After a long, cold, snowy winter, we are anxious to change gears and head outside to enjoy many of the great warm weather activities available in Grand Junction. The Grand Valley has developed a wonderful reputation for its high quality golf courses which offer excitement, challenge and breath-taking views. Lincoln Park and Tiara Rado golf courses are owned and operated by the City of Grand Junction, and will offer a new look this season.

Several holes are being modified at Lincoln Park in an effort to mitigate the number of balls that stray beyond the course boundaries. These changes will provide more exciting challenges for golfers and should be completed by Memorial Day.

The course at Tiara Rado is undergoing a major renovation project. For most golfers, the top three reasons for selecting a particular course include customer service, value and course maintenance. We realize that city services are central to the quality of life that we experience in Grand Junction, and are committed to these three concepts.

The $3.5 million improvement project will replace an aging irrigation system that has become obsolete over the past several years. Not only will this system provide better ground coverage, it is estimated to save more than $100,000 annually in reduced energy costs. Two new ponds will provide up to seven days of valuable water storage while also improving the wildlife habitat.

It is important to note the financing package that has been approved for this project. The two golf courses operate as enterprise accounts; therefore, they are supported by those who utilize the service. The funding for this project will be repaid, with interest, from golf course fees over the next several years. This is a great example of the city spending money wisely and providing a great value in return.

Tiara Rado is well known for its quality golf experience and amazing views of the nearby Colorado National Monument. Equally impressive is the wide variety of flora and fauna that are spread throughout the course. Forty-nine different species of birds call Tiara Rado home including the American Kestrel, the Belted Kingfisher and Western Screech Owl. More than 50 types of trees and 70 different flowers embellish the 18-hole course named after the red land on which it lies.

The summer of 2010 is shaping up to be very busy at both golf courses. We receive many questions from golfers who are inquiring about the construction timeline. Lincoln Park is fully operational and league play for men and women has begun. The newly modified tee boxes at Lincoln will be playable by Memorial Day. Contractors are working hard at Tiara Rado and should have the front side completed by the middle of April. Golfers will begin to utilize the existing routing of the back nine on April 30. New routing of the back nine will be ready for use in early August. Women's league is underway at Tiara Rado, and Men's league play is slated to begin May 6.

The Parks and Recreation Department is unveiling a new Web site specific to the both golf courses — www.golfgrandjunction.com. The new site is designed to be user-friendly and visually appealing. View our monthly calendar of events, stay current on the latest news and register for a free round of golf. Photos of all 18 holes at Tiara Rado and nine holes at Lincoln Park will be displayed this summer along with online shopping at our pro shops.

The City of Grand Junction is truly interested in listening to the residents, and we value the input that we receive. The Parks & Recreation Department will continue to be innovative and meet the ever-changing recreational needs of the Grand Valley.

Rob Schoeber is director of the Grand Junction Parks & Recreation department.