Fees going up at Everett golf courses

Published 9:54 pm Sunday, August 8, 2010

EVERETT — Now, don’t get teed off, but golf fees are going up.

The City Council heard a final update last week on the higher prices taking effect Nov. 1 at Everett’s two golf courses, Legion Memorial and Walter Hall.

The prices were set by the parks department following a public review and did not need the council’s approval. Both courses operate as self-supporting businesses. Neither use tax dollars.

Adults playing a weekend round of 18 holes at Walter Hall will pay $26 beginning Nov. 1, and $32 as of March 1. The off-peak and peak season rates currently are at $25 and $29, respectively.

At Legion Memorial, adult golfers will pay $32 this winter and $36 this spring for a weekend round. The current rates are $31 and $35.

Most other rates — for seniors, military members and juniors — are climbing by anywhere from $1 to $3 per round.

“We feel like we’re really still a great value to the community, even with the small increase,” said Lori Cummings, assistant director for Everett Parks &Recreation.

In 2009, golfers played a combined 130,760 rounds at the two courses.

The public was given a chance to weigh in on the new rates in July. Seven people stepped forward, with most asking that prices increase by a lower amount.

Annual passes also will get a bump as of Jan. 1. At Walter Hall, an adult pass will go from $1,200 to $1,300. Legion Memorial will increase from $1,500 to $1,550.

Rates are reviewed annually in an attempt to keep the courses competitively priced, Cummings said.

“Next spring, we’ll take a look again, see how the courses are doing, see what our competitors are doing,” she said.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.