Upgrades in The Works For Village Links Golf Course

A master plan to upgrade the facilities at the is in the works.

The village board and Recreation Manager Matt Pekarek are in the early stages of discussing how to improve current deficiencies at the course, ways to accommodate non-golfers and ways to attract patrons year-round. 

"We owe our customers," said Pekarek. "We need to do something to reward them for the long patronage." 

For those frequent golfers, Pekarek's master plan includes additions to the driving range, which would allow golfers to hit balls during the off-season under infra-red heaters. 

To attract non-golfers during the off-season, Pekarek is proposing an addition to the clubhouse that would allow for more seating, which includes adding a bar and dining room. This upgrade also includes remodeling the decor of the dining room that could hold 150 individuals for special events.

At Tuesday's Village Board meeting Pekarek presented trustees the aforementioned plan, including the need for ADA compliant bathrooms and the possibility of reconfiguring the parking lot to bring it closer to the clubhouse.

Pekarek reiterated that the plan is not final and is in the early stages of planning. 

"Everything is a concept not a design," said Pekarek. 

However, Pekarek did seem to rule out the idea of leasing the food service to a local bar and restaurant owner, citing a small margin for revenue. "It doesn't look like a great approach," said Pekarek. 

Overall, the price tag for the project is estimated at approximately $3.9 million. The golf course will hand over $1 million from reserves to cover some of the expense and will seek general obligations bonds to cover the rest of the project's first phase, which could be complete by 2013. 

The second phase of the project, which includes expanding the driving range, demolishing part of the clubhouse and adding golf cart parking, might not be finished any time in the near future.

The village board ran out of time to discuss the proposal at length and will weigh in on Pekarek's master plan at a future date. 

To see the proposed plans, click here.