CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – As the City of Clarksville continues to mull their options with Mason Rudolph Golf Course, Clarksville Now canvassed houses surrounding the 43-acre property to see whether residents prefer a golf course or a park.
The City of Clarksville had recently decided to turn the course into a public park with a playground and athletic fields, citing a decline in use. But one week later, the city shifted course, saying the move will be postponed as they gather public input.
Of the residents from 12 households on Thompkins Lane, Hayden Drive and Paradise Hill Road, the results were clustered, with 5 residents in favor of keeping the golf course, 4 residents in favor of turning it into a park, and 3 not having a preference.
‘It’s a great place to get started’
At one of the first houses canvassed, Rena Monroe said she had heard rumors of the golf course transitioning into a park, but she didn’t realize the plan was official until the media reported the information. “My concern is if they make it a greenspace, what’s going to happen next?” Monroe said.
Monroe added that homelessness is already a problem in the area, and the park may make matters worse. She said she’s concerned that crime may worsen in the area if a park was developed.
She said her son and his friends play golf at Mason Rudolph because they don’t feel comfortable playing at other Clarksville-area courses. “Lots of people learn to play at Mason Rudolph Golf Course. … If Clarksville Parks and Rec are going to maintain it as a greenspace, what’s the difference in maintaining it as a golf course?”
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James Ferguson, who was visiting his old neighborhood, also said Mason Rudolph is a great place for beginners to learn the game.
“It’s relatively inexpensive to use the golf course or utilize the driving range,” Ferguson said. “I’m an avid golfer, however, I haven’t played at Mason Rudolph in quite a long time, but it’s a great place to get started.” Ferguson also said with Mason Rudolph Golf Course up and running, it takes pressure off the other golf courses operating in Clarksville.
Jonathan Winstead wants to keep Mason Rudolph as it is, but he wants to see the property cleaned up. “The course is beautiful, but it needs to be upkept that’s all,” Winstead said. “On my street, they don’t necessarily keep it looking nice. … They can make it look nicer.”
Winstead also said turning the golf course into a park may invite unwanted guests.
‘We want something family-oriented’
Jovonda Young and four other residents spoke in favor of Mason Rudolph Golf Course transitioning into a park.
Young said ever since they closed the community pool about five years ago, a lot of people in the neighborhood have been left with nothing to do, which is why they would appreciate a park being added in.
“We want something more family-oriented that everybody can have something to do: kids, teenagers, adults – everybody,” Young said.
Online poll
Clarksville Now also conducted an informal online poll to gauge public opinion on the idea. Of 2,813 responses, here is how it played out:
- Mason Rudolph Golf Course should be restored and repaired as a golf course: 79%
- Mason Rudolph Golf Course should be revamped as a multi-use park with a playground, sports fields, etc.: 21%
What’s next
On May 21, in announcing the change of plans, Mayor Joe Pitts said the Parks & Recreation Department would “formulate a specific strategy for formally gathering public input” on the golf course’s future.
On Wednesday, Pitts told Clarksville Now he looks forward to hearing from the community once the plan is ready.
“Since the announcement of a pause in the process, it has been our intent to focus first on discussion and adoption of a new City budget for fiscal 2024-25, and then we will turn our attention to the Mason Rudolph Golf Course property, and what the general public would like to see happen there in the future,” Pitts said.
“We are going to take our time with this process. We do not want to rush it. We are learning about a lot of good ideas from the public, and will use those ideas, and others, as we move forward with seeking public input.”
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