Some of the language at the Maple Ridge Golf Course on Wednesday was the type normally only heard within earshot of a sand trap, as golfers were expressing frustration with city plans to take over their course, and repurpose it for sports fields and parks.
The city has announced it will start by installing two ball diamonds, with stands and field houses there, with plans for more fields and parks in the future. It's part of the city's strategy to develop new recreation facilities, on land it already owns, including the nearby Hammond Stadium and pool. The nine-hole course covers approximately 40 acres of city property beside the Fraser River, at 20818 Golf Lane.
Joe Camara has held the lease and operated the course for 19 years, and said it is a well-liked course, that sees about 30,000 rounds of golf each year.
He recently had a meeting with city hall staff, who told him their plans to redevelop the course.
"I find it disappointing. It's a historic site," he said. "2025 is the 100-year anniversary.
"We have put a lot into this facility, and it serves a lot of people."
He said the city would like to take over the golf course in 2027 – after this golf season and next.
It's a community golf course that's open to everyone, perfect for beginners to intermediate-level players, and it is comparatively affordable – an annual pass costs $2,500.
"We're one of the better deals around," said Camara.
Since the COVID pandemic, it's been busy, and there were many people out on a sunny April 23 afternoon, getting in a round. The mood was stormy when it came to the topic of losing their course.
"We golf here all the time, and we're definitely against them changing this," said Terry Myers, who was with his wife Gloria. They golf at the par 33 executive course about weekly.
"We would be upset if this falls apart," Gloria echoed. "It's a nice course."
Terry said he is over 70, and has been golfing there for about 10 years.
Brian Wishart, 82, has been walking those fairways regularly for about 15 years. It started when his wife bought him six free rounds as a gift, and that launched his golf passion like a new driver. Some years he golfs 200 rounds at the course, and he knows everyone there.
"I love the course," he said. "It's a wonderful place to come, and it's good exercise for old guys like me."
He said there is an 89-year-old woman who walked the course through last year. She's back this year at 90, using a cart.
As much as the riverside scenery and the game, he will miss the people.
"It's the camaraderie. It's a big family here," he said. "That's going to be the sad part for me."
Mayor Dan Ruimy said the plan for the site when it was purchased by the city in 1971 was that it be public park space, and serve the broader community.
He added the city has limited places where it can put sports amenities, while there are other courses for golfers in the area.
"We have to make the best decision for everybody," he said. "We will do a wholesome consultation with both areas [the Hammond Pool site, and the golf course]. We need more facilities – play spaces and recreation spaces."
There is a meeting at Maple Ridge Elementary on May 3 for public input into re-purposing the golf course.
"We'll try to convince them that it's a bad idea," said Wischart.
