Staff with the City of Kingston will recommend that council vote in favour of closing Belle Park Fairways, the city’s nine-hole golf course, which has been losing money for a number of years.
“We’ve been looking at the financials heavily since that time period. Memberships and revenues go hand in hand they’ve been declining,” said Adam McCluskey, manager of recreational facilities.
The course didn’t open this year due to spring-time flooding.
A survey conducted during a three-week period between July and August asked nearly 1,100 residents what they would like to see the space used for — 68 per cent said ‘no golf at all’.
A report will be presented to council on Tuesday and suggests the space host a new rugby field, pickleball courts as well as more walking and hiking trails.
However, a golfing component will likely remain, as staff are also recommending the chipping and putting greens, as well as driving range remain in place.
“If they’re having chipping and putting as well, it’ll be nice to just come out and swing the clubs,” Queen’s University Student Alex Murata said. “Change it up a little bit and relieve some stress.”
Aside from sporting fields, recommendations also include improvements to the clubhouse, a new playground, protected shoreline and a botanical garden.