A proposal to purchase the Seaside Golf Course in Astoria and create a park and recreational area of 103 acres is to be discussed in a public session on 16th January next year by the Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District Board. The meeting will take place at 5.15pm at the Bob Chisholm Community Center on 1225 Avenue A.
Board members are looking for comments from the general public as to whether the district should pursue the acquisition of the golf course, which has been listed for sale for $2 million.
“It could be a powerful opportunity,” says Justin Cutler, the district General Manager. “I think there’s a lot of win for the community, but the question is if we have the resources.” Cutler points out that the district has been looking for financial partners in order to help it to both buy and run the property, but that it has not set a deadline by which it intends to make any kind of decision. He added that the district is “working on a strategy for potential acquisition and investment in a park that would provide a mix of recreation opportunities for southern Clatsop County.”
The National Golf Consulting Inc of Florida, at the request of the district board, examined the feasibility of the district owning the golf course. Although the district would lose out if it kept the area as a golf course, making a driving range on the site could net it between $40,000 - $50,000 every year.
Cutler has also suggested that as well as a driving range, a property located on the south side of Seaside, west of US Highway 101, might be ideal for nature trails, archery, a high ropes challenge course, disc golf and mountain biking.
