Local Officials Get Bombarded with Questions and Concerns
Rick Langenberg
Unless any unforeseen disasters strike, local linksters should be ready for tee-off time at Woodland Park’s new municipal course, known as Shining Mountain, by May 1.
That’s the good news. The bad news is area golfers won’t see many noticeable improvements this spring, and won’t get the chance to cruise down the fairway in a motored cart.
But as far as getting a chance to sip a 19th-hole adult beverage in the clubhouse bar, that reality is right around the corner. And later this year, the stage is set for a detailed master plan, outlining future plans for the property, capped by the prospects of tennis or pickle ball courts and cross-country ski trails and more open space pursuits.
These are a few of the highlights of a community meeting last week regarding the future of the Shining Mountain golf course, now owned by the city of Woodland Park
The forum was packed with many golfers and recreation buffs, seeking answers regarding the property’s future and hoping for two main solutions: realistic, affordable green fee rates and considerably better conditions. For the last few years, the Shining Mountain links property has suffered from considerable maintenance woes due to a lack of commitment from the previous California-based ownership group.
As for specifics, the large, often impatient crowd did not get that many answers to their concerns, but did get a glimpse of the city’s overall vision for the property. “You will see a lot of improvements,” said City Manager Aaron Vassalotti, the real brainchild behind the municipal golf course project.
But the timing of these efforts will hinge on the selection of a golf management company to run the course and pro shop. Vassalotti said the city council is scheduled to make a final contract decision on April 2.
In the running are four main contenders for the job, including three nationally-based golf course management firms and one local operator, according to Vassalotti.
That’s great, but why is the city so behind the eight-ball in dealing with the forthcoming links season? A number of meeting attendees were critical of the lack of concrete plans, and wondered why a course operator was not selected earlier
Mike Sperry, a leader of the Shining Mountain Men’s Club, and an active figure in the community, even questioned if the course could even get opened this year, based on the ongoing delays.
“No disrespect, but we need to have this done tomorrow,” said Sperry. “We need to get moving .” He was referring to the golf course operational schedule.
Other meeting attendees echoed similar views and noted the city could lose a golden opportunity, if it doesn’t act fast.
“We want to get things rolling,” said Wendy Stone, marketing director of Chamonix Casino & Hotel. She outlined a number of joint opportunities with their casino group.
Cripple Creek Councilman JR Gatlin agreed and told city officials that Cripple Creek is interested in becoming more of a destination tourist area, and they see the golf course as a good fit.
The meeting certainly was not lacking in ideas and pleas for a better course. The list of problem issues was extensive, running the gamut from disc golf conflicts to wild Prairie dogs.
The Woodland Park city manager said he appreciated their comments, and indicated many of these questions would be resolved by the golf management company selected.
Woodland Park Mayor Kellie Case asked for more patience among the hearty group of enthusiastic golf buffs Case reminded the group that the city just closed on the property in late 2025.
She stressed that last week’s forum was really designed to generate feedback from residents. “We don’t want to do this in isolation,” said the mayor. “This is your golf course. “
As for golf operations in 2026, Vassalotti cited a business-as-usual model, meaning a cart-path-only scenario for this year. Several city officials mentioned the current drought as a major obstacle.
Event Center Plans Well Received
When it came to running the clubhouse, including its attractive bar and spacious events center, most residents appeared supportive of the city’s forthcoming plans.
Melody Klema, event center manager for the Ute Pass Cultural Center, outlined possible plans for special regular theme events at the golf course clubhouse, such as a comedy and trivia night. According to the WP city manager, the clubhouse and bar activities will be operated in-house by the city.
Some folks, meanwhile, queried the city about the facility’s future plans for the facility. Rumors have abounded regarding the prospects of adding several tennis courts and relocating the driving range and catering more to winter activities.
City officials stated these ideas will be addressed in an upcoming master plan, which the city will start later in the year.
Despite getting hammered over the lack of tangible results since taking over the facility, some residents praised the city for pursuing this project.
“I am really thrilled the city has taken this step,” said one resident. “I encourage people to be, patient.”
Following last week’s meeting, the WP city manager believes the city is right on track in opening the course on time. As one of the biggest challenges, he mentioned the unique character of the property, with its altitude and limited playing season and the fact that it doesn’t really compare with other municipal courses in Colorado.
The facility, which started in late 1994, does feature a storied past, not lacking in stories.
For updates on the course and facility development, visit Whatupwoodlandpark.com/
