Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Plant City Assistant to the City Manager Michael Karr.
I want to thank you for the time you gave me earlier this week to speak to you regarding the present conditions of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, and the rumors being floated by the current owners about plans for a new “town center and development.”
As we discussed, this is not about golf, golf-course home values or merely a “country club.” Walden Lake Golf & Country Club had been the jewel of a wonderful country town. Its publicized deterioration is adversely impacting all Plant City residents beyond Walden Lake, other businesses in our town and threatens the overall tax-revenue base.
Some have suggested that Plant City cannot sustain a 36-hole golf course. To the contrary, having a well-run and well-maintained 36-hole facility should be an asset, a drawing card for more corporate sponsored outings.
The current owners have not spoken at any of the public gatherings to date, and, therefore, it is difficult to know what is true or false. I would hope our civic leaders could make it known to the current owners that “rezoning” to solve their economic woes would have to be weighed against the economic interests of the community.
I would like to suggest to our community leaders, that in the event the facility is once again up for sale, in the hands of an out-of-town bank, or if the current owners still have an interest, that our civic leaders be prepared to consider other options to rezoning, such as:
• A city/private partnership that would stabilize the venue, and assure the residents that the property will not be rezoned for years to come. One consideration could be for the city to purchase the property and lease it back to private operators with guidelines. A one-time “voluntary assessment” from interested citizens to “Save Our Walden” could be considered. Hopefully, such a partnership would provide a ROI to the city in various ways; or
• Explore a partnership with the Tampa Bay Sports Authority, which was founded for just such an endeavor — would give folks from Tampa an opportunity to come to our fine hometown. I recommend everyone review the charter of the sports authority and its experience at operating golf courses. This can be found at tampasportsauthority.com/tampa-sports-authority/tsa-background.
We all know that economic times are tough all over the country. Those communities that can work together to attract new residents, keep long-term residents, attract new businesses, keep successful businesses and attract visitors to enjoy their communities will rise above economic hard times. Individuals, businesses or cities that don’t confront the tough issues at hand and hide behind “times are tough” will wither away. Plant City has a lot of smart and creative people who I am sure could help to turn a “problem into an opportunity.”
Donald Marshall