Community Engagement on Golf Course Transformation
WILLIAMSBURG — Local residents are showing a blend of curiosity and mild concern regarding the transformation of their nine-hole, 288-acre golf course into a “rewilded” area.
On Thursday evening, over 30 community members gathered at Bread Euphoria, situated across Route 9 from Beaver Brook Golf Course. They raised various questions and a few concerns about the course’s shift to a public-access natural habitat, following its acquisition by The Trustees of Reservations in collaboration with Hilltown Land Trust this July.
Wendy Ferris, the regional vice president of The Trustees of Reservations, stated, “What we have currently is just a vision – like a concept, but we want that vision to be guided by the community.”
Sally Loomis, executive director of the Hilltown Land Trust and a Williamsburg resident, co-led the meeting. The project has an estimated budget of $5.5 million and is expected to take about two years to complete.
During the meeting, Loomis documented community ideas and concerns. By the session’s end, the idea sheet was filled with contributions, while concerns had only a few entries. One resident, Helen Symons, whose family previously owned the land as a dairy farm, expressed worries regarding chemicals on the property and issues related to property taxes.
Ferris assured attendees that an environmental assessment would be conducted to identify any toxic materials present. She explained that the current tax contribution from Beaver Brook Golf Course, which is a quarter of its assessed value, would no longer be applicable once the course is owned by nonprofit organizations.
The land acquisition aims to address flooding concerns in the community, facilitate conservation efforts, and create recreational opportunities. Discussions included potential housing development, community gardens, biking trails, and the future use of the clubhouse and kitchens on the property. A follow-up public session is planned for May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Haydenville Congregational Church.
