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Orono Municipal Golf Course <br />Business Plan 2017 <br />1. MISSION. The Orono Golf Course is dedicated to serving our community by providing <br />enjoyable golfing experiences to players of all ages and abilities. <br />2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this business plan is to provide an economic roadmap for the <br />successful operation of the City's Orono Golf Course (OGC). The recommendations included in <br />this plan will provide recreational activity to our citizens while protecting the open space <br />philosophy of the City of Orono as elucidated in our Comprehensive Plan. This Business Plan <br />addresses precise goals that ensure the City is focused on making the best use of this asset. <br />3. OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this business plan are to: <br />a. Identify strategies and performance targets to stimulate participation and increase revenues <br />for the 2016-2017 period <br />b. Create new marketing strategies that will retain our loyal core of golfers and attract new <br />business. <br />c. Maintain an affordable product which encourages accessibility for all ages <br />d. Generate sufficient revenues to cover the direct annual operating costs with enough surplus <br />to support the contributions to a golf course capital reserve fund. <br />e. Focus marketing and promotions on our target market: women, retiring working class <br />(baby boomers), adult league players, school golf leagues and youth. <br />4. BACKGROUND. The Orono Public Golf Course is located near the north shore of Lake <br />Minnetonka in Orono, Minnesota. It was founded in 1924 and has the distinction of being the first <br />public golf course in Minnesota with grass greens. The picturesque nine -hole course has varying <br />topography, elevated greens, mature trees and a wooded buffer surrounding its perimeter. Orono <br />Public Golf Course offers an exciting challenge for golfers of all levels and is known for its family <br />friendly atmosphere. <br />a. History. The golf course land was originally conveyed to Mr. Edward Walsh in 1859 when <br />the state of Minnesota was less than two years old. In addition to ordinary farming activities, the <br />Walsh's had an extensive fruit and berry business. Apple orchards extended over considerable <br />acreage on both sides of what is now Orono Orchard Road. Leo Feser obtained the land in 1923 <br />and the golf course officially opened July 4, 1924. Orono Public Golf Course was originally called <br />Orono Orchards Golf Course. It was the first privately owned public golf course in Minnesota and <br />the first to have grass greens (all other municipal courses had sand greens at the time). <br />b. Patrons. Many of golfers get their first exposure to the game at a municipal course. <br />Typically, these courses provide the most affordable and accessible option to local residents and <br />Orono Budget - 2017 Attachment J <br />