August 1, 2005
After 38 years of planning, the Meadowcreek Parkway is becoming a reality. However, some golfers hope it doesn't slice through one of Charlottesville's treasures.
"There's probably no place in the United States where there's a course like this. It is so unique," said John Ray, a golfer.
The McIntire Park Municipal Golf Course has been around since the 1920s and golfers here love the old flare of pasture golf. It has sandy greens, rolling hills and they still operate under the honor system.
But, with construction of the Meadowcreek Parkway pending, this historic golf course could become history.
Although no official design of the Meadowcreek Parkway has been approved as of yet, officials said at least one of the designs has three of the holes wiped out.
"Three of the holes would be affected if you go with the plan that came out of the McIntire Park planning process, but that is not a solid plan design just yet either," said Maurice Jones, the spokesperson for the City of Charlottesville.
However, some golfers don't want to see it go. Mike Estevanovich said the course is perfect for teaching and learning. "Some days there is hardly anybody here and I can bring my son, who is 6, and we're just both learning together. Not to mention, the price you can't beat it," said Estevanovich.
Another golfer's family has come to McIntire Golf Course every 4th of July to celebrate. He said it's great for the whole family.
"It's informal so it's easy to come out. It doesn't cost much and it's just a fun course to play...You don't take golf as seriously when you're out here, it's more of a fun thing," said Peter Ray.
But, with the increase of traffic in the area some feel the parkway is necessary no matter what design option the city chooses.
"I can understand why they need to put access roads [but it would be nice] if they could come up with some happy medium," said Estevanovich.
Still, some find it hard to compromise with one of only a few pasture golf courses left in the United States.
There's no word yet on when a design has to be submitted for approval.
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