Future Of City-Owned Golf Courses Big Part Of Everett City Council Retreat

There are three golf courses within the Everett City limits. One course, the Everett Golf and Country Club in central Everett is privately owned and operated. The City of Everett owns the other two. Walter Hall in south Everett and Legion Memorial in north Everett.

On Saturday the Everett City Council will hold their annual retreat. The largest block of time in the retreat is set for council members to discuss the future of housing in Everett. With little property available for building a significant number of housing units within the city limits the golf courses have been mentioned as a possible source of land.

The second largest block of time on the retreat agenda is titled “Opportunities to Consider Regarding Golf Courses”.

Back in 2016 then Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson was looking at reducing the city’s deficit. “We may have to shorten some of the courses,” said Mayor Ray Stephanson. “Sell some real estate to pay off debt.” That never happened but the seed was planted and current Mayor Cassie Franklin has said Everett needs to look at every service the city provides and examine its costs and benefits.

The courses have not been great money-makers for the city and Everett is still paying off bonds for work at Legion Park.

The Everett City Council retreat is set for Saturday January 12th from 8 AM – 12 Noon at the Everett City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore in downtown Everett.