Redmond negotiating new Juniper Golf Course contract

Juniper Golf Course management will have until the end of October to draft a new contract for approval by Redmond city councilors.

The city has until the end of the year to finalize a contract.

The community golf course has evolved for over 50 years in the community, though it moved to a new location a decade ago. Once completely city-managed, it is now run by the management company CourseCo — and it is still losing money.

Even though it’s still considered a “park” by the city, a new multi-year contract renewal with the company is needed.

Parks Division Manager Annie McVay gave a presentation with updates and public input gathered so far.

“Some of the feedback we got, they wanted to see part of the golf course more re-engaged with the membership and the community,” she said. “So we’re putting some performance measures into the contract to make sure the membership is heard and it becomes a park asset, rather than what some might perceive as a private golf course.”

Mayor George Endicott said he’d like to see stronger marketing for the course. He recommended more signage around Redmond Airport or along the highways.

Endicott stressed the new contract negotiations should give members what they want.

“I think all of us up here on council are very sensitive that we take care of the citizens of Redmond,” he said. “They’re paying a lot of money to be there. They need good treatment.”

City Councilor Joe Centanni said the contract should emphasize this park is an asset to the community.

“It’s part of the Parks Department, not something separate and not part of the city,” he said. “I’d like there to be more events like the ones we’ve had recently where there’s community events happening there – more than just people going there to golf. That we’re utilizing this incredible asset that the city has.”.

A final review by a third-party consultant will take place. If negotiations reach an agreement with the golf committee and council input, a contract will be presented to the council for approval on Oct. 27.

Meanwhile, the council also agreed to budget adjustments for added costs of the new, accessible playground at Sam Johnson Park. Another $143,000 in developer fees will go to the Hope Playground, pushing its total cost over $1 million. More than half of the funding has come from private donation and grants.