April 29, 2021
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Parks + Rec is announcing today that the Fred Arbanas Golf Course closure will be extended, with a tentative reopening scheduled for June 11, to continue the greens restoration project on the Championship Course. The golf course was originally scheduled to re-open on May 4.
“I know this is not the news that any of us want to hear,” said Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman. “It was not an easy decision for us to make, however, it is necessary as preparing the best putting surface possible takes time and patience. We are taking every measure possible to ensure our patrons have the golfing experience they expect at Fred Arbanas when we reopen.”
This spring, Jackson County Parks + Rec became aware that some of the greens of the 18-hole Championship Course did not re-emerge after going dormant in the fall. It was determined that a pre-emergent applied to the greens caused a reaction, leaving spots on 95% of the greens. The best and quickest solution to restore the greens required laying new sod. An emergency purchase was authorized to order sod at a cost of approximately $28,000.
Jackson County Parks + Rec began the greens restoration process earlier this month. Unfortunately, much of the sod was dormant upon arrival and a percentage of the sod that was laid did not take root, leaving areas of the greens still unsuitable for play. The inclement weather and snow also hindered the growing process.
“We have located additional sod locally at an approximate cost of $3,000 and are beginning the process of re-laying healthy sod, as well as fertilizing weekly to promote root growth,” Newman said. “The weather will also have an impact on our efforts, so we are hopeful conditions are better than they have been the past few weeks to allow us to reopen by our tentatively scheduled date.”
Annual golfers have been notified of the closure and members will be compensated with an additional month beyond the period of time the course will be closed. Jackson County Parks + Rec will also honor requests for full or partial refunds to any annual patron who no longer wishes to be a member this year. The Par 3 course and driving range will remain open during this time.
Media Note: Jackson County Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman will be available to the media after the legislative meeting on Monday, May 3.