Longtime players and residents object to proposed Hermann Park golf redesign; open house scheduled

Julian Ramirez, chair of the Quality of Life Committee and council member at-large 1, opened the meeting and allowed public comment from people who had come to hear a presentation about proposed changes to the Hermann Park golf course. Ramirez said an open house about the golf course update will be held at the golf course clubhouse on Wednesday evening and that the committee may take the item up at a later meeting.

Several longtime players and residents told the committee they oppose the plan, which they said would convert nine holes to par‑3s. Bert Graham, who said he played Hermann Park in 1958, told the committee: "I have some concerns about the planned update...the plan is to do away with 9 holes of the golf course and replace it with 9 3 par holes," and added that eliminating opportunities to hit drivers would reduce the enjoyment that brings many people to the course. "I just hate to see the main attraction ... ruined by making it a novelty," Graham said.

Grace Simpson, who identified herself as a member of the women's league that plays at Hermann Park, said the course is the primary affordable site for many local women golfers and said she and teammates received little advance notice about the planned changes. "This is the only place that we can play," Simpson said, and she estimated about 50 women participate in her local league at Hermann Park. Simpson said converting half the course to par‑3 holes would prevent some tournaments and handicap posting that her league uses, and that staff at Hermann Park learned about employment changes only when they received pink slips.

Another member of the public, Don McNayser, urged officials to "leave Hermann Park alone" and suggested upgrading alternative courses such as Melrose Park instead. He also raised concerns about perceived inequities in park investments and referenced Moody Park as an area he believes has been overlooked for improvements.

Committee Chair Ramirez encouraged commenters to attend the scheduled open house at the golf clubhouse, which he said should include staff who can answer questions and accept feedback. No formal action or vote was taken by the committee at the meeting; Ramirez noted the administration had pulled the scheduled presentation and that the committee may consider the item at a future meeting.

The public comments recorded concerns about preserving 18‑hole playability, impacts on organized leagues (including a women's league that plays on Wednesdays), notice to park staff and players, and equity in park investments across neighborhoods. Ramirez closed the public‑comment segment by thanking speakers and moving on to the committee’s regular agenda.