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Trailhead open house showcases refurbished venue, crew
5/23/2012 10:01:18 AM
By Craig Howard
Splash Editor
Trailhead at Liberty Lake may be a golf course situated in a corner of eastern Spokane County, but in one regard, the course is more reminiscent of the Caribbean.
New sand - the fluffy, white, beach variety - is just one of several upgrades to the city-owned venue, which celebrated a community open house on a sun-soaked Friday last week. Previously, a stray fairway attempt in the bunker meant chipping out of dense, silt-like material that resembled a damp concrete mix whenever the rain arrived.
"Every single bunker has been renovated, 20 in all," said Head Pro Chris Johnston, who was hired by the city last September. "We're always looking at ways to improve the course and this was one of them."
Trailhead opened Feb. 1 and, like other venues across the Inland Northwest, dealt with the repercussions of a soggy, cold spring. On April 4, a layer of snow arrived to the chagrin of golfers and golf course operators emerging from the winter months.
Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson, a catalyst in the city's campaign to purchase Trailhead back in 2002, said the venue continues to be an important part of the municipal inventory. In addition to the emphasis on recreation and green space, the city has a goal to generate around $400,000 each year at Trailhead. Advertisement
"We want to make sure and provide a quality product that is well-maintained," Peterson said.
The mayor said he has turned over plans for the venue - at least on the golfing side - to Johnston, a North Central High School graduate who played golf at Spokane Falls Community College and briefly at Gonzaga before turning pro. He arrived at Trailhead after six years as general manager and head pro at the Highlands Golf Course in Post Falls.
Before he was re-elected mayor, Peterson spoke out against proposed cuts tor Trailhead during the 2011 budget discussions overseen by then-Mayor Wendy Van Orman in the winter of 2010. Later in 2011, Van Orman dismissed both Head Pro Mollie Thola and Maintenance Director Ron Knudsen, longtime fixtures at Trailhead and well-liked in the community.
Van Orman also combined the duties of the maintenance director with those of Parks and Open Space superintendent, eventually hiring Jennifer Camp last February. In the last year and a half, Camp has added a number of landscaping features, including well-groomed walk-offs near tees. Red geraniums are among several new varieties of plants that have added to the venue's distinct appearance.
"We want it to have a signature look," Camp said.
City officials have acknowledged that it will take some time to restore participation in lessons in light of Thola's departure. Johnston has restructured the lesson schedule for this year.
One of the areas that could represent retrieval in revenue is the newly renovated pro shop, now featuring a stylish interior and plenty of new merchandise. Michelle Griffin, recreation coordinator for the city of Liberty Lake and liaison between City Hall and Trailhead, said the pro shop will emphasize both quality and value.
"We spent a lot of time with the inventory," Griffin said. "I think people will find a better price here than at any other golf course in town."
An updated computer system will soon mean online tee times, while an automated machine at the driving range now distributes range balls even when the pro shop is closed.
Historically one of the best golfing deals in the area, Trailhead continues to be a bargain despite a slight increase in fees for 2012. A round of nine now runs $15, although a new dusk time special will lower the rate to $11 at 5 p.m.
As far as nearby courses like MeadowWood and Liberty Lake, Johnston said Trailhead has established its own niche among local golfing destinations.
"I don't really feel like we're competing with them," he said. "This is a course that you can walk in less than two hours."
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