What do you think should be done with the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Property (Ideal: hotels, school)

[therealpattman]

I have dreamed of a massive golf ball on a tee added to the Augusta Skyline. It would house both the GGHF and a Masters Museum. Epcot is about 18 stories tall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceship_Earth_(Epcot)

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by The Magician

The land should be taken away from GRU. That land should be for private development. It appears Azziz doesn't plan to make a significant move on that land anytime soon. Gardens? Augusta doesn't have enough tourism to support it. A Master's Champion/Hall of Fame walk sounds excellent. Either put it on the riverwalk or Broad St. Also, I'd like to see some of those statues on the riverwalk.

Has nothing to do with tourism. Botanical gardens essentially function as a park, so they act to improve the quality of life of everyday citizens. And if they are nice/unique enough, they can actually encourage tourism.

[tckr83]

Call it whatever kind of garden you want to and set it up however you want... Augusta won't currently or anytime in the near future support something like that. It would die a slow death and eventually end up right back in the state of affairs you see currently on the old GGHF site. It's riverfront property and some of the most expensive land per acre you'll find in the area... think bigger than a park, garden or seasonal golfing themed venture in other words.

[therealpattman]

Originally Posted by tckr83

Call it whatever kind of garden you want to and set it up however you want... Augusta won't currently or anytime in the near future support something like that. It would die a slow death and eventually end up right back in the state of affairs you see currently on the old GGHF site. It's riverfront property and some of the most expensive land per acre you'll find in the area... think bigger than a park, garden or seasonal golfing themed venture in other words.

I think with proper planning and a certain uniqueness factor, a golf themed venture could work. What people have to remember is the city of Augusta, most of time, build things that others have done before. The wow factor does not exist. Augusta needs to think really outside of the box with ways of attracting tourist. The city should also play to its strengths and golf is big business in this town. I agree a garden is not all that spectacular but a dedicated park and museum with a wow factor to it can thrive even become a part of the tournament itself.

[The Magician]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Has nothing to do with tourism. Botanical gardens essentially function as a park, so they act to improve the quality of life of everyday citizens. And if they are nice/unique enough, they can actually encourage tourism.

Leaders working to save Golf Hall of Fame's Botanical Gardens - WRDW.com - News for Greater Augusta and Aiken
Georgia Golf and Gardens closes its doors to the public - WRDW.com - News for Greater Augusta and Aiken

There you go. 2 links calling it a tourist attraction and stating that it failed because people came once and never came back. Not to mention, the Gardens upkeep cost 500,000 annually. I believe that funds were misappropriated, mishandled by people involved with the project. GGHOF went bankrupt. Plain and simple. If it would've attracted more people it would still be here today.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by The Magician

Leaders working to save Golf Hall of Fame's Botanical Gardens - WRDW.com - News for Greater Augusta and Aiken
Georgia Golf and Gardens closes its doors to the public - WRDW.com - News for Greater Augusta and Aiken

There you go. 2 links calling it a tourist attraction and stating that it failed because people came once and never came back. Not to mention, the Gardens upkeep cost 500,000 annually. I believe that funds were misappropriated, mishandled by people involved with the project. GGHOF went bankrupt. Plain and simple. If it would've attracted more people it would still be here today.

I'm saying you don't have to have high levels of tourism to support botanical gardens. My hometown in SC, with a population under 15,000 and has nothing close to a prestigious annual event like the Masters, maintains some very nice gardens. Because of that investment, it has become an attraction in and of itself but it didn't start off like that. Mismanagement/misappropriation of funds seems to be the real culprit here. But to say a city the size of Augusta can't support a properly-managed botanical garden is silly. Of course it can't, you don't have to be an Orlando or New Orleans for that.

[The Magician]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

I'm saying you don't have to have high levels of tourism to support botanical gardens. My hometown in SC, with a population under 15,000 and has nothing close to a prestigious annual event like the Masters, maintains some very nice gardens. Because of that investment, it has become an attraction in and of itself but it didn't start off like that. Mismanagement/misappropriation of funds seems to be the real culprit here. But to say a city the size of Augusta can't support a properly-managed botanical garden is silly. Of course it can't, you don't have to be an Orlando or New Orleans for that.

I understand but that was what the GGHF was built for. I can't find the admission price but that was one of the turnoffs. Also, less and less Master's folks showed up. All of those things coupled with the fact that Sonny Perdue didn't want to fund it, did the GGHF in.

[nortonguy]

The GGHF could have worked if the citizens knew that it was never going to become a real 'hall of fame' attraction. This was nothing more than a botanical garden, and a couple of statues.

The GGHF site is a civic park on the GRU Cultural/Mills campuses proposal....
http://aug-cdn.com/sites/default/fil...Proposal_0.pdf

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by The Magician

I understand but that was what the GGHF was built for. I can't find the admission price but that was one of the turnoffs. Also, less and less Master's folks showed up. All of those things coupled with the fact that Sonny Perdue didn't want to fund it, did the GGHF in.

Charging for admission at all was a major mistake, especially given its location. Downtown parks should be free and for the enjoyment of the general public, like the gardens in my hometown. So if another funding structure can be created, it could be worth bringing the gardens back.

[All4Augusta]

This thread really just ticked me off. No, let GRU have it, develop the land creating height, urban feel, and true useful resourceful profit. Why must we continue this small minded thinking? Please, please, please no garden, no parking lot ugh!