The golfing season is teeing off to a good start for a city-owned course that’s undergoing an in-depth review.
The River Bend Golf and Recreation Area Society is contracted by the City of Red Deer to operate the public golf course and recreation area, which includes Discovery Canyon seasonal water park.
It has been making changes to be more sustainable. Improved turf management has led to more rounds. Salaried positions have become hourly.
Cost-control initiatives have resulted in a 19 per cent increase in revenue, with a 4.5 per cent rise in expenses.
Rounds of golf are up 1,365 in the first six weeks and the estimated tournament rounds are 3,300, up from 2,200 in ’11. So far, there’s been a 25 per cent jump in season pass sales and a 20 per cent increase in food and beverage sales over 2011.
City administration is working with the society to conduct an operational audit through 2012.