A significant milestone has been achieved at the Green Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe, with the successful completion of another section of the golf cart path, all accomplished well within budgetary constraints. This project marks a substantial advancement in enhancing the course’s infrastructure, allowing for a smoother golfing experience for its patrons.
According to Mayor Joe Sakacs, this completed section of the path adhered strictly to his allocated spending limit, totaling an investment of $25,000. The careful budgeting reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining the quality of facilities available to the community while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
In 2021, Recreation Director Tim Stopp sought the Wickliffe City Council’s approval to have the city engineer prepare the bidding specifications for this essential cart path project. Given that the total expenses would exceed the $50,000 threshold, necessary bids were duly solicited to ensure the project’s successful execution.
Stopp noted that initial estimates indicated the project would require at least two weeks for completion. The timeline was strategically developed to minimize disruption to golfers, with efforts aimed at avoiding course closures during the peak season, or at least limiting them as much as possible.
The new cart path will consist of a sturdy base topped with a smooth layer of asphalt, ensuring durability and comfort for golfers. Once finished, this newly constructed path will actually surpass the length of the walking path found at Jindra Park, further enhancing the recreational options available to visitors.
This project is being funded by the proceeds generated from the golf course itself, illustrating a sustainable approach to improvements. Additionally, the course has seen updates to its clubhouse, including a comprehensive facelift that involved repainting, upgraded lighting, and new flooring, rendering a refreshed atmosphere for visitors.
“It got a fresh inside for the clubhouse,” Stopp remarked. “We’re doing these different projects piece by piece, trying to improve the gem that it already is.” This proactive approach seeks to enhance the overall experience for golfers and visitors alike, ensuring that the course remains a beloved destination.
Before it became a golf course in the 1920s, the now nine-hole, 1,915-yard, par-32 layout was originally a family farm. The course transitioned into a golf facility with the acquisition by Ralph Bond and Eddie Garfield, both accomplished professional golfers, prior to the city’s purchase in 2005.
In 2005, Wickliffe voters supported maintaining the golf course as a green space. Since the city took ownership, efforts have been focused on ensuring its operation as a golf venue continues to thrive.
During the pandemic, as outdoor recreational activities became increasingly popular, many people discovered the enjoyable experiences that Green Ridge had to offer, leading to a positive reception of the course’s facilities. Stopp commented, “It has its niche,” highlighting the course’s ability to attract a diverse range of players, including seniors, juniors, and those participating in league play.
The golf course retains its historical significance as one of the oldest in Ohio, with little alteration to its original layout since it was established. This enduring legacy, coupled with recent improvements, underscores the city’s dedication to preserving and enhancing this cherished community resource.
**Interview with Mayor Joe Sakacs on Green Ridge Public Golf Course Improvements**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Sakacs. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the recent milestone at Green Ridge Public Golf Course. Can you tell us more about the cart path project?
**Mayor Sakacs:** Absolutely! We’ve just completed another section of the golf cart path, which is a significant step forward for both the course and the community. The project was completed on budget at $25,000, which reflects our commitment to providing quality facilities while being fiscally responsible.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! It sounds like careful planning was involved. How did the project come about?
**Mayor Sakacs:** It actually started back in 2021 when Recreation Director Tim Stopp approached the City Council. We had to prepare bidding specifications because the total costs would exceed $50,000. We wanted to ensure transparency and competitiveness in the bidding process.
**Interviewer:** I understand that timing was a crucial factor for this project. How did you manage to minimize disruption to golfers?
**Mayor Sakacs:** Yes, timing is always a challenge. We estimated that the project would take about two weeks, and we scheduled the work strategically to avoid peak golfing times. Our goal was to limit course closures as much as possible, allowing patrons to continue enjoying the course.
**Interviewer:** What can golfers expect from the new cart path once it’s fully operational?
**Mayor Sakacs:** The new path features a sturdy base topped with smooth asphalt, providing a durable and comfortable experience for golfers. In fact, it will surpass the length of the walking path at Jindra Park, which is a great enhancement for our recreational offerings.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to hear that the project is funded by the proceeds from the golf course itself. How does this help in terms of sustainability and future improvements?
**Mayor Sakacs:** Funding improvements through course revenue is a sustainable approach. It ensures that we’re reinvesting in our community’s amenities while minimizing reliance on taxpayer dollars. This way, we can plan for future enhancements without overstretching our budget.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Sakacs. It sounds like Green Ridge Public Golf Course is on track to provide an even better experience for our community.
**Mayor Sakacs:** Thank you! We’re excited about these developments and the positive impact on our local golfing community. We look forward to even more improvements in the future!
