During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the future of the Mid Valley Golf Course, focusing on the urgent need for an irrigation system overhaul and the potential for enhanced community engagement through the facility.

Parks and Recreation Director Jen Wills presented a detailed overview of the golf course's current operations, highlighting a significant increase in rounds played—from 25,000 in 2017 to an anticipated 43,000 this year. This surge has led to rising revenues, projected to reach approximately $1.7 million, but also to escalating operational costs.

The discussion turned to the aging irrigation system, which is nearly 50 years old and in dire need of replacement. Wills emphasized that the outdated hydraulic control system is causing substantial water loss, with estimates suggesting that the course wasted around 24 million gallons last year alone. The council is considering a $5.8 million proposal to replace the irrigation system, which would significantly reduce water usage and improve the course's sustainability.

Council members expressed a strong desire to maintain the golf course as a community asset, noting its role in local recreation and property value enhancement. Several options for funding the irrigation project were discussed, including reallocating maintenance funds from the general budget and potentially issuing bonds to cover costs.

The council is leaning towards a two-pronged approach: addressing immediate irrigation needs while also ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the golf course. This includes exploring the possibility of using surface water for irrigation, which could further reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.

As the meeting concluded, council members reiterated their commitment to preserving the golf course as a vital community resource, emphasizing the importance of timely action to prevent further deterioration of the facility. The council plans to revisit funding options and project timelines in upcoming sessions, aiming to finalize a plan that balances fiscal responsibility with community needs.