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Public/private partnership

Tempe takes another step toward changes at Ken McDonald Golf Course

Posted 2/2/23

A survey asking for the community’s opinions on the future of Ken McDonald Golf Course is nearing an end.

Those who would like to participate in the survey can register their opinions …

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Public/private partnership

Tempe takes another step toward changes at Ken McDonald Golf Course

Posted

A survey asking for the Tempe community’s opinions on the future of Ken McDonald Golf Course is nearing an end.

Those who would like to participate in the survey can register their opinions through Tuesday, Feb. 7, at  https://www.tempe.gov/government/communication-and-marketing/tempe-forum

The survey is another piece in the process undertaken by the city to determine whether there should be a public-private partnership to operate the course, just south of Kiwanis Park at 800 E. Divot Drive.

The city is negotiating with CourseCo regarding management of Ken McDonald, and the firm is looking for feedback through the survey, Tempe officials said in a release.

If chosen, CourseCo would assume responsibility for all operations, maintenance and future capital improvement projects, the release stated.

In March 2022, the Tempe City Council unanimously authorized city staff to begin negotiating with CourseCo.

“The company was chosen through an RFP process that sought to find an experienced firm to enter a land lease in order to broaden and improve playing experiences as well as sustain the city’s commitment to community-based golf,” city officials said in the release.

The course is not being sold, they said.

An objective in creating the public-private partnership, according to officials, is to see that significant needed capital improvements can be made, including the renovation of the clubhouse. The survey could help determine potential future priorities for the course.

CourseCo has a 32-year history of managing golf properties with a focus on municipal and daily fee courses in the western United States.

Following the public involvement process and conclusion of negotiations, a lease agreement for Ken McDonald could be drafted for the council’s consideration at a public meeting, city officials said.