Long-awaited decision approaches on Fort Sheridan golf course

The Lake County Forest Preserve District is expected to determine this week whether to proceed with a high-end golf course at Fort Sheridan, a modified version of the plans or begin the process anew.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider on Thursday two contracts for architectural, engineering and construction management services to prepare bid documents.

The first, for $248,000, would be for a golf course originally approved in 2003 as part of the Fort Sheridan Master Plan.

The second is a similar contract for $265,500 for a "value-engineered" or scaled-back version.

Should both measures fail, which is possible given the galvanizing nature of the project, the district essentially would be starting from scratch.

Complicating matters is a deed restriction requiring that a golf course remain on the site. The district acquired 259 acres from the U.S. Army about 10 years ago.

A modest 18-hole course built in '60s is on the property but has been closed to the public and is largely torn up.

Because it would require extensive upgrades, the intent was to replace it.

But the matter has languished since bids at the time were well over estimates. Building a new course now could cost $25 million or more.

Some neighbors want to hold the district to the deed requirement and favor a high-end offering. But with the golf industry hurting, either option has become a potential liability, the district has been told.

"This is something we don't need and can't afford because it won't pay for itself," said forest board member Steve Carlson of Grandwood Park.

Commissioner Audrey Nixon of North Chicago is in favor of building a golf course.

"I don't think it would have to be the premier golf course. It can be scaled back. But that was the commitment."

Both are members of the board's finance committee, which voted 4-2 to send the matter to the full board.

Another committee unanimously rejected both bid proposals. Had the finance panel not voted in favor, the full board wouldn't have had the chance to consider them.

That sets the stage for either a resolution or possible fresh start next week.

"If both are voted no, then my suggestion to the board will be, and has been, that we form a planning committee," said Bonnie Thomson Carter, forest district president.

That group would include representatives from Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest, the Town of Fort Sheridan community and neighboring park districts, she said. The goal would be to reach a mutual agreement on what improvements should be made.

A new plan could include a directive to have the deed amended, she added.

Carter said the original concept plan no longer makes sense.

"We as elected officials have to respond to the economic time," she said.