It took two months after a lawsuit was heard, but a Denver judge on Thursday ruled against residents who brought the suit hoping to stop major changes that will close 105-year-old City Park Golf Course starting on Wednesday (Nov. 1) until sometime in 2019.
Denver District Court Judge David H. Goldberg rejected arguments that a stormwater detention area planned for the golf course violated the city’s charter, zoning codes or Colorado common law. He denied a permanent injunction that the plaintiffs requested.
While plaintiffs consider an appeal of Thursday’s decision, Goldberg’s ruling paves the way for the planned $45 million course redesign and construction project, which will integrate stormwater detention areas into the site to “help protect some of the city’s most at-risk neighborhoods from flooding” — specifically those north and northwest of the site, according to the City and County of Denver website.
The plan is for former University of Colorado athlete Hale Irwin and Broomfield-based iCon Golf Studio to design an 18-hole, par-71 Parkland-style course for City Park.
Also planned for the site:
— A new relocated clubhouse that allows for the ninth and 18th holes returning to the clubhouse, as well as more efficient golf operations, west-facing patios and enhanced views, while preserving scenic views for the surrounding community.
— A full driving range that accommodates all clubs and meets safety needs without netting.
— Centralized facilities for The First Tee youth golf program with opportunity for independently-funded First Tee program enhancements.
