The Rock Creek Park golf course in Washington D.C, which consists of 18 holes, urgently requires refurbishment. Currently, four of its holes are entirely unusable, its fairways have become excessively bushy, and there are significant areas of the turf that are devoid of grass. However, the National Park Service’s (NPS) proposal to rejuvenate the course, which involves the removal of over 1,000 trees spanning approximately 8 acres, has sparked controversy among local residents and environmental organizations.

On September 25, NPS shared an environmental evaluation of the suggested golf course improvements, highlighting the extent of tree removal the project would entail. This evaluation, however, wasn’t widely disseminated, leaving many residents and environmental entities unaware. Although the window for public feedback was initially set to conclude today, due to mounting public opposition, including from D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, NPS has now extended it to November 4.

The course’s design dates back to 1927, crafted by the esteemed golf course designer, William Flynn. Flynn’s design emphasized a “parklands style,” blending tree clusters with the fairways on a gently inclined landscape. His original design featured more expansive grassy areas for golf than what is currently present. Over time, parts of the course succumbed to expanding vegetation, and a significant portion on its southern end was repurposed to construct Military Road.

In 2020, the National Links Trust, a recently established nonprofit, secured a 50-year lease to manage the golf course. They introduced the renovation project with the aim to address ongoing maintenance issues, enhance the course’s appeal, attract the local community, and ensure the course’s financial viability. The proposal suggests dividing the existing 18-hole course into two separate 9-hole courses, complemented by a new driving range. Additional enhancements include a new clubhouse, a structure for golf carts, a picnic area, and a maintenance facility.

The executive director of the National Links Trust was not available for a statement regarding this matter, and attempts to reach an NPS representative remained unanswered.

The golf course encompasses five forested areas. An NPS survey in early 2022 documented the trees and evaluated the health of these wooded sections. The survey revealed varying health conditions across these areas, with some showcasing a rich variety of native trees, while others predominantly consisted of invasive species.

The golf course is home to 2,571 trees, as per the survey, with tuliptree, American beech, oak, and maple being the predominant species. The project could potentially lead to the removal of nearly half of these trees, or 49%. However, post-construction, there are plans to plant approximately 200 new native trees. The revamped course will also feature around 13 acres of new pollinator meadows, native grasslands, and other ecologically friendly spaces.