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FAIRFAX--A tentative agreement has been reached to preserve the Fort Ridgely State Park golf course.
The historic golf course was constructed in 1927. Last year the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) targeted the course for closure. The DNR said revenue generated from the golf course did not cover expenses.
News of the closure led to a year-long grass roots efforts to save the 90-year-old course. At the urging of a number of legislators, the DNR and the City of Fairfax Golf Course Advisory Board negotiated the terms for a five-year lease agreement at a series of meetings in St. Paul. The final agreement will need to be approved by the Fairfax City Council.
The agreement calls for Fairfax to make a base rental payment and pay a percentage of sales to the DNR. In return, visitors to the course will not be required to purchase a state park permit. Alcohol sales will be permitted at the golf clubhouse, and carts will be allowed pending review by the State Historical Preservation Office.
The upper portion of the Fort Ridgely Chalet will become the base of the golf course operation, returning that building to its original use.
The immediate focus of the Fairfax Golf Course Advisory Board is to conclude a $100,000 capital campaign to raise the necessary start-up funds without having to us city tax dollars. Current donations and pledges are near $70,000. The board would like to raise the remaining $30,000 by May 1.
The opening of the golf course will be delayed this year due to a change in management.
Those looking to contribute to the capital campaign are asked to contact Fairfax Treasure and Administrator Marcia Seibert-Volz at the Fairfax city offices at 507-426-7255 or mseibert-volz@mchsi.com