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Council hears preliminary estimates for golf-course ball barrier; staff to research options and potential grants
Summary
Engineers presented a preliminary, high-level review of options and cost estimates for a safety net along a golf course fairway where errant balls have struck homes and vehicles. Staff will return with more detailed designs and funding options.
City engineering consultant Matt Reid of SEH presented a preliminary, high-level review of putting a safety barrier along the golf course to reduce balls flying into adjacent houses and car traffic.
Reid told the committee that a safety net is "probably" in the $50,000–$70,000 range for the section he reviewed, but he cautioned that the estimate was very preliminary and excludes potential costs to relocate power lines or remove trees. "Is it possible to get it in there? Anything's possible," Reid said, adding that power lines and trees are present along the affected stretch.
Councillors said they consider the issue a public-safety concern. Councillor Paulson said residents have reported damaged siding, dented cars and at least one pedestrian struck; she said she had been told residents "will be making insurance claims against the city of Virginia" and urged staff to consider whether claims costs might offset barrier expenses. Councillor Johnson asked whether the barrier would be seasonal or year-round and requested replacement and maintenance-cost estimates.
Staff and councilors discussed practical constraints: the net would need sufficient clearance from existing power lines; moving the net farther into the fairway would encroach on play and could require removing additional trees; and a 20-foot net would reduce but not eliminate balls that clear the apex of a high shot. Councillor Freely suggested reviewing course layout alternatives, such as shifting tees or greens, though staff said several layout changes would be constrained by nearby roads, existing greens and regulatory restrictions.
Council members asked staff to investigate potential grant sources that might offset costs for a safety-focused project. Deputy Chief Jonas and other staff said they would look into public-safety grants and that the city could explore coordinating funding with the golf course’s operating budget.
Why it matters: Nearby residents described property damage and a struck pedestrian during the discussion. Councilors framed the barrier as a measure to reduce risks and potential future claims, but they did not commit to a particular design or funding plan.
Next steps: SEH will provide more detailed site-specific information, including design options that consider power-line clearances, required tree work and lifecycle/replacement estimates. Staff will also research potential grant programs and provide a fuller budget estimate before the council decides on funding or construction.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the speaker list below.
