Dear Editor:
I am a golfer and homeowner within the Walden Lake community. I, like other golfers, have not been happy with the closing of 18 holes (The Hills) and the deterioration of the total golf course over the last seven years.
When I moved to Plant City, Walden Lake was one of the best golf courses in Hillsborough County — both layout and condition. Now, it is in the worst condition of any golf course in Hillsborough.
We have been told that the only way to get the golf course back in top condition is to rezone for additional housing development on part of the existing golf course. The rezoning that Visions Golf has suggested would impact some homeowners’ views, and we would not have a golf course that golfers would enjoy playing.
If some kind of rezoning does not happen to generate money to fix the golf course, then everyone will lose. If something is not done, all 36 holes will be shut down, and we will not have a golf course. That will impact the value of all homes.
There are some people who feel if rezoning is not allowed, then, somehow, all 36 holes will be put back into good playing condition. To do this will cost several million dollars. This does not even address the condition of the clubhouse and the cost to fix or replace that building.
There is also the question, are there enough golfers to support 36 holes and what will happen if there is not? Is there someone out there who has several million to put Walden Lake back to the 36-hole golf course, with a very slim possibility of the course making a profit and most likely losing money?
I also understand that some of the directors on the Walden Lake Community Association are against any rezoning — no matter what. The primary responsibility of the WLCA is to take care of the common areas that have nothing to do with the golf course. I do not feel the board of directors should have any more authority on what happens on the golf course than the individual homeowners. The 2,300 homeowners should have input on the rezoning and not the WLCA board making that decision for them.
We need to listen to the new organization that wants to purchase the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. Because, up to now, this is the only good news we have heard regarding the golf course. The new organization’s rezoning plans are still in development, and they are willing to listen to the golfers and homeowners. Before we say, “No,” to any rezoning, we need to see what their plans are. If we do not like what we see, we can say, “No,” at that time — not now.
We need to make the decision that is best for all Walden Lake residents — not just a few.
Bill Griffin
Walden Lake