Course redesigns, new turf tee pads and tournament planned as park usage climbs; parks budget figures reported

Volunteers and park staff reported multiple course improvements, a planned tournament in April and plans to install all 18 turf tee pads this spring as usage of the course continues to grow.

A presenter (course volunteer) said six holes were redesigned for 2024, practice-net and warm-up facilities were added, and that the group had installed eight of the planned 18 turf tee pads so far. "They're about 5 feet across and 12 feet long," the presenter said of the pads, describing a wood-frame base topped with stone-dust and turf. The group also has constructed wooden benches and a new picnic table at the course.

The presenter said a warm-up tournament is scheduled for April 27 and is open for registration. He described two tournament formats: a shotgun start limited to 72 players and a more open "warm-up" format that allows teeing off throughout the day. The group reported 69 players at last year’s warm-up event.

Usage estimates: staff cited UDisc posting data and said recorded rounds represent only a fraction of actual play. Using the UDisc estimate that posted rounds are roughly 20% of total rounds, the presenter estimated annual crossings of the adjacent road in the 20,000 range and suggested the course attracts thousands of unique players; the presenter characterized these as estimates based on posted rounds and app usage rather than direct counts.

Parks operations and budgets: John (staff member) reported summer-camp and program registration revenue and gave headline budget figures for the parks department: an operating budget request of roughly $3.8 million (does not include self-sustaining programs), self-sustaining program receipts of about $1.5 million with approximately $1.3 million in associated expenses, capital equipment at just over $300,000, and infrastructure requests around $970,000. Staff said summer programs sold quickly and that waiting lists have already formed.

Safety and amenities: the presenter urged continued pursuit of a crosswalk across Lapham Road in response to the estimated high volume of crossings and said the group will add signage to direct players to nearby restrooms and water.

Why it matters: the course improvements and growing use increase park amenities and bring pedestrian safety concerns for a frequently crossed roadway; budget numbers indicate parks staff capacity to maintain and expand amenities but show some capital items remain subject to town-level approval.