City of Port Townsend leaves golfers in a state of suspense | Letter to the editor

Posted

The Port Townsend Golf Course is a municipal golf course designed to serve its city and the neighboring communities. 

It provides recreation for all ages, individual integrity, social skills, and teamwork responsibilities. Not to mention the many fundraisers for scholarship programs, the Rivals athletic programs, tournaments to help families and the local food bank, and a place for cross country tournaments. 

Is there a plan to close the golf course? If not, why all the meetings and consultants? 

It is apparent that the city does listen to those who wish to have outdoor activities. 

For example: dog owners, we have the dog parks. Or those who can no longer enjoy tennis, we now have pickleball courts. And don’t forget cyclists, joggers, and walkers in areas where the city has changed the roads to accommodate them by repainting Blaine and other city streets. 

Currently many golf supporters are trying to plan for February’s traditional Arctic Open, May’s Rhody Festival Scholarship Memorial, June’s Combined Chimacum/Port Townsend Rivals Athletic Tournament, and the many other summer and fall tournaments which support our local communities’ fundraisers.

So what’s the plan for the golf course? Can directors start making arrangements for up and coming tournaments? 

Like any event, planning is a requirement. Ask the Rhody Run director or the Wooden Boat Festival. 

Golfing events don’t require permits, detours, or law enforcement assistance. They do require people from all ages and abilities to meet outdoors, have fun, exercise, and remember why they like living in Port Townsend. 

Why do our community golfers every couple of years have to wonder, “Should I buy these holiday golf specials when I may not be able to use them this summer”? 

Can everyone voice their opinion to help preserve this outdoor activity? 

Rita Beebe
PORT TOWNSEND