First, full disclosure: I am a Concord resident and taxpayer; I also am a season pass holder at Beaver Meadow and a member of both the golf advisory committee and the ad hoc building committee. There seem to be several misconceptions about the golf course. First, most of the revenue does not come from season pass holders, but from greens fees paid by golfers. Revenue also comes from golf carts, the driving range and the many outings that support local charities. Second, it is not exclusive. I would invite anyone to come on a summer day and see the wide diversity of golfers. Third, there are many non-golfing events that take place in the function room: bridal and baby showers, community meetings and voting.

In winter, the golf simulators are running until 11 p.m.; and of course, there is cross-country skiing and skating. Fourth, the figure of $1 million for a renovation is an old number and would currently only cover the cost of repaving the parking lot. A few years ago, the city facilities committee recommended a new clubhouse instead of a renovation. The current building has significant structural and plumbing issues that have grown even worse since then. Trying to renovate it would be like putting a band-aid on a bleeding artery. A new clubhouse will bring more activity and revenue into the city and could serve as a community center for the growing north end of Concord. This is a community asset that should be supported.

Linda Mattlage

Concord