Long-term sustainability of Golf Program in question

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Map of City golf courses

Portland Parks and Recreation should present alternatives to City Council to determine the future direction of the golf program and improve its contract management, according to an audit released May 23, 2019.

Intended to be self-supporting, the golf program required an infusion of $800,000 of taxpayer funds in 2017 to remain solvent. While Parks has taken steps to cut costs and increase the number of golfers, it is fighting a national trend of a sport in decline and past ineffective program management.
Many of the factors that led to the funding shortfall in 2017 remain in place.

To ensure the golf program is viable for the long term, we recommend that Parks and Recreation:

  • Present alternative financial forecast scenarios to City Council for direction
  • Negotiate contracts to reflect current conditions
  • Increase contract monitoring to ensure provisions are followed
  • Present contracts to City Council for approval and renewal.

Response from Portland Parks and Recreation is included in the report.

-- Performance Auditor II Bob MacKay