Golfers worried about future of West Valley’s The Ridge Golf Course after city conducts survey

WEST VALLEY CITY — For decades, The Ridge Golf Course has been a peaceful escape tucked between busy neighborhoods and growing commercial corridors. But now, many of its regulars are worried that peace could be replaced by development.

West Valley City officials recently ordered what’s known as an “ALTA survey,” which is basically a detailed study to better understand the boundaries, ownership and topography of the 200 acres of land the city controls.

It’s a standard process cities often do to document public assets.

However, when word got out that the survey was being done on The Ridge Golf Course, many golfers feared it might be the first step toward selling the property.

“I can’t understand why they would consider that,” said Nick Provost, who plays in The Ridge’s weekly Thursday League. “It’s a good course.”

Provost, who lives in Taylorsville, said he looks forward to playing every week.

“It’s fun,” he said. “There’s a great group out here. We really enjoy it.”

For many regulars, The Ridge is more than just a golf course; it is also a community gathering place.

“I started golfing out here five or six years ago,” said Tom Cordova, who’s now helping organize a petition to raise awareness of the course and keep it open. “I found a community of guys who were like-minded. It’s been a great place to play golf and socialize.”

Cordova said the value of the course extends far beyond recreation.

“Mental health, especially for seniors and senior men who tend to isolate themselves, is important. This has been that place for me,” he said.

His friend, Mark Ellsworth, who is retired after serving 36 years in the U.S. Army, agrees that the course is more than a place to hit golf balls.

“You know, a lot of veterans are going through different things. This is a way to heal and to share experiences and things with one another. It’s a really good mental health aspect to the veteran community,” said Ellsworth.

“I think this is something worth preserving. It is something that, whether you’re a golfer or not, this has a huge value for the surrounding community.”

Dozens of golfers packed the West Valley City Council meeting last week to share their concerns.

“It provides a great opportunity for a lot of young people like me to get out of our comfort zone,” said one golfer during public comment.

Another called the course “a gem,” adding, “to get rid of a gem like The Ridge would be a huge mistake.”

City council members listened and responded at the end of the public comment period.

“I, for one, am with you, and I hope we can save The Ridge,” Councilman Lars Nordfelt said.

“We would be negligent as a council to not consider every option. Does it mean we’re going to sell The Ridge? That’s for another day,” Councilman Scott Harmon added. “Would we similarly sell a city park to put in housing? We wouldn’t do that. So, would we sell a golf course to do that? I hope not.”

Councilman Will Whetstone and Councilwoman Cindy Wood, whose district includes the golf course, both emphasized the importance of open space while also saying the council must consider all possibilities.

Mayor Karen Lang told the crowd that “nothing has been decided,” and that “there haven’t been any backdoor conversations.”

On Monday, Cordova and his friends held a small meeting at The Ridge to organize and start handing out fliers throughout the city.

“Our sense is that they do want to develop this land,” said Cordova. “Of course, with development comes more, potentially more apartments, more roads, more houses, maybe more businesses, more congestion, more traffic (and) more pollution, all of those kinds of things. As opposed to this beautiful open space that is adding to the quality of life for all of West Valley residents.”

A city spokesperson said the ALTA survey could be finished by next month.

The city understands the concern golfers have, but stressed that conducting a survey doesn’t mean there are plans to sell or develop the golf course.

The Ridge is not currently on any City Council agenda, and the spokesperson said there are no proposals being considered.

Still, golfers like Cordova plan to keep raising awareness and collecting signatures to try and protect the course’s future for whatever may, or may not, be coming.

“The clubhouse has hosted weddings, high school reunions, all kinds of events,” Cordova said. “It’s created lifelong memories for so many people. I’m just a regular guy. I don’t have political ties. I just want to save this open space.”