Tom, I’m sorry Eric did not get a shot at this project. I doubt the result will be as good as his would have been. I’d be curious to see what Eric had in mind for the site.
As for City Park, I have played it many times for many years and it is what I think is a perfect municipal course—low price, straightforward golf (and by straightforward I mean 18 straightaway holes built in four parallel lines on a rectangular piece of land) that is decently maintained and with enough interest to make you come back. The course also has some of the best views of the city skyline and mountains of any location in the city. The course is surrounded by busy city streets; there is not much room for the current 18 hole golf course, so it will be an interesting challenge to incorporate this stormwater catchment area. I’m concerned that how this is done could be a make or break issue for the course.
There is a vocal opposition group that is using the golf course as a vehicle to oppose the whole project. From perusing the City materials, it does appear that preserving trees on the course is a major issue as trees are mentioned more that the golf course itself. Here is an example: “Tree backdrops around greens, if incorporated, should consist of dense canopied ornamental deciduous trees.” Ugh (FYI City Park has in fact removed a lot of trees in recent years, to good effect in my opinion.)
Another comment I noticed was the following: “Opportunities exist to improve excessive sloping of certain greens (e.g., 1, 2, 3).” The first three greens are pretty significantly sloped back to front. I like them as they present what I think are tough but not unfair challenges. I assume what they mean by “improve” is soften, which could be fine if they don’t overdo it. Overall, the greens could be made more interesting. The greens that follow the first three are pretty flat and overall boring.
I initially was concerned that City Park was going away. I didn’t like that because I think it serves a very useful purpose to the city’s resident golfers. It’s not the best muny in the city (Wellshire is a lot better IMO), but it is OK. I hope it can retain its character and function post re-do. If so, then not a big deal.
To Denverites--By the way, I noticed in looking at the City materials that I know someone on the City steering committee. If you want to provide any input on this project, please let me know.