July 14, 2026 8:15p
(WGTD)---A Racine City Council committee has approved a 10-year lease with members of the Johnson family to turn the city-owned Shoop Golf Course in Wind Point into a destination course. The Monday night vote was unanimous.
The proposal has been criticized by some for its potential impact on birds and other wildlife as the area is described as an important stopover point for migratory birds. But Alder Mary Land said her concerns were addressed to her satisfaction. " I think this is a great investment for the City of Racine and I support this wholeheartedly," she said. "I don't think we have the money to take care of Shoop Park like we should.,"
The agreement calls for Leipold Johnson Golf Group to spend at least $10 million on building a new clubhouse and a dunes-styled course, installing a new irrigation system and stabilizing the shoreline bluff to prevent erosion. In exchange for a 10-year lease, the company will donate nearly $2 million to offset the cost of construction of the city’s King Community Center and will make $25,000 annual payments to the city.
Alder Dave Mack voiced strong support as well. "This will be one item we won't have to worry about," Mack said, citing the upcoming budget that's expected to be tighter than ever. "And to have a world class golf course in our backyard that we own...that's a positive thing."
Fees for city residents to play the course will be capped at $24 for the first two seasons, then will be tied to the lowest rate charged at another city-owned course, Johnson Park.
Mick Burke, president of the local chapter of the Hoy Audubon Society, said he still hopes that the designers of the revamped course will make changes to mitigate the negative impact on nesting and migratory birds, predicting that it'll take years for a full recovery to occur.
The full council will consider the deal next week.
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