Westwood clubhouse project renderings keep golfers, non-golfers in mind

Updated concept images released by the city’s engineering firm show how the proposed clubhouse project at Westwood Golf Course could feature a lounge area and an outdoor patio, in addition to the open-air shelter. Early designs also include extra parking, cart and equipment storages and another rec area.

Newton Community Services Director Brian Laube presented the updated site plan concepts to the city council during its meeting on Monday, June 21.

Designs from Bolton & Menk show a 40-foot-by-60-foot clubhouse building. Immediately east of the clubhouse is the 30-foot-by-30-foot open-air shelter, which Laube suggested greatly increases the amount of people the golf course can host for tournaments. To the south is a clubhouse plaza/golf pavilion.

“We envision a firepit (or) a gathering space. People that don’t golf can come out there and enjoy it. For tournaments we could have other people sit outside,” Laube said, noting the cart roadways were designed to not interfere with the patio area or harm existing greens and tees.

Also included are future sports court which Laube said could maybe be used for tennis, pickleball, sand volley ball or a combination of them to attract non-golfers to the area. To the east of the courts is a future private golf cart storage area. Southeast of the parking lot features an equipment storage area, too.

While the city hears “rave” reviews about the golf course itself, the municipally-owned facility still has obstacles to overcome: the major one being the clubhouse. Originally built in the 1920s, the clubhouse received some small additions over the years but was largely ignored, Laube said.

Repairs are estimated to be more than $400,000 over five years, but Laube also argued the layout and functionality of the clubhouse is “not conducive” for an effective and efficient golf course or pro shop. As a city park, Laube said there’s no reason for non-golfers to visit other than the dog park.

“There’s no curb appeal and really no space to host, to seat people in the shade for larger tournaments,” Laube said.

Early discussions about the new clubhouse proposed it also serve another purpose, such as an event center or wedding venue. But the latest downsized design forgoes the wedding venue and a full-service restaurant option for a year-round sports bar and an adjacent open-air shelter.

Laube’s presentation said the shelter would host large golf outings but could also be something the non-golfing public could rent at other times.

From what Laube sees, the city and its elected officials have three options:

• Option A: Spend $400,000 on maintenance upgrades to the existing clubhouse, which would not increase the functionality or curb appeal nor see a noticeable increase in revenue.

• Option B: Spend $400,000 on maintenance and another $250,000 to remodel, which would also not increase the functionality and would only provide a minor increase in curb appeal and minimal increase in revenue.

• Option C: Spend $1 million on the construction of a new facility, which Laube argued would increase the functionality of the clubhouse and increase curb appeal and provide a substantial increase in projected revenue.

If the city can find the necessary funding for a new clubhouse, Laube expects the combination of increased bar sales, shelter rentals and golf rounds played would boost revenues and offer new programs. With the new look and added offerings, people are more likely to make return visits, Laube said.

Currently, the city’s FY22-FY26 capital improvement plan schedules a clubhouse project for FY23 at around $980,000. In the plan, $150,000 would be made up of general funds while the other $830,000 consists of general fund bonds. The CIP also includes storage shed and parking lot projects.

“Felt fairly confident we were still going to be within that $1 million or just under that $1 million,” Laube said.

Newton Mayor Mike Hansen asked Laube if he plans to hold any outreach events to get further input from golfers and people in the community. Laube agreed he could schedule something in mid- or late-summer before or at least budget season.

Councilperson Evelyn George agreed with Hansen, stressing the public needs to see how the 1920s building that is now the clubhouse used to be a private home. Think about how homes were in 1920, she said. George added it’s “not correct” to have a clubhouse in that condition at a golf course.

Councilperson Randy Ervin, who has attended a number of park board meetings for the past two years, shared park board members’ disappointment that the clubhouse project has been a top priority for so long and has constantly been pushed back. It’s been frustrating for the board.

Ervin also highlighted events like the Newton Cares Classic, which is making its return next month after a year hiatus. Predicting another successful tourney, Ervin said if Newton wants to become a destination city he’s not sure the clubhouse can wait until 2023. He proposed it be pushed up to 2022.

Ervin still applauded the drawings and told Laube the city is on the right path.

“It’s a great opportunity for the City of Newton,” Ervin said. “It’s a great opportunity to bring business and people into the city and see the city … Can our city wait until 2023 and have a project like this that will help build Newton as a destination city.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com