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Politics & Government

Cary Park District Enters Into Chalet Golf Club's Business

Private company that has managed Foxford Hills for more than 7 years will take over at Chalet Hills while it is in receivership.

A private company that manages a Cary Park District-owned golf course is taking over the management of a financially troubled competitor nearby.

After grappling with conflict-of-interest issues, the Cary Park District Board of Commissioners voted Thursday night to let Northlake-based GolfVisions Management Inc. out of the part of its contract that prohibits GolfVisions from working for competitors within five miles of the park district's course.

The park district-owned course, Foxford Hills, 6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road, is less than a mile away.

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Commissioners voted 4-0 to allow GolfVisions to manage Chalet Hills, 943 Rawson Bridge Road, which is in foreclosure.

Commissioners voiced concerns about the bottom line at Foxford Hills Golf Club, which generates about $1.6 million in gross revenue annually for the park district.

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Park commissioners were concerned that if Chalet Hills were to stay in business it could undercut the park district's golf business if the competitor were to offer lower prices for a round of golf.

Despite these concerns, park commissioners allowed Tim Miles, president and CEO of GolfVisions, to manage the park district's closest competitor.

Commissioner Tom Emma recused himself from the vote.

Miles said taking over Chalet Hills was a business decision. His aim was to “preserve the value” of Chalet Hills and to “get it sold.” Miles added that his management of Chalet Hills could be to the park district's advantage.

Miles told commissioners that, contrary to the two courses being in competition with one another, there would be a kind of “synergy.”

Miles said the price to play at Chalet Hills would be on a par with Foxford Hills. He added that overflow golfers from Chalet Hills could be directed to Foxford Hills.

“There would be no mixing of staff and no co-mingling,” Miles said.

Miles said Chalet Hills would be in receivership for six to 18 months and added that he was sure there would be a buyer. It wouldn't go out of business.

“I understand what you did and why you did it,” Park Commissioner Bill Harvey told Miles.

Permission was granted with the understanding that Miles be required to return to Cary Park Board before the end of the year to give a progress report and get permission to continue to manage Chalet Hills.

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