Opponents chip away at golf course proposal for Sligo Creek

Some say mini-golf, driving range would bring unwanted light, noise

Sandri might get his wish. The Montgomery County Revenue Authority, which operates the Sligo Creek Golf Course, has proposed to add a lighted mini-golf course and a two-level driving range with 60 to 70 stations.

But critics of the plan are concerned about how the mini-golf course and driving range could affect the park and their neighborhood, particularly with light and noise.

‘‘The thwack of metal on ball is familiar for our residents,” testified Don Collins, a member of the North Hills of Sligo Creek Civic Association. ‘‘However, a 70-stall driving range would multiply that sound dramatically, and combine with the accompanying reactions of golfers who either liked or really disliked that last stroke, the clatter of ball dispensers and the range picker, and the chatter from the mini-golf area echoing through the night.”

Additional golf course renovations would include re-routing the nine-hole course around the perimeter of the existing area and expanding the snack bar and clubhouse, said Keith Miller, the authority’s executive director.

The facility also could house First Tee Montgomery, a national program that exposes young people to life skills through the process of learning golf. Classroom space would be added to the clubhouse.

Miller and former MCRA Executive Director Mark Atz discussed plans for Sligo Creek and other MCRA-operated golf courses Thursday with the board, which also heard testimony from residents.

More detailed plans also will have to come before the Planning Board, said Commissioner Meredith K. Wellington. Chairman Royce Hanson suggested MCRA have a fallback plan in case mini-golf and a driving range are not feasible.

Some residents, like young Sandri and his mother, Tina, hope the mini-golf course, for instance, is built. Mini-golf, she said, would encourage physical activity in children, and also give them an outdoor space to have birthday parties and meet with friends.

But other residents are teed off by the idea of a lighted driving range and mini-golf course so close to their homes. Collins said Thursday that he and his neighbors enjoy the park and the golf course. Adding a mini-golf course would give the area an amusement park-like feel, he said. Additionally, people’s safety getting to the course could be compromised — there is no sidewalk on that side of the road, he said.

Nearby residents also have concerns about lights and noise from the driving range.

Silver Spring’s John Parrish agreed, and said MCRA should take care to preserve the nature in and around the course.

‘‘It’s out of character for the course and I don’t think it’s the best thing for the environment, either,” he said.

But at this point, plans for the course are just conceptual.

‘‘This is not anything permanent,” Miller said. ‘‘This is a concept.”

And, Miller added, he is willing to work with the community and address some of its needs.

The construction process would begin in three to five years, Miller said. Costs have not been determined and will be affected by what is done to the Sligo Creek course.

‘‘Our goal, ultimately, is to have a facility that is right for the community and is fiscally responsible,” Miller said.

Other courses besides Sligo Creek will be getting a facelift. Some maintenance work will be done at Little Bennett Golf Course, and new tee areas and refurbished green areas will be coming to Northwest Park Golf Course. At Needwood Golf Course, renovations will be similar to those at Sligo Creek. There will be clubhouse upgrades and a short game area will be created near the 18th hole, Miller said.