The Decatur Park District has put up a RFQ packet on its’ site to attract a professional planning firm with the qualifications to create a master plan for Nelson Park. Reading through the packet, I haven’t come across anything new. Residential development is still being considered. Just about every part of the park is under review but for Nelson Park Pavilion #1 and the beach house, which were both built in the late 1930′s as WPA projects.
One site that I haven’t discussed, (there’s actually something I haven’t discussed yet), is the miniature golf course at Nelson Park. It is also under review. I can’t think of a better use for that site, though the golf course is dated and could use some sprucing up. In Wisconsin Dells and Myrtle Beach, I drove by and played, on some of the newer miniature golf courses, which are major attractions for these areas. In Wisconsin Dells alone, many of the golf courses were themed. One had a volcano which shot out fire, while another one had crashing waterfalls and rocky cliffs, reminiscent of Disneyland. Some of those ideas might be over the top for Decatur but modernizing our miniature golf course isn’t a bad idea.
The thing that gets me still, is the closure of the Nelson Park golf course. It seems to me, if Decatur wants to market the Nelson Park area, a nice golf course would fit into the plan. What else are we going to use all that land for? At one time, I wasn’t against some residential development on a portion of the golf course, but I’ve changed my mind on that. Green space has value too and once you destroy it, it’s gone – at least for our generation.
Another thing that really irks me is the insistance that the closure of the golf course had nothing to do with any future development plans. Uhm…
Personally I like the idea of walking path/ bike path. Like the one at Scovil. That is a nice hilly area that would be great exercise and to walk that near the lake would be cool too. Also it could connect to the path around the lake that many walk. It would keep it mainly attractive open space. I’m no golfer but I still believe a golf course ups the value of the surrounding area and I still question why we have one in Forsyth .I know the land it sits on is annexed to Decatur but…still it is in Forsyth and the residents, neighborhoods and businesses that benefit most from it’s presence are in Forsyth. That still rubs me wrong….
The miniature golf and batting cage, from what I understand, actually makes money – why mess that up. I believe this has been the plan since Red Tail Run opened in 2006, if not before. A request was presented to the city council on Sept 2, 2008, this is when the park district asked the city to contribute $30,000 towards the Phase I master plan. Then on February 18, 2009 they closed the golf course. I think residential housing/condos in this park would be a disgrace. It has beautiful rolling hills, as river land often has. Anything but park use would destroy the landscape. If condos/housing is pushed through all of Decatur should be ashamed of themselves.
I’m absolutely for keeping the miniature golf course where it’s at but the last time I was there, it was really showing its’ age. You really couldn’t play a decent game because the carpet was in such bad shape. Maybe they’ve replaced the carpet since I’ve been there. I’d like to see the batting cages stay.
Here’s some examples of mini golf courses I’ve seen:
http://www.piratescovewisdells.com/
http://www.junglelagoon.com/
I’m not saying Decatur should do either of those themes, but themed mini golf courses are big attractions and fun to play.
http://www.herald-review.com/blogs/letterstotheeditor/?p=4158
did you all see this in the H&R regarding making some of Nelson a Botanical Garden? With walking trails and a variety of gardens and utilizing the old old club house – this sounds cool to me…
Sue, I saw that suggestion and I think it’s worth exploring. The botanical garden in St. Louis is a great example.
From all the feedback I’ve gotten, it’s clear that the people of Decatur want to make the decision on what is to become of Nelson Park. Personally, I think the committee has it all backwards. Instead of hiring a firm to tell us what we should do, let’s ask the people of Decatur what they would like to see done and then go to the experts and see how feasible it is. I’ve been hearing great ideas from several residents. We don’t need people who have never lived here and don’t give a hoot about us, telling us what we should do with our city and lake. I’d welcome unbiased, professional feedback, but let’s give ourselves some credit.
I agree with you 100%. I believe 2 real wise folks once said that people don’t get listened to in their home town – one of them was Jesus and the other Mark Twain…
Just for general information for the citizens of Decatur. The park board has meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Of course, these meetings are held at noon when sooooo many people are able come. Maybe if enough people would complain they would change the time.
Thanks for that information. I wasn’t sure when the meetings were held. They really should change the time to the evening.