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Nonprofit proposes converting Kildeer firehouse into golf-simulator community center; commissioners ask for business plan
Summary
The Cowboy Golf Foundation proposed converting an underused city-owned firehouse in Kildeer into a multi-use facility with high-end golf simulators and community space. Commissioners asked for a financial/business plan from the JDA and raised concerns about county funding priorities and structural work needed.
Clayton Johnson, president of the Cowboy Golf Foundation, and Jeremy Byrd, the foundation's vice president, asked the Dunn County commission to consider partnering or supporting a plan to convert an underused, city-owned firehouse into a community golf and recreation center.
Johnson said the foundation has raised more than $120,000 in sponsorships and that the city would donate the building and effectively rent it for $1 per month with utilities covered. "We're just asking that to see if the Dunn County would onboard as well so we get this truly something great," Johnson said. The proposal calls for high-end simulators, programming for youth, community leagues and events, and the facility to serve surrounding towns.
Commissioners expressed support for the concept but asked for additional financial details. "What would be the chances of getting our JDA a full financial and business plan?" one commissioner asked. Commissioners also raised concerns about county budget limits and road project priorities, and flagged a structural question about an adjacent wall and the need to remove an ambulance bay. Foundation representatives said most interior labor will be paid and that several sponsors have donated in-kind services.
The commission requested the foundation provide a JDA-ready business plan and said county staff would explore possible avenues for involvement (including JDA review or joint powers arrangements) rather than a direct county grant without further analysis.
