Soldiers Field Golf Course to stick around for 5 more years

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In a 5-1 decision, the Rochester Park Board approved of the short-term master plan for Soldiers Field brought forth by consulting firm HKGi. The short-term plan includes an expansion of an aquatics center and other athletic facilities.

“But in certain spots, it makes sense to put certain things in certain locations, like a good aquatics center in the center of town,” said Rochester Parks and Forestry Director Mike Nigbur.

The plan does not involve reducing the golf course from 18 holes. The Park Board will reevaluate that measure in 2028, which is when they will discuss the long-term master plan. In the meantime, the short term plans means some holes on the front nine will have minor tweaks.

“I don’t think one hole sacrifice, and it’s still there, it’s still playable, it’s just a very short change,” said Park Board President Linnea Archer. “It’s not worth losing the momentum about the pool we’ve been talking about for a long time.”

Others on the board expressed support for the course being left alone.

“It seems to me that, just leave the golf course alone, and do the lazy river, I’m not sure we need the lazy river,” said Park Board Commissioner Richard Dale.

Some in attendance thing those on the board who approved the plan are not sure what they just approved.

“In the short term aquatics plan, they are going to spread the aquatics center, increase the footprint,” said Golfer Rodney Dretsch. I’m not sure what they approved, and I’m not sure if they know what they just approved.”

Previous Story: Golfers react to proposed Soldiers Field Golf Course Master Plan updates

Previous Story: Latest Soldiers Field Master Plan draws criticism from city council

Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.