Downtown Links To Replace Downtown Links!

April 1, 2013 |

by  J.W. Mackowitz

“Fore!” Watch out, a new development group is pulling another fast one to replace the current Downtown Links alignment. In its place? A golf course. In a bold move the development group entitled Tucson Environment and Ecology (TEE), has decided to relocate Fred Enke Golf Course within the current boundaries of the Downtown Links project. The new project will be called DLUCSMMMCDLVIII.

“It’s a win-win-win-win-win-win for the community,” the assistant deputy director of deputies in the office of TEE said, “we save Fred Enke, we save buildings from being demolished, we save Arroyo Chico, we save money, we bring in revenue, and we offer another venue for tourists and residents of Tucson to enjoy in the downtown area.”

The proposed layout is still being kicked around by a team of consultants but plans are to have at least nine holes from the now closed Fred Enke Golf Course transplanted to the well-preserved Downtown Links site. Many of the greens will be preserved, some of the turf from the fairways will be brought over, and the Arroyo Chico wash will be restored.

“I don’t like golf, but I sure love washes,” Brad Lancaster, a nationally recognized water harvesting expert said.

Representatives from TEE are currently talking to Pima Land and Arts Industrial Development (PLAID) about leasing the historic Steinfeld Warehouse for the Golf Clubhouse. Realizing the link between golf and art is at its best weak, TEE is prepared to set up an artist-in-residency program at the golf course.

“Any artist in Arizona can apply through a competitive process managed by the Tucson Urban Revitalization Fund (TURF). We will provide space for the artists to work, helmets for any plein air painters, and an abundant supply of golf balls for any budding sculptors out there,” the assistant deputy director of deputies said. It is hoped the work the artists generate will then be placed within the golf course, harking back to the now defunct Magic Carpet Putt Putt Golf Course on East Speedway. Maybe the Tiki was moved to right place after all.

But what about the traffic? Wasn’t the Downtown Links project supposed to alleviate the onslaught of traffic Downtown endures from the Eastside en route to I-10?

“Don’t count a high-capacity roadway out of the Downtown picture just yet,” said Craig Pierson of Traffic ‘R Us, the Los Angeles-based consultant who has worked on the project for the past 140 years. More studies will be done to solve the congestion problem.

Longtime resident and golfer, Bill Mackey, has mixed feelings about the project. “While I am truly excited about the prospects of a golf course in the middle of downtown, I’m upset I just sold my golf cart!”

Category: Community

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