CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council recently announced that the city would be taking over the grounds at Terri Pines, including its golf course and swimming pool, amongst others. Shortly after announcing that the McGriff family was relinquishing the property to the City of Cullman, rumors began swirling around the true cost/debt of the property and that the city was getting into the real-estate business.
After reviewing the comments, The Tribune reached out to city leaders for clarification on these issues. Those responding were Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman City Councilman Clint Hollingsworth, CPRST Board Chairman Rusty Turner, CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson and CEDA Director Dale Greer, all of which were compiled in a Q&A format.
CT: There are reports circulating amongst social media that Terri Pines is $5 million in debt. Is this an accurate number or fabricated? Please explain the total expense, what it covers and why.
CC: The city is acquiring all assets and debts. Terri Pines currently has approximately $500,000 in debt; this covers the property and related assets. Examples include the cost of equipment to maintain the course, golf carts, pro-shop inventory, swimming pool equipment, furniture, kitchen equipment, etc. The property was recently assessed at a value of $4.7 million.
CT: How will this help the City of Cullman and the City’s park and recreation?
CC: The City of Cullman’s population growth was 23% in the 2020 census. With the exponential growth, both golf courses can be used for different purposes, and both have been operating successfully for decades.
The additional tennis courts and other amenities provided by the acquisition provide more facilities to serve the citizens and schools for tournaments.
The clubhouse and dining space offer a huge meeting venue, and it will continue to play a role in events and activities supporting economic growth within the community. We are confident that Terri Pines will significantly benefit the City of Cullman; history proves that.
CT: There are speculators saying the City is only taking the property to offload it next year for a profit. Is this accurate? Why or why not?
CC: This is an absolute rumor. Any decision-maker involved with this process will tell you there is no truth to these unwarranted speculations. We are acquiring Terri Pines to build on its legacy and success for generations to come. There are no plans to offload the property. In fact, by taking ownership, we protect the property in its entirety and original form.
CT: Cullman city currently has Cross Creek Golf Course. How is this going to impact this course?
CC: The City of Cullman’s new ownership of Terri Pines will not affect Cross Creek Golf Course staffing or operations. There are enough golfers and visitors to Cullman to support each course and its amenities. Both have been operating for years, and we expect that to continue.
CT: What benefits or detractors come with the City owning two golf courses?
CC: We see only the benefits of owning both golf courses. Pooling resources and expanding our team to include additional pro shop staff and golf pros will benefit both courses. There is a lot of talent between both teams that will allow us to share each staff’s knowledge, experience and expertise. Terri Pines and Cross Creek BOTH had their most successful years to date in 2021.
CT: Will the City’s park and rec takeover duties, including staffing at TP? If so, how soon?
CC: We are in the process of taking over all operations. No changes will be made to any staffing, only that Terri Pines employees will now be City of Cullman employees.
CT: What types of changes can players expect when hitting the links following the acquisition?
CC: We will not be making any immediate changes to the facilities or operations. We welcome and ask for feedback from the Terri Pines’ team and members to determine what changes are needed.
CT: What does the purchase of TP fully include – the course and facilities, or does it include the entire footprint with homes?
CC: The golf course, buildings, equipment, tennis courts and pool. No residential property is involved.
CT: Will TP’s facilities be used to host events for the City of Cullman? Why or why not?
CC: Yes, it will be used in the same manner as it has been used in the past. The annual Industry Appreciation Reception hosted by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman City Industrial Development Board and Cullman County Industrial Development Authority with other local entities is scheduled there on Feb. 22, 2022.
Over the years, Terri Pines has been a key meeting location for community leaders to host industrial prospects and convince them that Cullman was the place for them to locate a new manufacturing facility. Cullman has been one of the most successful counties in Alabama for new and expanding industry, capital investment and job creation for four decades. Terri Pines facilities helped to make this happen and will continue to serve in this capacity under the City’s leadership.
CT: What are members of TP saying in regards to the acquisition?
CC: We have experienced a lot of support throughout this process. As with any change, there are inquiries that obviously follow new ownership; however, overall feedback has been very supportive. Members know and understand that the City’s ownership brings sustainability to Terri Pines.
CT: How will this acquisition affect pricing at both Cross Creek and TP?
CC: There will be no changes for members. Dues and green fees will remain the same for Cross Creek and Terri Pines, and they will operate as separate facilities under city management.
CT: Will TP now be open to the general public?
CC: There are no plans to change the Terri Pines semi-private golf course operation. It has been open for public play in recent history and will remain that way under the City’s ownership.
CT: Will there be a membership package or will it operate as a public golf course such as Cross Creek?
CC: Yes, there will be no changes for members, and dues will remain the same. If anyone has any questions, we want them to feel free to reach out directly to the City. We are happy to answer any questions.
To view the original council meeting where this issue was first discussed, visit https://www.facebook.com/CullmanTribune/videos/616018676379178.
The Tribune’s story can be read here: https://www.cullmantribune.com/2021/12/13/terri-pines-golf-course-to-transfer-ownership-to-city-of-cullman/?fbclid=IwAR0eYHOhsZBMs3q7FS3ppLUCtaOY7NBZGZYe1YQeDQqRMXUrMfmqPMVesGI.
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