Transforming Hamilton Park into a Golf Course
MANSFIELD — A former City of Mansfield park, historically recognized for its baseball and softball fields, is poised for a new athletic transformation.
Dan Niss, a local businessman and owner, is in the process of acquiring the former Hamilton Park to expand the Westbrook Country Club, which he co-owns with his wife, Brenda.
The Richland County Land Bank board approved the sale of approximately 19 acres of the property to Niss for $50,000 during a meeting on Wednesday.
Plans for a New Golf Course
Niss intends to develop a nine-hole golf course featuring a “state-of-the-art” teaching and practice facility, according to his business proposal submitted to the Land Bank board.
The acquisition will be financed with a development mortgage, allowing the Land Bank to reclaim the property if Niss does not adhere to the proposed development plan. However, this was not a concern for the Land Bank board members.
Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry, who is also on the Land Bank board, expressed confidence in the Niss’s ability to implement their plans. “They have invested significantly across Richland County,” she noted, adding, “We’re excited to collaborate with them in the future.”
Vision for “The Diamond”
The proposed golf course, named “The Diamond,” will adopt a par-3 style with distances ranging from 94 to 201 yards, totaling 1,054 yards. The teaching and learning center will feature two open bays facing the course, an indoor putting green, workshop spaces, and a pro shop.
Designed to enhance inclusivity, the facility aims to foster growth in golf by providing tailored programs for schools, veterans, and adaptive athletes, as highlighted in the business plan. Additionally, Niss plans to target middle and high schools for clinics and seminars.
Background on Hamilton Park
Hamilton Park, located just north of U.S. 30 on Mansfield’s north side, was acquired by the Richland County Land Bank in 2020 after the city transferred ten parks deemed “un-utilized or under-utilized.” While most parks were relatively small, Hamilton Park boasted over 20 acres.
The Land Bank had previously reserved the site for the Niss’s after they indicated interest in June 2022. The Diamond will be situated adjacent to the Niss’s earlier property purchase, intended for condominiums, and next to the Westbrook Country Club, which they also own.
Past Development Attempts
In 2021, Harmony House Homeless Services sought to acquire the former park for a significant project estimated at $16 to $22 million. However, funding did not materialize, leading them to pursue a different property obtained from the Richland County Land Bank.
