The search for a Gunflint Hills golf course superintendent is progressing, with an announcement of hire in the near future, said Grand Marais Recreation Park manager Dave Tersteeg to the park board at the March 5 meeting.
While there isn’t anyone hired yet, plans are under way to market the course, including potentially partnering with Superior National.
Tersteeg reported that Melissa Dressely of DoNorth Marketing had visited with him and offered some tips and insights on ways to increase awareness of the city-owned golf course.
Also in the throes of discussion are setting 2019 golf rates, future staffing for the golf course, and a mid-March meeting with the golf course workgroup to identify areas not yet covered.
Decisions about rates could even be made as late as April, noted Tersteeg, because they would be in place in plenty of time for the opening season.
Park board member Kaye Tavernier recently resigned from the park board, citing family matters and an inability to reliably make the meetings. Tersteeg thanked Tavernier for her “significant service over the years,” and said the city council would advertise the opening.
The park board once again reviewed the special event application submitted by the Stars of the North for the July music festival they want to hold in the harbor park.
Questions were raised at the board’s February meeting concerning noise levels, serving alcohol without the fenced-in beer garden look, and hours of the musical performances.
The Grand Marais Music Collaborative, who uses funds raised to provide music lessons and music mentors for kids who can’t afford lessons, hosts the event. This is the third year for the late July festival.
As far as having a beer garden without a fenced in area, Tersteeg said that was up to the city council to decide. Also, permission to serve alcohol at the event was another matter for the city council, and out of the park board’s hands.
Although there is a significant amount of snow and cold in the area, Tersteeg noted that in May the park would return to full-service camping, Recall letters have been sent to last year’s staff.
“We will know where we stand by the end of the month for returning staff and anticipate hiring in April/May for the season,” he said, adding, “In particular, the golf course will be seeking seasonal help both inside and out. Folks with friends or relatives looking for a good summer job should send them our way.”
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