Resident urges safety netting at city-owned golf course; Chamber outlines plan to run tournament as takeover talks continue

A Chickasha resident urged the Mayor and Council to install safety netting along the portion of the city-owned golf course that borders Sixteenth Street, citing near-miss incidents and what she described as an existing liability since the city purchased the course.

Elizabeth Reed told council she had previously submitted receipts documenting problems and described specific safety incidents. “Some children nearly got hit by a golf ball as they were getting off the bus,” Reed said. She said the street is busy with vehicle, motorcycle and pedestrian traffic and noted emergency vehicles use the road; she also said a golf ball once struck a vehicle windshield. Reed asked council to “please consider putting up the netting” and suggested a limited number of netted sections rather than a continuous barrier. She noted, “there's already been an eye‑watering $1,600,000 spent on this golf course,” and said additional spending to address safety would be appropriate.

Later on the agenda, council approved a request allowing the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce to use the golf course for its annual Chamber Golf Tournament on Sept. 5, 2025. Jim (identified in the meeting as the tournament applicant and Chamber representative) told council the Chamber plans to run the same AM and PM scramble format it has used in prior years, that it would provide lunch and pay an event fee to the city. Jim said the Chamber has experience running similar events and expects to deliver a comparable tournament this year.

Council members and staff also updated the council on a separate community-led effort to assume operations of the golf course. Council discussion said the group has been given a target to present a formal plan by September and, if acceptable, could take over operations effective Oct. 1. Council members said the group has raised what they described as sufficient capital to operate the course; the group is reportedly seeking 501(c)(3) status and considering temporary arrangements under another nonprofit while paperwork is pending. The group told council it is exploring options such as hiring a professional to run the pro shop, sponsoring “adopt‑a‑hole” repairs and soliciting hole-sponsor donations.

Council members raised liability and insurance questions before approving the tournament use. The Chamber representative said the Chamber carries liability insurance for events and that the organization would look into whether policy language explicitly covers errant golf balls crossing onto adjacent streets or private property; he said he would report back to council. One council member asked that the Chamber inform its golfers that errant shots on hole No. 2 may be the shooters’ responsibility. City staff said if the larger takeover plan does not materialize by the council’s deadline, the city may operate the property as a park rather than a golf course.

Council did not set final design or funding decisions on netting during the meeting. Reed and council members emphasized the safety concern, and Reed asked for at least partial netting near the hole that backs up to Sixteenth Street.