Letter to the Editor: ‘Friends of Westview’ needs to be created to help pay for capital improvements

It’s time for Westview Golf Course, one of Quincy’s best economic draws, to receive third-party financial support in a similar fashion to the successful Friends of the Trails organization that has worked to extend the boundaries of the Bill Klingner Trail.

It’s clear the public doesn’t want a tax levy, and I don’t fault them. But Westview needs continued funds to be the catalyst of economic growth and community enrichment. Find a growing or successful community in Illinois without a great public golf course. I’ll help. You won’t find one. Westview hasn’t seen significant investment in more than 20 years. It’s a public good, and it deserves to be treated like one.

As the Quincy Park District tries to keep golf rates affordable and keep 27 holes of golf in prime condition, it’s unreasonable to expect Westview to make enough money for large capital improvements like irrigation systems, clubhouse additions, driving range facility, etc. It simply won’t happen. 

Now is the time to form a group to shepherd Westview’s needs and raise the funds necessary. Quincy has realized great economic impact because of the public’s 27 holes of golf. Consider the decades of the Little Peoples Golf Tournament, multiple pro-ams over the years and various college and high school golf events every year.

The “Friends of Westview” would have ample ability to draw in funds from weekly golf events requiring a small entry, being the host of golf clinics and a range of golf-specific events, to the most traditional fundraising by simply asking for a donation. 

I’ll be the first to donate. Now will you join me?

B.J. Kroeger
Quincy, Ill.