Greeley City Council votes to re-open public golf courses amid statewide stay-at-home orders

By Kelly Ragan

Greeley City Council agreed re-open golf courses in a 6 to 1 vote Tuesday night.

Councilmembers hope re-opening the golf course will allows folks to get outside and stay active while social distancing, like other types of outdoor recreation approved by Gov. Jared Polis during statewide stay-at-home orders.

Stay-at-home orders will be in effect until at least April 11.

“The stay-at-home order clearly discusses the value of recreation as long as it’s done with social distancing,” said Roy Otto, Greeley city manager at the meeting.

The order advises folks to stay home except for critical activities such as grocery shopping, getting medical care, going to work if you’re an essential employee and participating in outdoor recreation.

So, it’s okay for folks get outside and stay six feet apart from other groups.

Councilmember Tommy Butler voted against the move.

“There is political pressure on us from frankly a privileged few that have been emailing and calling us to reopen the golf courses,” Butler said at the meeting. “I’d ask them to reflect on how lucky they are right now…People are trying to figure out how to pay their mortgages and pay their rent. I don’t think opening the golf courses shows we’re taking this national crisis seriously.”

Greeley first closed its golf courses when Polis announced a statewide stay-at-home order March 25.

Andy McRoberts, director of Greeley’s Culture, Parks and Recreation department, said other communities, such as Longmont, are also having discussions about whether to reopen public golf courses, especially since many private courses are still open.  

Some Weld County golf courses, such as Pelican Lakes Golf Club, are open as well.

Courses in Larimer County are also still open with “strict social-distancing policies and procedures in place,” including Mountain Vista Greens, Highland Meadows, Fort Collins Country Club and Ptarmigan Country Club, according to a report by the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

According to the city council Facebook page, “additional precautionary measures including removing flags, prohibiting the use of golf cards and only taking credit card payments to minimize cash handling have been implemented.”

“I understand during times like these, people do need an outlet,” said councilmember Kristin Zasada. “If going outside, getting fresh air, and hitting some balls is that outlet, I think that’s important.”