From: Eric Riddle
Columbus
The city did not include the option of keeping the Pete Dye-designed Greenbelt Golf Course and closing Par 3 in the five options presented on Tuesday. I think the public deserves to see that option analyzed.
After hearing Mayor Lienhoop’s argument and reviewing the Inspire Motives report, I agree that we need to reduce the number of holes, but I disagree with sacrificing Greenbelt.
As an advocate for native plants and pollinator habitat, I would love to see the plan for the closed course follow Jennings County’s model of turning a former golf course into a public park.
The Republic published an excellent article titled “Flourishing Flowers” on July 5 highlighting the creation of Tripton Park in Jennings County. I visited Tripton Park earlier this summer and was delighted to see the successful conversion of the former golf course. It has bountiful wildflower installations and many other public amenities.
My primary concern that was not sufficiently addressed in the presentation is the future of the land that will no longer be a golf course. I think a plan to close should also include a vision of what the land could become.
Many questions remain unanswered: Will the city plan to sell to a private developer? What is the best use for the Greenbelt property acreage that is in the floodway? Will the city commit more money in the 2021 budget to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department to manage the converted property?
I advocate for waiting to make a decision until the future land use is as vigorously considered as the case to close a course.
As long as it is open, I will continue to enjoy the fun, socially-distanced activity of golf with my friends at Greenbelt.
