Splash pad, playground, tennis courts to remain open

The Brewton City Council voted Monday to stop play at the Dogwood Hills Municipal Golf Course.

Declining play and revenues were cited as the reasons for the par-3’s closure, Mayor Yank Lovelace said. While a group of more than 10 local golfers spoke out in opposition to the move, and Councilwoman Carrie Brown’s “no” vote, it was not enough to sway the council’s decision.

Lovelace said revenues have dropped by 50 percent from $200,000 annually to $100,000 annually. Of the 50 people who consistently play on the course, 17 live in Brewton.

“To make sure the golfers aren’t impacted, we have contacted the Country Club of Brewton who will honor (Dogwood Hills’) memberships,” Lovelace said.

The possible uses for the property are many, he said. Examples include a splash pad, pool, archery course, new ball field complex and walking trail.

“Golf is a declining sport,” he said. “Archery is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, and we have partnered with the schools to explore the sport more. There is a great area there for a baseball complex, too.”

Lovelace said selling the property for residential development doesn’t appear to be a feasible option.

“We could explore the splash pad and pool option further,” he said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to what the people want, and if we can save $150,000 a year, it’s a win-win.”

Meetings are set this week to finalize the agreement with the country club, and a transition date for the memberships will be announced in the coming days.

Currently, work to replace the park’s playground equipment should be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting. The splash pad, playground and tennis court operations will continue as normal, Lovelace said.