In 2015, the Applewood Golf Course (AGC) was threatened by the possibility of a residential development. A developer was under contract with Molson Coors for the AGC site, and was proposing a 400 home residential development. The Prospect Recreation & Park District (PRPD) community, the golfing community, and many others were absolutely opposed to the residential development of the AGC, and looked to PRPD as the logical agency to acquire the site if it became available for purchase.
On December 20, 2016, PRPD acquired ownership of the AGC from the Coors Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors. This purchase was the culmination of almost two years of effort by an incredible number of people and organizations. The acquisition was financed by a $9 million Bond issue, a $1.1 million Local Park and Recreation grant from Jefferson County, a $3 million Protect Initiative grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, and PRPD general fund monies. The cash purchase price was $13.5 million, with Coors Brewing Company generously agreeing to a “bargain sale” and making a charitable donation in the amount of $1.5 million.
As part of the acquisition, PRPD assumed the existing lease between Coors and Touchstone Golf, LLC. Touchstone has been operating, managing, and maintaining the AGC since 2007, and has done a wonderful job during that time. The lease with Touchstone runs through 2026. For at least that time, and hopefully longer, Touchstone will continue their operations at the AGC, with PRPD as the property owner. Based on the requirements of the grants that PRPD received, the AGC must always remain a golf course, open space, or be used for recreational purposes. It can never be converted to any type of residential, commercial, or industrial use.
The AGC is a Par 71, nearly 6,300 yard course. The Vista event venue is a centerpiece of the AGC, with seating for up to 250 guests.
For more info on the AGC, please visit: www.applewoodgc.com or call 303-279-3003
For info on the Vista, please visit: www.vistaapplewood.com or call 303-278-6637
