Title
A Resolution Finding a Community Benefit in the Leasing of a Portion of the Valley HI Golf Course to Life Skills Fore the Youth of Colorado Springs d/b/a First Tee Southern Colorado
Presenter:
Kim King, Assistant Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs and First Tee Southern Colorado have a longstanding relationship based on the shared goal of empowering youth through golf. Today, these two organizations are asking City Council to confirm the community benefit achieved through the continued partnership of these organizations in the leasing of a portion of the Valley Hi Golf Course to support the construction of a new First Tee facility.
Background:
The partnership between First Tee Southern Colorado and the City of Colorado Springs’ Valley Hi Golf Course began in 2013, with the golf course serving as the home for First Tee’s youth development programs on a seasonal basis. The Valley Hi Golf Course was constructed in 1956 and purchased by the City in 1975. First Tee constructed a practice area in 2015 and a four-hole short course in 2016, expanding opportunities for youth engagement and skill development.
The existing Valley Hi pool house has been the home to First Tee’s operations for more than a decade although it has been challenging to provide programming in a structure built to support a seasonal pool operation. Now, the opportunity to demolish the pool house and construct a new facility specifically built to support First Tee’s programming needs as well as house its staff has come to fruition.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department strongly supports First Tee’s proposal and views the project as a vital enhancement to First Tee’s operation as well as a great improvement to the golf course itself. The initial 25-year lease term acknowledges that First Tee will construct, own and operate the facility with the option for an additional 25-year term. At any time that First Tee ceases operation of the facility, ownership of the facility will transfer to the City.
Previous Council Action:
City Council received an overview presentation of the First Tee Southern Colorado’s programs and proposed facility construction on October 27, 2025.
Financial Implications:
The Valley Hi Golf Enterprise has committed a total of $200,000, paid over three years, in support of the construction of the facility. First Tee Southern Colorado will pay for construction and operation of the facility at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. In addition, a $1/year rent will be charged in exchange for First Tee Southern Colorado constructing a new facility on golf course grounds that will support the organization and its ability to empower youth with confidence, resilience, and life skills through golf-based programming.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board receives an annual presentation from the Golf Enterprise that includes updates regarding the First Tee program. The Board will receive an update regarding the construction project at its October 8, 2026, meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the resolution finding a Community Benefit in the leasing of a portion of Valley Hi Golf Course to Life Skills Fore the Youth of Colorado Springs d/b/a First Tee Southern Colorado.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A