Community rallies behind golf course owner

Supporters of the longstanding owners of the Butler Park Pitch & Putt golf course will gather Friday in an event intended to spur attention and action from City Council. The “community supporter day” is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. at 201 Lee Barton Drive, and was organized because of the city’s decision not to consider the current ownership’s bid to continue operating the course, which is located on city park property. The bid was excluded from consideration because owner Lee Kinser neglected to sign one page of the bid form, meaning the bids from two other groups were the only ones considered. There is some belief that Council could opt to reopen the bid when it comes up for approval in approximately the next 30 days. During that time, lobbying restrictions prevent Kinser or her representatives from having any direct contact with city officials, and City Council members have declined to comment on the open contract. Kinser’s existing contract expires in August.