Ahead of its April 28 meeting, the Duluth City Council was given a presentation of ideas for what to do with the shuttered Lester Park Golf Course.

Last year, Mayor Reinert tasked a group of citizens to develop some possibilities for the property. One of the chairs of that group, Tim Meyer, gave the councilors a brief overview of some of the options on the table.

Three ideas were briefly presented. The first would see the land privately developed, with a hotel, shops and housing being built, in addition to the golf course. While Meyer says this would bring economic benefits such as tax revenue and job creation, the drawbacks include environmental concerns, lack of affordable housing options in a city already struggling with the issue, and the possibility that the land being sold.

The second idea would be a partnership between two non-profits that would see the land stay as a public park. Golf would remain at Lester, though in a simplified format for beginners, children, and older players. Meyer says this option would be less disruptive to the surrounding community, but would offer little tax revenue for the city, and wouldn’t result in housing being built – something that many want to see happen should some kind of redevelopment happen on the site.

The final option presented was a plan to have a single non-profit work to reopen the course as is, while remaining open to future developments. As the site is already a golf course, this plan could begin quicker than others. There are cost issues associated with this, Lester Park Golf Course was initially shuttered due to the financial strain on the city. Equipment sharing with Enger Park Golf Course would likely occur in this scenario.

As Meyer explained to councilors, the options all have pros and cons.

“Each plan offers unique benefits and challenges,” Meyer said, “Decision makers should wear these factors carefully to determine the best use of the Lester Park property,” He added.

While the presentation was just a summary of the initial planning ideas, no formal decisions were made by the council. Plans could be changed, merged, or reworked as the process continues.

“I think what’s been described here tonight is a public very public process moving forward with the Planning Commission, the Parks Commission, and the administration moving forward with the City Council.” Said City Administrator Matthew Staeling