After being frozen for the 2015 season, fees are going up in most categories at Deer Park Municipal Golf Course for 2016.
“In 2016, an increase in most fees is being recommended in order to maintain a competitive balance with other similar courses in Saskatchewan and to ensure we don’t fall too far behind requiring a larger increase to “catch up” to the market. This increase would be the third rate increase in the last five years,” Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation with the City told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
McLeod said there was a process undertaken to gauge what rate hikes were reasonable.
When making recommendations on fees, Administration looks at various factors, including rates at other golf courses. In the case of the 2016 fees and charges the attached comparison was prepared to aid in the 2016 rate review. Deer Park fees are typically below the average for similar courses although they are at the upper limit for area courses. This remains true and efforts are made to maintain a balance between public access and cost recovery while maintaining a realistic comparison with other courses, detailed McLeod’s report
“After reviewing fees at other similar courses, Administration is recommending an increase to the Adult green fee which in turn impacts the season passes since the formula for establishing the season passes relates to the cost of the green fee. The resulting changes are that Deer Park fees are typically under the average when compared to similar courses. Youth rates have remained mostly unchanged in order to maintain previous direction from Council to make golf more accessible to our youth. Cart storage and trail fees have been increased to maintain the price gap when compared to similar courses,” he said.
As a result a round of 18 for an adult played between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. will now sit at $43, up one dollar from 2015.
The 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. tee time round of 18 will remain at $38 for an adult.
The 4:30 p.m. to dusk fee for 18 will actually decline from $34 to $32.
An annual adult membership will climb from $1,065 last season to $1,165 in 2016.
