An independent group of people who live near Metro’s Glendoveer golf course, tennis center and fitness trail recommended that four firms be interviewed in the competitive process to select the facility’s next operator.
The firms selected include Glisan Street Recreation, OB Sports, Total Golf Management Services and Course Co.
"We trust this process and the community," said Paul Slyman, director of parks and environmental services at Metro. "The panel told us which firms should move forward and we listened."
Metro received proposals from national and local companies, all of whom presented creative and cost-effective ways to make the most of the site, which is one of Metro's most popular and heavily used recreation centers. The 242-acre site includes two 18-hole golf courses, two parking lots, four covered tennis courts, the Ringside Steakhouse, a driving range, a pro shop and a two-mile public trail.
The neighbors’ review was tied to specific criteria including experience, customer service, business strategies and ability to attract new players.
"Metro gave neighbors a big say in helping to select a private company to run Glendoveer," said Metro Councilor Shirley Craddick, whose district includes Glendoveer. "An interested public is what we need, and there definitely are a lot of interested people wanting the best for Glendoveer. The panel did a great job and gave us excellent advice and direction."
The selected firms will now be required to provide detailed business plans and forecasts of projected revenues and expenses. They also will be asked to participate in an interview with Metro staff. In addition to recommending which firms should be interviewed, panel members gave Metro a list of suggestions for potential interview questions and have been invited to attend and provide feedback.