Outdoors enthusiasts who have used the nature trails at Bobby Jones Golf Club over the last year will need to find a substitute location until summer as initial work begins preparing the property for renovation.
Beginning May 10, the trails will be off limits until July 4 as structures and tennis courts on the property are demolished, though on-course restrooms and the maintenance building will remain. A new 18-hole golf course, a nine-hole executive course, a rebuilt clubhouse and public parkland are all part of the plans for the remade property.
According to a release from the city, City Commissioners are scheduled to consider proposals and options this summer for future golf operations. Also, negotiations are continuing with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to place a conservation easement on the 293-acre property, preserving the land for golf, recreation and natural uses.
SARASOTA For years, private groups have offered the city of Sarasota a deal that they said would stem the red ink from the beleaguered city-owned Bobby Jones Golf Club. For years, the city’s administration rejected them.
But that may change after a majority of city commissioners said on Monday that they want to finally consider bringing in an outside firm to operate Bobby Jones.
Implicit in the negotiations is a hope that the management company would shoulder some of the cost of an $11.5 million renovation project for the facility. While some commissioners were open to the idea of allowing the company to alter designs of the course, it doesn t appear likely at these early stages.
30x30 plan will protect our natural lands across Florida heraldtribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from heraldtribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Attorney
Douglas E. Walker has joined law firm Williams Parker, bringing over three decades of experience in the construction industry. He focuses his practice on construction law and litigation.
Walker was previously an associate with the law firm in the early 2000s and rejoins from an AmLaw100 firm in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he served as assistant in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 construction company.
Walker works with clients in the construction, development and public contracting industries on contract negotiations and settlements, regulatory compliance and investigations, risk management and dispute avoidance.
Walker holds a JD, a master’s in civil engineering and a bachelor’s from the University of Florida. He is admitted to practice in Florida, California, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington.