Observations
Ray McInerny, Sr., and his wife Jean, have lived in New Berlin for 32 years. A retired graphic artist, he now paints for his own enjoyment. This blog will attempt to present items of general interest to his New Berlin neighbors.
A Municipal Gem
The City of New Berlin has owned New Berlin Hills Golf Course since 1978.
The course, formed in 1905 as a private clube named Woodmont Country Club purchased 40 acres of Section 1 from Daniel Ewer in 1907, and a new nine-hole course was born. Until the depression of 1929 it did well. A mortage to expand the club called in by First Wisconsin Bank weakened the club's stability. Unable to raise the funds to continue they finally sold the course in 1943.
John Schunk, John Wimmer and Cy Shabaz on January 5, 1943 purchased the course and renamed it Lincoln Hills. The early years were successfull and these three men enjoyed a good run at operating a fine course. Added ambiance was provided by the fact that Karl and Gretchen Mader were the chefs for Lincoln Hills. They began their own restaurant in downtown Milwaukee when a fire destroyed the club house in 1945. As interest waned and partners separated the course operation was left in the hands of Mr. Wimmer.
In 1954, the President of Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, looking to fulfill a corporate dream of his, purchased the club. It was maintained for the pleasure and relaxation of the employees of the firm. When the president of Allis-Chalmers died suddenly the course was renamed W.A. Roberts Golf Course, in his honor. At that time the course hired a new golf professional named Goldie Bateson. She was an outstanding teacher of the game and served the course for over 21 years. It is believed that she was the first female golf pro and was a favorite of all members.
When hard times fell on Allis-Chalmers it became necessary to seek a new buyer. The City of New Berlin, through far-sighted officials sought a way to become the new owner. Forward thinking by those in City Hall and employees of Park & Recreation found a way for the city to buy the club. December, 1978 was the date of the purchase. The new course became known as New Berlin Hills Golf Course.
From 1978 through 1993 the city ran the course and it grew slowly to become one of the best in this area. In 1993 when conditions at the course deteriorated to a point of no return the Mayor and Council formed an ad hoc committee to explore new management. Conditions at that time dictated a change of management and the ad hoc committee reported to council it's findings. And so through an open bid system to find a new management team the energetic teams from City Hall responded by selecting a new management team. The one selected was Green Visions, which later evolved into Crown Golf Properties, LLC.
Soon after, in January, 1995 under the guidance of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission and the enthusiastic mayor and council The Golf Course Committee was formed to work with Crown Golf for improvement to the course and it's facilities. From 1995 until the present time those improvements have been steady and complimentary to the surrounding cityscape. Alterations to tee boxes, greens, bunkers, planting of new grasses on course, newer asphalt cart paths, construction of a new maintenance shed, and in 1999 the completion of the new clubhouse facility.
The new clubhouse under the direction of Crown Golf's pro/manager John Rader, the Common Council, Mark Schroeder of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission conditions have steadily improved. Consistent upkeep of the grounds and buildings coupled with sound business practices have kept this "Jewel" the gem of our landscape. Constant vigilance by those concerned with it's day to day operation keep the facilities in excellent condition.
Why do I call it a Gem? Because not one cent of taxpayer money is spent, for any reason, at this magnificent facility we call New Berlin Hills. It is open to the public. One doesn't need to be a golfer to enjoy New Berlin Hills. It is open all year long to parties for families, weddings, anniversaries, holiday events, golf outings or meetings. Just call 780-5200 - One call does it all!
It's a gem because it is truly a public facility we all can enjoy. New Berlin Hills wants to be your favorite meeting place.
7 COMMENTS
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Ray....groups of people use the parks without paying fees. If you want to reserve space you can...and pay a fee. I've been with groups of people in the parks, grilling out, flying kites, playing on the playground with the kids....etc... many times and we didn't pay a fee. My kids and groups of their friends played baseball and basketball and soccer in the parks...for free.
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Dear Had:
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We could lease out all our parks too....make some money...charge to use them...city gets rent income...would that make them gems....because then the city would own the space yet it would cost less to have the parks.....but they really wouldn't be "parks" if we had to pay a private company to use them now would they ? Well...that's about how public New Berlin Hills is.
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So if we lease out the city hall property to a private business and they pay the city rent and money in lieu of property taxes and they let the public rent space in the building and use the facilities for the going market rate....would that be a gem too ?
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Had and geno:
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I have to agree with had to comment. If the course was sold, not only would New Berlin have the money to reduce taxes or have funds for many of the improvements the city needs, but whoever purchased it would be paying taxes which our schools and city needs.
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If not one cent of taxpayer money is spent....for any reason at this facility....what makes it any more public then any other business establishment ? Do people get to golf here for a really reduced rate ? Is the party room available for really low cost ? So the City of New Berlin owns some land and facilities and leases it out to a private company....what makes that such a gem ?
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Back to tophad to comment - Dec 18, 2009 12:46 PM - Report Abuse
Plenty of things in New Berlin please me....so every time I see a blog entry I agree with I should write in and say....Hey Ray...I agree with you ? If you have noticed there are many blog entries you have made that I didn't comment on...I don't disagree with everything you say. I think it bothers you when people disagree with you...and then you attack people like you did when you said I have comprehension issues....you get personal. That's kind of immature.
Ray McInerny - Dec 18, 2009 10:04 AM - Report Abuse
You are a cool dude...I thought I had some comprehension issues...but you make me look like a brain.
Your analytical skills are shown in your comments on other blogs. There isn't one thing in New Berlin that pleases you. The wonder is why you wouldn't want to run for office, school board, or join a committee or commission and create an atmosphere more to your liking.
I could spend hours explaining to you the benefits of the Golf Course to New Berlin but the efforts would fall on deaf ears. Has it ever occured to you that teams and groups who want to use our parks must pay a fee, and obtain a permit? We must pay a fee to use the pools. We pay fees to use the Civic Center (old library) too!
Yes, we can roam through the parks as an individual but not as groups without paying a fee.
I resent the fact that people like you find fault with everything in this town. The former mayors, councils, commissioners and citizens who put their time and effort into obtaining New Berlin Hills did so with the understanding from the Federal Government that they would keep it perpetually green.
If you're a cross-country skier please take your skis over to New Berlin Hills and follow the trail outlined on the course. It's there for all citizens to enjoy and use without a fee.
Please come up with some constructive criticism and bring your plans to the public. If you think that New Berlin Hills is such a drag, then change it. You won't because it's easier to carp and whine.
God bless you had to comment, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you have a very nice 2010 to enjoy.
had to comment - Dec 17, 2009 12:57 PM - Report Abuse
had to comment - Dec 17, 2009 12:53 PM - Report Abuse
I'm not quite seeing the benefit to the public at New Berlin Hills. I guess if the party rooms are rented at a hefty discount...and the golf is cheaper then other courses so kids and others from New Berlin are encouraged to get into golf....then I can see some benefits...but otherwise it just seems like property the city owns and they are leasing it out.
Ray McInerny - Dec 17, 2009 8:50 AM - Report Abuse
When New Berlin purchased the golf course from A-C the restriction was to keep the area an open space in perpetuity.
The Management company pays for all expenses, including $6,000 per year to New Berlin for personal use property taxes and a base rental of $150,000 per year with a percentage of all profits each year.
That makes it a gem.
geno53151 - Dec 15, 2009 5:49 PM - Report Abuse
had to comment - Dec 10, 2009 6:18 PM - Report Abuse