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Driving Range - Miller Property Page 3 Use of the site as a golf drivirig range and possibly minia~u~e golf as well is proposed for a number of reasons: 1. The market opportunity for a driving range appears strong. Golf is a growing activity and no driving ranges are nearby. 2. The high visibility of the site combined with the strong market suggests the driving range would generate significant revenue for the City. 3, Construction of a driving range is .a relatively low capital investment and can be phased in to minimize financial risk. 4. A driving range would be an attractive use for this highly visible site. It will improve the city's appearance and image. . 5. The physical changes and investment in the site needed to create the driving range and not so great as to discourage the ultimate redevelopment of the NW quadrant. 6. The city already has the knowledge and experience needed to develop and run a successful driving range because of its years of experience with the Brightwood Hills Golf Course. 7. A driving range is a flexible Use of the site. It can continue on the site for an indefinite period of time, but could be discontinued on relatively short notice if need be. 8. A driving range is not a primary activity for the city, It is not a basic service which once undertaken the city would be reluctant to discontinue when redevelopment is appropriate. The driving range is a special opportunity or bonus'for the community. An opportunity to provide the community with a new recreation activity in the city as well as an opportunity to generate extra revenue. 9, It generates revenue which can cover the holding cost of acquiring this site for future redevelopment. staff was directed to examine the feasibility of adding a miniature golf course to the driving range. As with the driving ranges, it was difficult to get accurate budget figures from private operators. From information we were able to obtain it appears that we can develop a miniature golf course for about $58,000 with expected revenues of $135,157 over five years. The net profit after five years is expected to be about $75,000. See Attachment C. The Park Board was approached at its October meeting by the local youth soccer association requesting that this land be used for a three field soccer complex instead of a driving range. The Park Board took the position that they were not able to determine whether a soccer facility should have a higher priority than one for golf. The Board did, however, request that staff and Council actively seek opportunities to locate additional soccer facilities in the city. Representatives from the soccer association will be present at the Council meeting to request that the Council designate the Miller site a soccer facility. Staff recommends a driving range over a soccer facility for the following reasons: * The City is incurring holding costs on the property and a driving range will generate revenue whereas a soccer facility will not.