Hello,
Thank you for signing the petition to save Les Bolstad Golf Course.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
There is one important additional step that we hope you can help with that is paramount to the goal:
No sale by the University of Minnesota.
PLEASE DO:
Contact the decision makers and influencers.
One email (or phone call) that reflects your view on the issue, copy and send to:
1. University of Minnesota Regents
2. Local Representatives:
Rep. Leigh Finke
MN House 66A
651.296.3824
Clare Oumou Verbeten
MN Senate-66
651.296.8866
For questions or to get involved in other ways, please contact us at: savebolstad@gmail.com
Thanks!
Les Bolstad Golf Course Status FAQ
MYTH: A sale would minimally change the property.
FACT: The only options offered include development, housing, light commercial, and roads.
MYTH: The golf course loses money.
FACT: The golf course is profitable.
MYTH: Development of the property is locally supported.
FACT: Community is adamantly opposed to development.
MYTH: The city of Falcon Heights is in a financial crisis.
FACT: The Mayor of Falcon Heights is on record that the city is not in need of additional tax revenue from new development at the site.
MYTH: The public was given proper notice of an impending sale.
FACT: After owning the property since 1914, the University of Minnesota, a Land Grant Institution, notified the public this past spring of the sale.
MYTH: The property only serves as a golf course.
FACT: The University of Minnesota Department of Horticulture has two ongoing research projects at the site, which is preferred by investigators for numerous reasons, including its proximity to campus. One study includes the USDA, where the course is used for data collection on turf grass and winter kill. The other project is part of ‘NSF long-term ecological research’ and examines the impact of floral diversity on pollinators.
MYTH: U of M athletes do not use the course.
FACT: Both the Golf and Cross Country teams use the property as a practice facility.
MYTH: The golf course is only for collegiate athletes.
FACT: The MSHSL Cross Country state meet and Griak Invitational have hosted thousands of high school student/athletes.
MYTH: Due diligence was done by the University of Minnesota before the announcement of an impending sale.
FACT: The sale plan was a unilateral decision improperly vetted.
MYTH: The selling price for the property would be $75 million or more.
FACT: Estimated market value, $30 million. Approximately .58 percent of the U of MN endowment.
MYTH: The land is best used for development.
FACT: Green space is invaluable and facilitates recreation, athletics, and impacts community health and well-being.