by Alexis L. Walsh—
As Spring approaches, Blacksburg Parks and Recreation continues to work towards the grand re-opening of “The Hill”, the town’s municipal golf course. Construction to the course began in August 2017 and is set to be completed within the next couple of months. What can Blacksburg residents expect?
According to Blacksburg Parks and Recreation’s website, Aspen Golf performed the construction that included the re-grassing of greens and fairways. Additionally, in order to accommodate different player levels, all the tee complexes were rebuilt to provide multiple tee decks. Bunkers on the course were also either removed, replaced or renovated.
Jeff Kleppin, The Hill Golf Shop Supervisor, stated, “The updated course should bring in more experienced golfers who might not necessarily think to use a municipal golf course as an elite course.” He added, “We are excited to welcome new and old members after the grand opening in a few short months.”
A two hole, short game practice area was constructed to provide a practice and teaching facility near the professional shop. Kleppin hopes to offer more children’s programs as a result of the new practice area. He explained that in the past children’s classes were not as prevalent due to lack of course variety; however, he hopes the new course will eliminate the prior issue.
Blacksburg Parks and Recreation aims to provide residents with a variety of amenities that encourage community relations through a healthy lifestyle. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to purchase memberships that range from children’s passes to adult memberships.
Dean Crane, Director of Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department, stated, “The town bought the course in 1971 and has made very little changes since.” He added, “The grand opening will show years of hard work and planning paying off. We hope our residents will appreciate the efforts we have made for them.”
Crane has been the Director of Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department for over ten years. He explained that the new course has the potential to bring a lot of revenue into the town. He looks at the updated golf course as a major investment for Blacksburg and expressed major excitement for the future of the town.
According to Blacksburg’s Municipal Golf Course website, residents are asked to remain patient through the construction process. The website stresses the importance of the public’s ability to avoid temptations as far as walking on restricted areas and/or sledding.
The course will remain closed to pedestrian traffic in effort to protect the new grass; Residents are asked to use the adjacent walking trails. For more details regarding daily golf rates, passes, and the announcement of the re-opening, residents can visit “The Hill” facebook page.
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