News Summary
Park Ridge Golf Course, located on a former landfill, offers a unique golfing experience amidst stunning elevation changes and a commitment to sustainability. With strategic course designs featuring rolling hills reminiscent of Mid-Atlantic courses, golfers can tackle thrilling uphill and downhill challenges. The course is also Audubon Certified, promoting ecological protection and attracting local wildlife. A $1.7 million renovation is set to enhance the course while maintaining access to the driving range and pro shop. With growing popularity evident in increased rounds played, Park Ridge is revolutionizing golf in Florida.
Park Ridge Golf Course: A Sustainable Transformation from Landfill to Unique Golf Experience
Calling all golf lovers! If you’re looking for a fun challenge on the course, look no further than Park Ridge Golf Course. This hidden gem, located in the heart of a former landfill, has undergone a remarkable transformation, and it’s waiting for you to uncover its potential! This isn’t just any golf course; it sits proudly in the Sunshine State with a stunning elevation change of 85 feet, something you rarely find in South Florida.
From Trash to Treasure
Park Ridge opened back in 1986 on land that was once capped as a landfill, showcasing how smart land management can breathe new life into a once neglected area. The course design features breathtaking rolling hills, similar to those typically found in Mid-Atlantic courses, making it a standout in Florida. Golfers get to experience strategic challenges, including steep uphill approaches and exhilarating downhill tee shots, which will really put your skills to the test while you have a blast!
Wildlife Encounters Await
This course is about more than just great golf; it’s also about living in harmony with nature. Park Ridge is proudly Audubon Certified, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and ecological protection. The surrounding native landscaping not only looks great but also provides a welcoming home for local wildlife. Imagine teeing off while keeping an eye out for vibrant birds or perhaps a inquisitive coyote strolling by. The unique connection between sport and nature is what makes this course such a special place.
Renovations on the Horizon
Exciting improvements are in the works! A grand renovation project worth $1.7 million is slated to kick off in mid-May. While the course will be temporarily closed for about four months to get this makeover done, the good news is that the driving range and pro shop will remain open, so you can still get in some swings. These renovations aim to restore the course to its original glory while also addressing persistent drainage issues and refreshing the soil and sod around those tricky bunkers and greens. It’s all about investing in an amazing golfing experience!
A Growing Popularity
All this dedication to excellent golf is certainly paying off. Over the last fiscal year, Park Ridge Golf Course saw an impressive 7% increase in rounds played, bringing the total to a whopping 61,000 rounds. This uptick in participation is not just about numbers; it positively affects revenue, which skyrocketed to $2.2 million—that’s a 22% increase compared to just two years back!
Course Details and Features
Spanning a remarkable 300 acres, Park Ridge boasts 25 acres of captivating fairways, 34 acres of serene lakes, and 65 acres of beautifully maintained irrigated Bermuda grass roughs. Beyond the golf itself, you will also find a friendly pro shop and wonderfully landscaped areas that provide a peaceful escape from everyday life. Recognized as a Certified Sanctuary by Audubon International in 2009, Park Ridge stays true to its mission of offering a golfing experience that respects the environment while delivering excitement to every player. Along with the county’s other public golf offerings—which generated a record $12 million in revenue last year—Park Ridge is setting the stage for a golf revolution in this vibrant region.
Get Ready to Swing!
If you’re yearning for a unique golfing experience that embraces sustainability and sport, Park Ridge Golf Course should definitely be your next destination! Even while the course is under renovation, you can still hit the driving range or check out the pro shop. So grab your clubs, rally your friends, and dive into this recreational journey that’s captivating golfers everywhere!
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Additional Resources
- WPTV: Park Ridge Golf Course – Unique Golfing Experience
- Golfweek: Park Ridge Golf Course Renovation
- Palm Beach Post: Opinion on Golf and Environment
- Boca Raton Observer: Above Par Feature
- The Palm Beaches: Best Golf Courses in Palm Beach County
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
