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Deer Park golf fees for 2020 set

Yorkton Council set the fees for Deer Park Golf Course at its regular meeting Monday. “Although we are unsure whether or not we’ll be allowed to open the golf course, we are still planning to open at some point.
Deer Park

Yorkton Council set the fees for Deer Park Golf Course at its regular meeting Monday.

“Although we are unsure whether or not we’ll be allowed to open the golf course, we are still planning to open at some point. Therefore we have given consideration to the fees and charges from the perspective that we would open as normal. If the season is shortened, pro-rated season passes could be set up or rates otherwise reduced to provide people with an incentive to participate,” noted Darcy McLeod, Director Community Development, Parks & Recreation with the City in making an administrative presentation to Council.

“With respect to tournaments, any tournament that has been booked will be considered tentative at this point, pending future direction from our Medical Health professionals.

“With respect to food and beverage services, we have a tentative agreement with the 2019 contractor, however restaurants are closed including the one at the golf course and we will maintain contact with health officials and follow their lead in this area as well.”

In terms of background McLeod noted Deer Park is owned by the residents and taxpayers (the owners) of the municipality with the primary purpose to;

*Provide recreational opportunities to improve the quality of life for people in the community;

*Provide opportunities for tourism; and

*Attract industry and business to locate in the community.

“Municipalities are considered stewards of public lands on behalf of the owners (taxpayers and residents), therefore a golf course is considered good use of public lands to ensure public green space remains accessible to the public,” said McLeod.

It is important to balance the cost of participation with the community's ability to pay. Recognizing this balance along with the need to stay competitive with similar courses is key to the success of Deer Park. Maintaining fees in the mid-range of similar courses will ensure a balance between the community's ability to pay, and remaining competitive in the golf industry. This will also assist with attracting new golfers to the course, as cost is a significant determining factor on where people choose to spend their time and money, stated the report to Council.

“The pricing for golf at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course is aimed to be in the mid-range of other similar golf courses in the Province. If the prices are set too high, people will not participate at that course and choose another less expensive course in the area. This is especially true for the casual or social golfer,” added McLeod.

McLeod did note upgrades continue at the course.

“In 2019, the course saw significant construction occur throughout the season as work continued on the new hole #8 as well as the new #7 green with irrigation and drainage work also completed,” he said.

The total number of rounds played increased from 16,654 in 2018 to 18,057 in 2019.

The fees ultimately will be going up in 2020.

“In recognition that the green fee rates have been frozen since 2017, and the significant investment made to on-course improvements (and not taking into account world affairs around it) the 2020 fees and charges propose a 2-3 percent inflationary increase to been applied to the rates and passes, with the exception of Junior passes and green fees,” said McLeod.

An annual adult pass will be $1255.

A round of 18 for an adult 6 a.m. and 12:59 will be $45.