Russell: A New Library Or Golf Course Clubhouse For Concord?

Charlie Russell, a Concord NH Patch reader, shared the following opinion piece.

How did the new Beaver Meadow Golf Clubhouse get priority over a new public library or lights at Keach Park?

For years, Concord has talked of a new library. Yet a new golf clubhouse is now a priority over that new library. How so? Beaver Meadow turned a profit recently, but Concord taxpayer dollars paid for past golf course upgrades and covered operating deficits. COVID-19 led to a surge in golfing. Will this upswing in higher revenues continue? Concord residents need a guarantee that the golf course will stay profitable, not needing taxpayer subsidies to pay for a new clubhouse.

Ask candidates seeking your vote where they stand.

Course income can increase by setting realistic rates. The golf advisory committee proposes and city council approves them. Currently, non-residents don't pay extra fees to play Beaver Meadow like years ago. Why that ended, no one recalls. Is it fair to Concord for non-resident golfers to play our city-owned course for the same rate as residents? Certainly not.

The city charges non-residents at least 25 percent, 30 percent, or more to use city gyms, and athletic fields, why not the same extra charge for golfers? A municipal golf course, where I played, has similar rates as Concord. Adding $500 extra for a non-resident annual membership ($1,900 vs. $2,400). Senior non-resident golfers pay $500 more than locals, out-of-towners pay a bit more per round.

That course ends junior rates at age 30. Beaver Meadow's “young adult” rate ends at age 39 — giving a $520 discount off regular adult rates. I don't consider a 30- to 39-year-old a “young adult,” do you? This “young adult” rate should end at age 29. Setting realistic non-resident rates like other municipalities do will increase income and pay for any new facility. Shouldn't advocates wanting a new golf clubhouse initiate a capital campaign to help pay for this, like past ones for CCA, skate house, Audi, and civic center? Isn't that the Concord way?

Concord has many priorities — ask questions, speak out, and tell candidates where you stand.

Charles Russell is an attorney in Concord. He lives on Columbus Avenue.