Ideas debated for re-use of Snyder Park golf course in Springfield

Clark County residents are debating the future of the former Snyder Park golf course and their ideas on how to re-use the space in one of the oldest and largest parks in Springfield have ranged from an educational center to international gardens.

Local officials see the former golf course as an anchor that can tie many of the regions recreational assets together in the long run, said Pam Bennett, OSU Extension director.

The National Trail Parks and Recreation District is seeking input on what to do with the site, including holding meetings with residents and key stakeholders last week.

Much of those discussions focused on the potential of a roughly five-acre area near the former clubhouse. The Ohio State University Extension and Master Gardeners of Clark County plan to move their horticulture education gardens to the site from the current location on Gateway Boulevard, Bennett said.

The gardens on Gateway Boulevard already draw more than 1,500 people on guided tours to the site and have contributed about $4 million in economic impact since the late 1990s, Bennett said.

The five-acre area, which will be maintained by the Master Gardeners, will be manicured and ideally will eventually offer a variety of activities to draw residents from all over the region to the park, she said.

Were going to have a beautiful, pastoral site to host our gardens, Bennett said.

The golf course closed earlier this year as National Trail sought to make its golf operations financially sound.

Residents have suggested new uses for the area ranging from maintaining a single hole of golf at the site to nature trails to gardens featuring traditional farming methods from the 1700s. Several residents on hand also asked that the site be accessible for residents with disabilities, as well as offer items like park benches and gazebos for shade and rest.

Other suggestions included a beer garden, cooking classes, an educational center or meditation area.

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Ideas debated for re-use of Snyder Park golf course in Springfield