City teeing up for 9-hole golf course
From left, Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas, and council members Sherry Bottom-Daniel, Lance Huckaby and Ricky Barnes with artist’s conceptions of a new golf course to be built at the Russell Springs City Park.
Staff Report
Work is expected to begin soon on a new 9-hole, Par 3 golf course at the Russell Springs City Park.
Last Thursday, at the regular monthly meeting of the Russell Springs City Council, an official announcement about the city’s new amenity was made.
“I signed the final paperwork on it,” Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas said. “We can probably get started on it in two or three weeks.”
“This is a big thing,” the mayor said, praising the council, Russell Springs Economic Development Director Jeramy Coffey, and “those went with us to Frankfort to get that.”
“That is tax free,” Mayor Thomas stressed. “We got $205,000 from Land and Water, and $205,00 from House Bill 723…matching grant. That’s fully-funded…it was half-federal, and half-state. It was something we went after, sought after, and we went to Frankfort, Washington (DC), and brought it home to Russell Springs. I’m mighty proud of it.”
“I think it’s going to be a great addition to the city, and I think it’s going to be a great addition for families,” Thomas said.
The $410,000 project will be located on land at the city park, and include the 9-hole golf course itself, a new, air-conditioned pro shop complete with men’s and women’s restrooms, and other features.
With holes ranging from 78 to 147 yards, the new course will be challenging and enjoyable, the mayor said.
“It will be another thing for families and visitors to enjoy while they are at the park,” he said. “We’re doing new things over there all the time.”
The mayor also announced the city’s first-ever Back to School Bash.
An idea initiated by Councilwoman Sherry Bottom-Daniel and Councilman Gary Frost, the event will feature games, face painting, inflatables, swimming, and hot dogs on Saturday, August 8 at the Russell Springs City Park.
“It will give people a chance to see what all we have to offer at the city park,” Daniel said.
Activities will begin at 1 p.m. and continue through 7:30 p.m. with a designated eating time from 4-5 p.m., and swimming set from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Mayor Thomas said all students are invited to a day of food, fun, and fellowship before the first day of classes on Wednesday, August 12.
At last week’s meeting, the city also honored Darrell L. “Doc” Coffey, DVM, with a prestigious Anchor Award.
The legendary local veterinarian was honored for his many years of service to the community.
