Jane Emerick
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After 14 years of campaigning, proponents of a par-three "pitch and putt" in Squamish believe the importance of their cause will finally receive the attention it deserves.
"I have been at this 14 years and I see there is no better time than now. We need this to create more jobs," said Erna Rudolph, the lady spearheading the proposal to the district.
"It will pay for itself in more ways than one. The facility will attract people from throughout Sea to Sky Country, since neither Whistler nor Pemberton has a pitch and putt course.
"It will attract tourists, create work, and preserve green space," she said. "Everybody can learn to golf. In no time you get hooked."
"Pitch and Putt" not to be confused with mini-golf, is designed like a 18-hole golf course on a smaller scale with around 50 to 150 metres for each hole.
A petition was circulated in late February seeking support for a par-three municipal "pitch and putt." According to a press release issued by the committee supporting the proposal, 750 signatures were obtained in favour of the project."It is necessary to Squamish, there is a demand for it from small children to seniors," said Rudolph.
However, despite Rudolph's enthusiasm Squamish's mayor does not feel it is a priority for the town.
"I know there are people in the community who support the idea," said Ian Sutherland. "But it is not a priority for the recreation department. My sense is it not on the top of people's lists in the community"
Rudolph believes an ideal location for the "pitch and putt" would be at the Adventure Centre.
"We could use the building as a club house and it would bring additional people into the building."
She said the district would pay for the proposed course and while exact costs are unknown, Sutherland said, "there are other things we need to do right now. It is not on the discussion table."
Anyone interested in having a pitch and putt in Squamish is invited to join a committee working towards having council approve the project.
For information about the committee contact Rudolph at 604-898-5418.
