Save Derryfield Golf Course (SDGC) is a non-partisan, grass roots organization dedicated to the repair of the golf course and park that is part of the Derryfield Country Club complex.
The SDGC is committed to one goal at this time:
To enlighten the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding this situation and enlist their aid to remedy this problem.
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The SDGC mourns the loss of a fellow golfer, good guy and great friend, Dan Duval.
Danny touched many of us in such a positive way it is difficult to describe. Suffice to
say that his influence on us was life affirming. Our condolences go out to his wife,
Debbie, and the entire Duval family.
BC/TT
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UPDATE: May 8, 2012
The recent Union Leader article titled “Proposal for 9-hole Derryfield tees off members” should serve as testimony that at least one member of our Board of Mayor and Aldermen is determined to undermine one of Manchester’s greatest assets! As you know the mission of the SDGC has not only been to raise awareness of the deteriorating condition of our course but to also recognize the significant historical value that Derryfield represents to Manchester’s past, present and future. The comments made by the At-Large Alderman are ill advised and short sighted. Suggesting that people don’t have as much time as they once did (to golf) is totally inaccurate and irrelevant as it relates to the reasons why memberships have declined and the course has lost money. The SDGC would think that a representative of city government be more concerned with restoring an asset that has proven to be a money maker than to just discard an historical property.
As the article states and Louise Billy’s on target comments reflect, Derryfield members should be TEED-OFF. For too many years the membership and green fee players have witnessed whatever profits the club made used to fund other city recreational venues or into the General Fund with limited money being used to repair, restore and maintain the course.
By his comments it would appear this Alderman believes that it would be in the City’s best interest to sell off every open space including parks, pools or tennis courts that do not make money!
Your voice is needed now more than ever. We’ve seen the great work that’s been done on the course to date. Even if you have signed the petition, please print and secure additional signatures. If you see your Alderman or other city official…let them know how you feel! We can’t let one uninformed city official dictate the future of this valuable city asset!
Quote from the January 2006 City of Manchester, Parks & Recreation Master Plan
“If we had in the city six vacant lots available to youngsters of a certain neighborhood for playing ball,
it might be “development “to build houses on the first, and the second, and the third, and the fourth, and even on the fifth, but when we build houses on the last one, we forget what houses are for.
The sixth housewould not be development at all but rather stupidity”
Aldo Leopold – renowned American author, scientist, ecologist, environmentalist
BC/TT
Update April 2, 2012
SDGC was pleased to read the recent article in the Union Leader (April 1) regarding the drainage issues at the course. It’s even more encouraging to hear that the leaders of the City Parks and Highway Departments recognize the urgency needed to repair, improve and restore one of Manchester’s greatest assets. The tree removal and paving efforts, to date, serve as proof that a collaborative and coordinated initiative goes a long way in creating an attractive and playable venue.
Securing a qualified and professional organization to advance our cause is crucial! SDGC has been invited to review responses submitted by nine top engineering firms. Mayor Gatsas has included a $250,000.00 line item in the proposed 2012 City budget. We believe this expenditure would provide the essential initial resources to turn the corner in returning the Derryfield Golf Course and Park to a profitable and valuable city asset.
Once again, we seek your support in securing petition signatures. As a part of the RFP process, public forums are included. Due to the sensitive nature of the budget process we believe our combined voices will go far in convincing city leaders that an investment in the Derryfield Golf Course will secure a positive return on investment over the short and long term.
Sincerely,
BC/TT
02/16/12 Update:
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have taken the first step (of many) in reaching our goal of repairing the Derryfield Golf Course.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for an engineering study to repair the Derryfield Golf Course has been posted on the City website inviting Engineering firms the opportunity to bid. Though we are currently reviewing the RFP it appears to be all encompassing. Issues such as drainage to the lower holes, green complexes, cart paths, tee boxes and overall repair of deteriorated conditions are addressed, however this project will take several steps and still requires funding.
We have included a copy on this website. The official name of the document is DCC Southeast Golf Course Drainage Improvement (FY12-650-60). Deadline for return bids is March 22, 2012 @ 4:00.
The tree removal project is nearing completion. Stump removal and overall landscaping are planned. Additional efforts will be initiated to assure that the course continues to provide the membership and all players with a challenging and pleasurable venue.
As you have probably heard by now, the family and individual membership rates did not increase for 2012. The junior category was reduced, in recognition of the youth movement, to encourage the growth of golf. Many of our states finest players have learned and perfected their games at the Derryfield.
To assure that this attention continues please take a minute to print and secure petition signatures. As we move into the next phase, which is securing the essential funding, many critical steps will need to occur. One of which will more than likely be a public hearing. For those that think signatures don’t matter…you’re wrong!
UPDATE 2/13/2012:
See the two new pictures of the 5th and 15th greens with the trees and stumps gone. Different look!
Continue viewing the website for updates!
Now more than ever it is crucial that we secure signatures to support our efforts.
Please print, get signatures and return.
DCC PETITION
We feel a petition addressed to the Mayor and Alderpersons is the best way to get our point across.