The day City Park belonged to everyone

For years, some people who want the City Park golf course replaced have argued for something simple: open the rolling land to everyone. Their vision is children running down the hills, families picnicking under the trees, people walking dogs and pickup games forming wherever there is room.

For one day in July 2012, that vision became real.

Then-BREC Superintendent Carolyn McKnight opened the course for the City Park Summer Showcase. The park filled with an art walk, food vendors, games, live music, wine tasting and a laser light show. BREC estimated that more than 800 people from across the parish attended.

At the ninth hole, children lined up to climb inside giant inflatable balls and roll down the hills. For a few hours, land usually reserved for golfers became their free playspace.

BREC was modeling the oldest golf course in the world. The Old Course at St. Andrews closes to golfers every Sunday and becomes a public park. People walk the fairways, bring dogs, picnic, fly kites and stop at the historic Halfway House for refreshments.

BREC said after the 2012 showcase that it would occasionally open City Park’s course for public use. That never became a tradition, and the battle over the future of all of City-Brooks Park continues.

Aside from a few unusual events and car shows, that summer day remains the only recent time the golf course’s rolling landscape was open to everyone.