Union County adopts ordinance allowing Galloping Hill golf simulator rentals, fees

The Union County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 853-2025 on final reading tonight to amend the county administrative code governing parks and recreation to permit and set fees for a new golf simulator at Galloping Hill.

Vice Chairman Joe Bodick moved the ordinance for final reading and adoption and Commissioner Joseph Mirabella seconded. County staff described the measure as “revenue generating.” In a presentation during the public comment segment, County Manager (Ed Oatman) explained the new technology at Galloping Hill would allow the county to open the facility for paid rental of a golf simulator. "This is a revenue generating ordinance," the county manager said.

Bruce Patterson of Garwood asked whether the changes would create cost impacts for residents and requested an overview of possible fees; county staff said the simulator will be offered for paid rental and framed the ordinance as a revenue source for county parks. After the public hearing closed, the board called for the motion. The clerk recorded six votes in the affirmative for Ordinance 853-2025, and the chair directed the clerk to advertise the ordinance in accordance with law.

The title read into the record described the ordinance as an amendment to the Union County Administrative Code, Part 2 (Policies and General Legislation), Chapter 107 (Parks and Recreation). The ordinance was adopted after roll call reflected six affirmative votes by commissioners present at the time of the vote.

No fee schedule for the simulator was read into the public record at the hearing; county staff said the new technology will allow the county to charge to rent the facility and that any specific fee or schedule would be implemented by county policy in accordance with county procedures.