Golf Course Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2015 08 17

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ITEM #5a SUBJECT: TALL GRASS ON COAL CREEK GOLF COURSE DATE: AUGUST 17, 2015 PAGE2OF2 properties with native grasses and tall fescues do not create a significant fire danger to improved properties in and around the golf course. Every public facility has inherent risks that must be balanced whether lakes, swimming pools, skate parks, park and golf courses, etc. More golf courses are witnessing and experimenting with less maintenance varieties of turf /grasses, and more native and taller, no or less mow, drought - tolerant grasses as a better way to manage both economic and conservation resources. Pace -of -play is always a concern as is generating sufficient interest in golf courses necessary to generate rounds. Staff is of the opinion that we have local rules and other ways to maintain pace -of -play without eliminating tall grasses. RECOMMENDATION: While the perspective of residents surrounding Hole #1 is appreciated, staff recommends patience as Coal Creek Golf Course matures. Mowing the tall grasses, reconfiguring irrigation and making changes based on concerns as enumerated in Manorwood Court's July 20, 2015 letter to GCAB, is premature and is not recommended. Tall grasses and no -mow areas are common and growing practices at many golf courses and have been successfully implemented at a number of select locations, including and next to private property. Some examples include Hyland Hills, Legacy Ridge, Heritage Westmoor, Eagle Trace, Riverdale Dune, Broadlands, Colorado National, Singletree, etc. Staff will continue to evaluate, but less than two months of operation is not sufficient time to monitor or justify this design change to Coal Creek Golf Course. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Memorandum dated July 20, 2015 from residents of Manorwood Court 2. Representative example of tall grass at other golf courses GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD 8