Press Release
April 26, 2011
Dan Keefe
518-486-1868
Private Business to Operate Springbrook Greens State Park Golf Course
New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced that State Parks has signed a contract with CLAW Golf Management for the concession to operate the 18-hole Springbrook Greens State Golf Course in the town of Sterling.
"This public-private partnerships is an example of how State Parks is redesigning itself to become a more efficient state agency," said Harvey. "The agreement ensures a quality recreational resource remains available to the public, reduces government spending and creates a new economic opportunity for a small, local business."
The five-year contract, with an option for an additional five years, calls for CLAW Golf Management to assume all aspects of operation of the course and clubhouse, including turf management, beverage and snack sales in the clubhouse, retail sales of golf equipment, and cart rentals. The concessionaire will collect all revenues will be responsible for all costs including staff, utilities and insurance; and will pay a $5,000 license fee to State Parks as well as 10 percent of any gross receipts over $175,000. State Parks will retain ownership of the golf course.
"This announcement is great news for the community," State Senator David J. Valesky said. "I commend Commissioner Harvey and New York State Parks and CLAW Golf Management for thinking creatively by entering into a public-private partnership so that Springbrook Greens can remain accessible to the public."
"This public/private partnership is a solution that is good for Fair Haven, New York State and Chris Lawson. Many local residents view this course as a community asset. Only a year ago, we were all worried about the future of golf at Springbrook Greens, but now there is the opportunity for a long-term successful future. I wish Mr. Lawson all the best in running Springbrook Greens and I am excited for local residents who are now assured that they can play at Springbrook," said Assemblyman Bob Oaks.
State Parks issued a Request For Proposals for the operation of the golf courses last year to achieve efficiencies in response to the state's fiscal crisis. State Parks has roughly 100 concession contracts with private-sector partners - including the golf course operation at Bonavista State Park in Seneca County - that generate nearly $90 million in gross receipts annually, of which almost $10 million is returned directly to support park operations.
Springbrook Greens is open for play and can be reached at (315) 947-6115.
Located within Fair Haven Beach State Park, Springbrook Greens features scenic vistas, including the course's signature 11th hole overlooking Sterling Marsh with distant views of Lake Ontario. Information on each of the 178 state parks and 35 historic sites operated by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is available at www.nysparks.com.