Letter to the Editor

Closing of Thunder Bayou Golf Links to re-purpose into a Bayou Park: What do you think?

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

I listened to Mayor Sanders recently tell our Rotary Club about his plan to close Thunder Bayou Golf Links to save a loss to the City of Blytheville of up to $317,000 based on previous years' of experience.

I appreciate the effort to balance the city's budget; however, some of the suggested changes in this plan do not seem practical towards meeting the expected goal.

When I heard that the city could mow the proposed Bayou Park for $120,000 it made me think why the city could not mow the Golf Links as well? I have no idea what is in the total $548,878 expense that might be reduced. Of course we would be better off if we had more people paying to play golf.

Chemicals would have to be a big line item along with salaries to maintain the course. Would it be possible for the parks director to use the existing clubhouse as his office and ask for volunteers to help take care of taking care of greens fees, charging electric carts, raking sand traps, special attention to the greens, etc. while giving them free membership to playing golf during their off hours?

Would a volunteer like to re-start the "First Tee program" for youngsters asking the community for donations of their old golf clubs? Maybe the industries in Mississippi County would like to donate money for the purchase of chemicals while allowing for their employees a reduced fee or membership in order to keep one of the nicest city golf courses in the state.

Does anyone know: how much it would cost to install a "Splash Pad" to maintain it and cover liability insurance? What does it cost to maintain a "Driving Range?"

How many people would like to go to an "outdoor theater" like all those closed since 1950 and sit on a blanket with your family? What would it cost to build the screen and who would maintain it?

As far as walking paths, we already have them and could probably expand them if needed. We could build a "pavilion" for family get-togethers and special events. Maybe similar to the two that had to be torn down or deemed unsafe at Walker Park.

What would this cost?

Does anyone else have suggestions that would help us reduce current costs in order to keep what I consider a good asset that provides a healthy activity for those that want to get off of the couch and away from sitting at the computer and playing games?

-- Jim Willard

Blytheville