Advisory group suggests repurposing Branchwood

Lynn Atkins/The Weekly Vista Clem Morgan, center, recreation manager with the Property Owners Association, takes some members of the recreation committee on a tour of the facilities in Metfield Park, including the damaged pickleball courts. Morgan said cracks in the court have been repaired but keep reoccurring, and he suggested a new court may be the only solution. Members Tony Byars, left, and Bev Cannady, second from left, as well as committee Chairman Ron Jones, right, and POA Board Chairman Charlie Teal, second from right, took part in the tour.
Lynn Atkins/The Weekly Vista Clem Morgan, center, recreation manager with the Property Owners Association, takes some members of the recreation committee on a tour of the facilities in Metfield Park, including the damaged pickleball courts. Morgan said cracks in the court have been repaired but keep reoccurring, and he suggested a new court may be the only solution. Members Tony Byars, left, and Bev Cannady, second from left, as well as committee Chairman Ron Jones, right, and POA Board Chairman Charlie Teal, second from right, took part in the tour.

The Property Owners Association's recreation committee approved a "white paper" to present to the POA Board recommending that the Branchwood Golf Course remain closed and the land be turned into a park, according to action taken at the committee's meeting Aug. 11.

Some members believe Branchwood might be a good location for an archery range, and committee member Dan Slimp suggested adding that to the white paper. In the past, Vern Olafson, lakes and parks superintendent, has told the committee he plans to add archery at Bella Vista Village's gun and rifle ranges, but committee Chairman Ron Jones wondered if the gun range was too loud.

However, he said, it's not up to the committee to make such a specific recommendation.

Olafson was not at the meeting, but he sent word with Clem Morgan, recreation manager, that a plan has been developed to add handicapped parking at the K-9 Corral, near the Loch Lomond Recreation Complex -- an issue the committee previously discussed. Work will begin later this month, Morgan said.

With the white paper complete, Jones said it's time for the committee to find a new project. He recommended that each member look at the 2013 amenities study and consider where the group can help.

The committee gathered at Metfield Park and toured the facilities after its regular meeting. Last month they met at the Tanyard Creek Pavilion, and next month they will travel to the pavilion near the K-9 Corral.

The next meeting of the recreation committee will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 8.

Sports on 08/20/2014