Fulton golfers celebrate 'Debt Free Week'

Fulton City Councilwoman Bev Gray burns a copy of Tanglewood Golf Course's now-paid-off financial obligation while councilor members Mike West, Mary Rehklau and Rick Shiverdecker look on at Tuesday night's mortgage-burning party behind City Hall.
Fulton City Councilwoman Bev Gray burns a copy of Tanglewood Golf Course's now-paid-off financial obligation while councilor members Mike West, Mary Rehklau and Rick Shiverdecker look on at Tuesday night's mortgage-burning party behind City Hall.

Fulton city officials, in a mock gesture that was still meaningful, burned the now-fulfilled mortgage to Tanglewood Golf Course Tuesday night in a courtyard at City Hall.

"Let's burn that dude," Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton said before tossing the first ceremonial rolled-up scroll on the flames.

Tanglewood is a par-72 golf course measuring 6,800 yards from the back tees. It was designed by Jerry Loomis and opened in 1997. It has 18 holes, a fully stocked clubhouse and a bar and grill.

"Twenty years ago, Mayor Fisher had a vision," Benton said of the former Fulton mayor.

The golf course was part of a housing subdivision meant to attract a wealthier set of residents to Fulton. The neighborhood improvement development bond, backed by the city, was for $3.34 million. The neighborhood sold well, but by 2004, the golf course wasn't so lucky.

"The golf course struggled, and the city took it over," Benton said. "The developer paid on it for eight years before we got it. They couldn't afford the payments, so they dropped out, and at that point, it became the city's.

The city paid off the bond, an estimated $2.64 million - and now, Tanglewood is free and clear of debt.

All this week, Tanglewood is featuring "Debt Free Week" activities for all Fultonians. For example, through Friday, golfers may play for free after 2 p.m. Pro shop merchandise is 25 percent off all week, and during 4-7 p.m. happy hours, all beers are $1. Kids age 14 and under can play free all week with a paid adult.

In addition:

Today, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Citizen Appreciation Barbecue - free hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and chips.

Thursday: Free fountain soda, hot dog, chips and Tanglewood logo golf ball with a paid round of golf.

Friday: Pay $15 and play all day.

Saturday: One dollar holes (nine, 18 or 36 holes).

Sunday: Free ride Sunday (free cart rental with paid greens fee).

In other business, City Council members discussed keeping recreation activities at the Whiskey Wild building on Market Street instead of revamping another building. Only one bid came in for the "green building" remodeling project.

A joint project to create a 14-space parking lot on the north side of McIntire Elementary School was discussed. School Superintendent Jacques Cowherd told City Council members at the end of the 2015-16 school year, the district had 2,206 students, 50 percent of whom ride a bus. The district operates 25 buses, which travel to every school. About 140 McIntire students come and leave school in a car, and so traffic is congested every morning and afternoon.

Also, Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers mentioned his appreciation for community support following the killings of five police officers in Dallas on July 7.

"I want to say how proud and honored I am to live and work here," he said. "Since the ambush, we've had more appreciation we've had more food than any of us can eat over the weekend."