The city will continue to subsidize an unprofitable golf course — but with new management.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan will announce Friday plans to partner with the First Tee of Akron to manage the Mud Run Gold Course at 2000 S. Hawkins Ave.
A Blue Ribbon task force assembled by the mayor prior to taking office recommended that the new administration evaluate the economic viability of the two city-owned golf courses, which include 18-hole J.E. Good Park and nine-hole Mud Run.
The golf business has slumped in recent years. Mud Run was opened in 2003 amid fervor driven by the upswing popularity of Tiger Woods. The city budgeted $1.32 million to operate both parks last year after spending $277,300 above what was brought in the year before.
In a press release, the city said the partnership with First Tee, a nonprofit organization that promotes youth golfing, is “designed to increase operational efficiency and enhance programming, while supporting the needs of the community.”
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug .