CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – One week after announcing that Mason Rudolph Golf Course will close at the end of the month and be converted into a multi-use park, Mayor Joe Pitts announced Tuesday that the city is reconsidering.
“Since our recent announcement of a plan to convert Mason Rudolph Golf Course to a public park that would be called Mason Rudolph Legacy Park, we have heard from many Clarksville residents, casually and informally, who have widely-different points of view on this concept,” Pitts said. “There are many of our residents who are for the park proposal, but we are also hearing from many who want it to remain as a golf course.”
He said the city will gather public input in the coming weeks before making a final decision.
Damaged course, diminished use
The initial decision was based on three major issues, the city said. First, there have been several years of decreasing golfer usage. In its last year of full operations, the golf course only saw 2,790 golfers, which is less than the number of houses in a one-mile radius of the 48-acre property, according to the city news release. Second, an evaluation was done to see what it would take to revitalize the course, and estimates came back at around $4.4 million. Then lastly, a sinkhole has begun to open at hole number 3.
Initial plans for the land include open spaces, athletic practice fields, pavilions, walking trails, a playground and a community center for rent. However, future amenities are still being determined.
The park was expected to be called “Mason Rudolph Legacy Park,” as a way to continue to pay homage to the legendary golfer who was born in Clarksville in 1934.
Pitts: ‘I do not want this issue to become divisive’
In his statement on Tuesday, Pitts said he wants to gather opinions from everyone involved.
“Understand that, there are many issues to iron out regardless of which direction we ultimately choose, but for now, we have decided to pause the process, and respect the opinions of our many valued and appreciated Clarksville residents,” he said.
“Throughout the early stages of this process, my singular goal has simply been to do what’s best for all Clarksville taxpayers with respect to future utilization of this property. I absolutely do not want this issue to become divisive in our community. I only want an end result that everyone can be happy, and comfortable with,” Pitts said.
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“In the coming weeks, the City of Clarksville, through our Parks & Recreation Department, will formulate a specific strategy for formally gathering public input on this topic, that we can use to guide the way forward in determining the future for this 43-acre site. To all residents, we say thank you for your interest and concern.”
Clarksville Now is offering an informal poll. Click below to weigh in on what you think should happen.