Monday, June 18, 2007
Preserve Countryside as recreational greenspace
From the RoundTable blog
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Caryl Solomon
Solomon, of Roanoke, plays golf and bridge, is a birder and has been active in civic and charitable activities.
As a resident and voter in Roanoke for 59 years, a former teacher at William Fleming High School for 20 years, a birder for nearly 30 years and a member of Countryside since its inception in the late 1960s, I feel compelled to express my thoughts about the city's plans for the use of the land that is now Countryside Golf Club. There are clearly financial, green space/environmental and recreational issues that will be impacted by whatever decision is ultimately made.
Countryside could remain a championship 18-hole golf course run by the city. Even with some initial investment in the facility, a real profit could be made -- as is seen with fine municipal golf courses in other cities, such as those in Baltimore; Allentown, Pa.; Fort Pierce, Fla., and many others.
Meadowbrook, which currently operates Countryside, has been making profits in excess of a quarter of a million dollars per year, despite not having put significant improvements into the course because of the uncertainty of the situation. Even greater profits could likely be made by allowing Countryside to realize its full potential.
Whatever profits are earned would seem to be clear income, unlike the monies garnered from housing taxes, which often have the downside of associated hidden costs, like funds needed for education when families with young children live in those homes.
Perhaps it should also be noted that the current profits from the golf course have been made with very reasonable green fees. Our residents, particularly our young people, need affordable, wholesome recreational opportunities, where everyone is welcome to play. Currently, two high school golf teams, William Fleming and Northside, are based there for their practices and home matches.
Also on this property are an indoor tennis facility and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which was once used for competition swim meets in addition to being open to the public through a pool membership.
Obviously, both of these provide venues for other individual or team sports and opportunities for additional revenue.
Biking/walking paths could easily be added on the existing property to create even more diversity in recreational options and to preserve green space. The current pavilion picnic area could be expanded for family use with little additional financial outlay.
Despite Countryside's proximity to the airport and the interstate highway, there are many types of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, birds and animals that call this space home. Their habitat, particularly in the city environs, is already vanishing.
Preserving the area as green space would continue to provide a safe haven for these plants and animals. It would also benefit the people who frequent this area, those who learn from and find joy in observing nature.
A decision in favor of keeping Countryside as a green space and recreational facility is clearly forward-thinking. It is not so much for older folks like me, but for younger people to have some lasting treasure in the midst of their increasingly sprawling urban/suburban environment.
It would show an understanding that succumbing to the appearance of immediate financial gain may be sacrificing some things that are far more important and valuable in the future. Preserving this area for the public is truly in the best interest of the entire community.
