Pacts for Work on Golf Course Studied

City leaders Tuesday will consider awarding $11.7 million in construction contracts for a major renovation of the 35-year-old Los Robles Golf Course.

The city-run course has been in need of repairs for many years as golfers complained about irrigation problems. On parts of the course balls get stuck in mud because of soggy turf, while in other areas the land is too dry for grass to grow.

The improvements--approved by the City Council in July--include installation of a new irrigation system and new tee boxes, redoing the parking lot, replacing putting greens and building a new banquet center and pro shop.

Initially, the price tag for the renovation was about $10.2 million, but several factors--including increases in construction cost and the addition of on-course restrooms and a snack bar in the project--have kicked the cost up another $1.5 million, said Candis Hong, Thousand Oaks finance director.

Greens fees, a city bond and general fund cash will pay for the project. Construction is expected to begin next month.

Half of the 18-hole course will remain open during renovations, which are expected to take about a year to complete, Hong said. The city expects to lose about $900,000 in revenues while the course--the only public links in the city--is under construction.

The facility grosses about $2.4 million annually and Hong said she expects any revenue losses to be made up in less than five years.

“It’s going to be a really nice facility when it’s completed,” she said.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.