July 8, 2026 5:30p
(WGTD)---A committee-level review of a proposed contract to expand and reconfigure the city-owned Shoop Golf Course along Lake Michigan in Wind Point will take place next week.
The city council's Executive Committee is scheduled to meet Monday evening to consider approving a contract with the Leipold Johnson Golf Group for shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, clubhouse construction and a long-term lease for the operation and maintenance of the course.
The proposal has drawn opposition because of the plan's potential impact on wildlife habitat--the area is a well-documented pit stop for migratory birds each spring and fall.
Speaking at a city council meeting this week, Helen Johnson Leipold said she and her husband are undertaking the project to improve the area and not destroy the habitat. "We would do nothing to hurt the wildlife," she said. "My mother would turn over in her grave if we ever did something like that. We are not out to make money. I'm worried that we're going to lose our shirt on this. There's no way I see this working to be a profit."
Working with a consultant, she and her husband envision turning the golf course into a destination place with access to be maintained for non-golfers.
She also said she'd be willing to work with environmentalists who are advocating an approach to protecting the shoreline from erosion that doesn't involving dumping tons of rocks.
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