Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8164 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8164 co—kATE 21�0 3 OTo the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 1, 1998 41 n Subject: Hers GATEWAY JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY public relations. In addition, suggested operating procedures and teaching curriculum are included to assist instructors in the program to ensure standards are achieved within the program. If a partnership could be formed, the Foundation would enter into a formal agreement with the PGA TOUR to accept all revenues generated from donations and fundraising, provide administrative oversight and implement and manage the overall golf program. If City land is used, the City would enter into a contract with the Foundation for them to manage the facility (Foundation to keep all revenues), and provide all programming. GOLF COURSE SITE AND OPERATION The PACSD reviewed several tracts of private, public and City owned land and has identified a possible site to construct this facility. The proposed site is the recently closed Waste Management landfill adjacent to Gateway Park on the near Eastside of Fort Worth. This site affords easy accessibility of non-potable water available from the Trinity River. In addition, the site is located in a regional park, which serves the entire City and because of the existing landfill, development options are restricted. Funding for design, construction and program development will be accomplished through private donations, grant funds and in-kind services solicited by the Foundation. Daily operation of the pro shop and programming of this youth only facility would be under the direction of the Foundation. In addition, the Foundation would be responsible for any and all revenues generated at the facility, which in turn would be earmarked to operate the facility and underwrite the program. The City's participation would encompass the provision of the land and perhaps some in-kind services. Once the golf course is constructed, staff suggests that the daily operation and maintenance of the course be managed by the City provided that funds to underwrite these operations could be achieved via fees and/or donations. Park department staff presented this junior golf program and facility development concept to the Parks and Community services Advisory Board at their meeting on October 20, 1998. The Board unanimously endorsed the program and project concept. The program and facility concept was then reviewed and endorsed by the City Council's Facilities and Infrastructure Committee and the Safety and Community Development Committee at their joint meeting on November 11, 1998. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8164 req�.4 December` 1� 1998 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 3 NX Subject: GATEWAY JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY 1873 BACKGROUND Since 1996 the Parks and Community Services Department (PACSD) has been involved in a unique partnership with the Lindy Miller Foundation for Junior Golf with a goal of developing a year-round junior golf program and golf academy that would cater to the needs of Fort Worth's junior golfers. The purpose of the partnership is to provide a junior golf program for city youths, ages 10 to 13. The program includes quality golf instruction, course playing opportunities, social development through sportsmanship training and opportunities for employment as caddies. Development of a junior only golf course and teaching academy has been established as a long-range goal of the program. Social development is an integral part of this program. Youths are coached in goal setting, the importance of values such as honesty, responsibility, perseverance and sportsmanship by developing a sense of fair play through control of emotions, courtesy, and respect for other participants, as well as, the golf course and the environment. Two years ago, five (5) community centers were selected to initially participate in this program. Twelve youths from each community center were selected based on interest, golf skill level, economic need, interpersonal skills, and involvement in community affairs. The five community centers involved are Greenbriar, R.D. Evans, Diamond Hill, Hillside, and Martin Luther King. Over the past two (2) years the program has involved 112 youths with 25 volunteers supporting these efforts and mentoring each youth. At the conclusion of each year, the Foundation has sponsored a banquet for all participants, their parents and volunteers to recognize outstanding performance. PROPOSED JUNIOR ONLY GOLF COURSE Recently the Foundation has been approached by the PGA TOUR who is interested in developing a formal partnership that would combine the FGA TOUR's "The First Tee" program with the Foundation. This partnership is a natural one as both organizations have similar goals of developing a golf facility for junior golfers (18 and under) only. "The First Tee" program is a nationwide junior golf program supported by several public sector organizations (U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Housing and Urban Development, etc.), as well as most allied golf associations. The program emphasizes a cooperation between the private sector, i.e. Lindy Miller Foundation, the business community and local governmental entities. 1iT Once a contract between the Foundation and "The First Tee" is executed, the national office provides assistance with design, business planning, fundraising, sponsorship and ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.. 8164 010-18TE�ta ' December 1, 1998 6t"__)#T To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 3 of 3 wool Subject: GATEWAY JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY FUTURE ACTIONS Staff is currently pursuing the establishment of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Lindy Miller Foundation for Junior Golf. The MOU would outline the principle conditions for a future agreement to use the proposed site for development of a Junior Golf Academy. Future action by the City Council would involve approval of the formal agreement between the City and the Foundation before any ground is broken for construction in the Fall of 1999. Provided all necessary project development and operations costs are adequately financed, the design and engineering services phase could be accomplished in the Spring of 1999. This would allow for construction to begin in the Fall of 1999 with completion by the Fall of 2000 (Note: This includes a six month grow-in period). Attached is a map of the proposed site at Gateway Park. Should you have any questions about this project please call Richard Zavala, Parks and Community Services Department Director at 871-5704 or Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager at 871-6183. Ab Terre City ity MZ er Attachment dr ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS � � n �.r# • �.��� r •ter •� �►...� I��� WWI =--ice .��.�. - � • � ,4 . � r i �