Big plans for what golf course can grow

APPLETON - Appleton resident John Mielke says growing up across the street from Riverview Country Club was like having nature at his back door.

Now, the nature of the Country Club is changing.

The golf course and club property was recently purchased by COTS, an Appleton area homeless shelter, for $2.6 million.

The plan is to transform the fairways and greens into a place filled with nature trails and organic gardens, where job-skills can grow.

"What's unique about the project is it's really addressing the root causes we have by providing job, job training, and by providing living skills and opportunities that (people) can learn on the property," said COTS Board President John Schmidt.

This won't be the first time the property has helped feed others.

Mielke remembers eating food from a community garden that was set up on the course during World War II.

"We ate off the land from the victory gardens, right over there, and so, going forward, to have this land preserved, it pleases me that this will be open space for our community," said Mielke.

COTS is the property owner, but other area shelters and organizations can also use the gardens.

But some say the project can hurt the community more than it can help.

In a statement from Appleton Taxpayers United, Perry Bovee says,?We support projects that support the community. But the sale removes valuable property from the city tax rolls at a time that the city needs it.?

But neighbors of the country club-turned gardens are excited for the change.

"I think this is a win-win,? said Ferrell Hope, who lives across the street from the golf course.

?I shouldn't say win-win, because win implies a loser. I think this is a gain-gain, for everybody."

Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna says while he doesn't like to see property come off the tax roll, the city supports its non-profits.

Construction on the gardens will begin in early spring.

Source: http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/big-plans-for-what-golf-course-can-grow

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