Duchesne has hired a consulting company to conduct a feasibility study on an 18-hole golf course at Starvation State Park.
Forsgren Associates Inc., Salt Lake City, began its work in early June. They are expected to discuss their findings with the Duchesne City Council in late July.Plans and discussions centering around the possible creation of a golf course below Starvation Reservoir have been ongoing for several years. The Bureau of Reclamation is in the process of conducting its own resource management plan to determine the best future use of the property within the boundaries of Starvation State Park.
The collection of that data comes at an ideal time to assist the newly hired consultants and the Duchesne City Council with plans for possible construction of a golf course just below Starvation Dam.
City officials have long maintained that the creation of a golf course at Starvation would enhance the area's economic viability and add to present recreational attractions already at the reservoir.
The BOR actually owns Starvation State Park but has contracted with the state to manage the area.
According to Fred Liligren, a landscape architect for the BOR, Duchesne would have a few options to choose from to let them assume operations of a golf course at Starvation. The city would be able to either purchase the property outright in the event the BOR were to sell the land on the open market, or they could sign a long-term renewable lease agreement to manage the course as concessionaires.
Under any proposal, Duchesne would be responsible for the costs of construction of the course and maintenance. The city already owns water rights from the dam.
Liligren says that research conducted so far has proven "there's definitely a demand for a golf course near Starvation Reservoir."
Hamlin says the State Division of Parks and Recreation "is 100 percent" behind Duchesne in its efforts to see a golf course built at the park.
"We have all these options, but we aren't sure what we're going to do until we find out if it's feasible," Hamlin stated.
The feasibility study will cost $8,500. State grant monies have been applied for to pay the bill. Hamlin says consultants will work with the city to obtain the money.
Forsgren Associates designed the golf course at Jordanelle State Park, as well as numerous other courses around the state.