The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
Donnelly: Vanco Golf Range deserves role in Heights makeover
By Ann Donnelly
Published: September 1, 2019, 6:01am
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Melding the old and the new is at the heart of Vancouver’s growth as a highly desirable community. Artfully combining Pearson Airpark and Fort Vancouver with the Land Bridge, transforming Officers’ Row and the Artillery Barracks into today’s unique offices exemplify our determination to give new life to our much-loved traditional buildings.
In all those cases, it would have been so much cheaper to just replace the historic with modern facilities. But we are so much better off for not having done so.
Which brings us to the Vanco Golf Range. Tucked behind stately trees between Devine Road and the Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver’s Heights, Vanco, now 56 years old, is the only public driving range in central Vancouver. It represents more than just a place to pitch or putt. Mentioning it to longtime residents elicits fond memories from many — children learning golf at Vanco, hitting balls with Dad or granddad. Vanco Golf represents healthy multigenerational activities.
There isn’t another business like Vanco. Consistently popular over nearly 60 years, Vanco attracts 40,000 users per year, according to company records. It supports and offers training to local high school girls and boys golf teams. Clark College uses it for its recreational classes, and Special Olympics golfers train there.
Its 10 employees have dependable work. The lease payment alone brings in $50,000 per year to the cemetery district and city, and like any business, Vanco also pays other state and local taxes.
Vanco’s demise may come as early as fall 2020. Situated (like the cemetery) on city of Vancouver property, Vanco’s lease expires at the end of 2020. It can be extended by mutual agreement, but the city is on a path toward not renewing it; Vanco doesn’t fit into the city’s redevelopment of the former Tower Mall and environs.
The updated Heights District Plan was unveiled at an April 13 public meeting. The city’s drive to promote housing density is reflected in the land-use mix: 75 percent residential and 7 percent commercial and office. Parks and open space comprise 13 percent while civic (2 percent) and hospitality (4 percent) are small components.
Unless changes are made, Vanco’s driving range, putting green and teaching facility will be replaced by one of several housing complexes.
Unite, make case
City Council members assert the plan is not set in stone. If so, there may be a narrow window in the timeline to make a case for Vanco Golf. Vanco supporters must convince the public — largely unaware of the issue — the Planning Commission, and finally the City Council.
Going up against City Hall with its robust planning staff will not be easy. Vanco, like many small businesses, is short-staffed. To survive, it must marshal volunteer supporters to quickly make their case. Golf coaches, Special Olympics leaders, and golfers themselves must unite.
Vanco Owner Chuck Milne is mounting a public campaign. Visit Vanco’s office on Devine Road and you will find a table to sign “Petition to Renew Vanco Driving Range’s Lease Beyond December 31, 2020 … for an extended period of time to be negotiated.” Milne states he will not operate month to month as “you can’t run a business that way.”
There are reasons beyond the game of golf to include Vanco. The need for affordable housing is indisputable, but nearby businesses are also needed to give people jobs to pay rent.
The Heights District Plan as presented on April 13 aims for a whole new level of walkability. Shops, residences, offices, parks, bike paths form pleasing patterns that promote a healthy pedestrian population of all ages. In such a plan, there should be a place for Vanco Golf.
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