duane schrag

“If this ground sells and it’s purpose is for something else, no one will ever come in here and buy some land and then have to develop a golf course from scratch,” Canfield said. “Never. I know people say, ‘never say never,’ but that’s a huge expense. It’s already been undertaken. Somebody years ago already thought of that. To vote no on (buying the course), it’s the end of something that can make people proud in a community.”

Greg Brown, superintendent of the Abilene School District, then approached the podium, saying he was asked to speak on behalf of the school district. From the school’s perspective, he would not like to golf course to cease to exist because of their youth golf program. He also agrees with Canfield that no one will develop a new course if the current one leaves. The school had to host their tournament on a course in Manhattan. While he the city would not make a profit running a golf course, a course is valuable to children who want to learn and play and golf and for children in the school’s cross country program. The school’s cross country tournament this year hosted hundreds of children. The school would have to find a new location for a their event if the course left the community.

Kollhoff asked Brown about his thoughts on an indoor swimming pool. Brown said he has seen cities and school districts partner to develop an indoor pool. While he doesn’t speak…