilman Roger Chandler, who described himself as an avid user of the course. "I would only be interested if we sold it for an extraordinary price. You can only sell this land once, then it's gone forever."
In January, Councilman Peter Amundson noted a city formula that estimated the value of Arcadia's park at about $500,000 an acre. But Chandler said Tuesday that he didn't think $1 million for the land would be enough.
More than $1 million for 9/10ths of an acre? Sounds like John Martin, Kare executive director, could be willing to pay it.
"We are very interested, no matter how many candy-bar sales it takes," said Martin, noting that Kare provides recreational opportunities for 600 children at its facility. "I have to believe there is a way to bring this all together to help all parties involved."
Not just politicians play golf at Arcadia's Par 3 Golf Course. Many seniors and youth call this their home course. I find it amazing that KARE would have a million dollars to buy land. Most youth organizations are hurting for cash. How does KARE, at $75 a kid, amass a million dollars of expendable cash? That would be my question rather than why a city wants to hold on to park land.