WASHINGTON — Of the original 18 holes at the Rock Creek Park golf course, only 14 remain playable today. At 100 years old, it is the least visited of D.C.'s three public courses, behind on maintenance and losing money.
The National Park Service has partnered with the non-profit National Links Trust to lease and rehab the course - redesigning it for nine regulation holes, nine par three holes, a new clubhouse, a driving range, and open space for non-golfers.
"In these areas, we propose to introduce pollinator meadows and a publicly accessible ecological trail that goes throughout the property," said Mike McCartin the co-founder of National Links Trust in a public presentation of the plan.
But the additions come with the plan to remove 1,200 trees, according to the plan. Environmental groups and a D.C. Councilmember say that's out of bounds.
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is asking the Park Service to modify the proposal to reduce the loss of trees. Saying in a statement:
"The Rock Creek Golf Course Rehabilitation is an important project with its many potential benefits...However, the current proposal of removing more than 1,200 trees from the area goes too far and risks adversely impacting our local ecosystem."
The Park Service says about half of the trees that could be removed are dead or in poor condition but, says it will consider the concerns.
There is still time for the public to weigh in on these proposals, but not much. The public comment portion of the project closes Saturday night.