Maple Valley upgrades golf course
Maple Valley hadn’t planned to get into the golf-course business.
But last year, when a developer wanted to build homes on the Lake Wilderness Golf Course, city officials decided quickly to spend $4.5 million to buy it. That money was to be spent on ballfields, so city officials are now working on a plan to replace the money.
Until then, they’ll keep the course - meanwhile making upgrades to bring in more revenue.
“It was a defensive action,” said Maple Valley City Manager Anthony Hemstad.
The city bought the course from Kirkland-based developer YarrowBay because officials were concerned about preserving open space in a city that’s growing faster than the city can handle, Hemstad said.
The city has hired Premier Golf Centers, which manages municipal courses in Seattle, to run the course.
Most of the money the city spent on the golf course was set aside for the ballfields to be located at Summit Pit, which the city hopes to develop by 2010, Hemstad said.
The city paid cash for the course, Hemstad said, and it needs to find a way to replace the money.
One option under consideration is a special assessment district that would tax homeowners who live on the golf course, Hemstad said.
The city hadn’t expected to own a course, Hemstad said, but officials are embracing the asset.
They’ve invested about $100,000 in capital improvements and made upgrades to the property, focusing on the golf-course restaurant.
The city has long said that the restaurant, formerly Henry’s Switch, had potential. Renamed the Lake Wilderness Grill, it has a new menu.
“Maple Valley needs to have a high-quality dependable restaurant that delivers a great value,” course General Manager Matthew Stuckens said.
Other upgrades include the “19th Hole,” a walk-up counter where golfers can get quick meals.
The course has a new fleet of golf carts and the pro shop is stocked with quality merchandise, Stuckens said.
“People want us to succeed,” Stuckens said. “Now, there’s a buzz … a very positive buzz.”
Lauren Vane: 253-234-8604 or lvane@seattletimes.com