Board reaffirms restrictions on walking on the golf course

Walking on the golf course by non-golfers has always been prohibited. The Canyon Lake Board of Directors revisited the policy at its December meeting and ultimately voted to reaffirm the restriction of non-golfers walking on the course.

“Everyone understands that it is not safe to walk the course when golfers are present,” the board said. “But, there are times each month when the course is closed for maintenance and for overseeding in the fall.”

The topic came up recently as a suggestion from one of the community members during the public comment period.

“The Board is committed to addressing all the comments we hear,” the board said. “This topic is consistent with our goal of preserving and enhancing the peaceful enjoyment of the property for the permanent residents.”

At the meeting this month, the board re-evaluated various issues related to members walking on the course during non-golfing times.

The Board asked for input from both the Recreation Committee and the Green Committee. The Recreation Committee fully supports creating walking opportunities for members, it said, but when it comes to the golf course it relies on the Green Committee.

Photo provided by Canyon Lake POA

The idea of allowing members to walk on the golf course was first brought to the Green Committee in 2017 from the then-titled Facility Planning Committee. This time, the Green Committee reconsidered its previous concerns and recommendations. The committee told the board that, with the best interest of the POA in mind, it continues to recommend restricting member use of the golf course for walking. Safety remains its key concern, it said.

Another issue the board reviewed, with regards to members walking the course, was the impact of reclaimed water.

All but three holes on the golf course are watered with reclaimed water that under state law must not come in contact with people. Watering of the course is done overnight so that there is no planned contact with golfers.

Irrigation system testing is done on the monthly closure days during the day so any problems can be identified. During the fall overseeding process, watering is done during the day almost continuously for the first two weeks. During these times, chemicals are also applied to the course that should not come in contact with people or pets. There is no predictable time during closure periods that watering or chemical applications can be guaranteed to not affect walkers.

The board pointed out that there are alternative areas in Canyon Lake for leisure walking.

“For reasons that we cannot easily change, this community was planned and constructed without sidewalks or designated walking paths,” the board said. “Efforts have been made recently to add walking opportunities and more are under consideration.”

Recently, a walking path around the perimeter of the lodge and tennis areas was completed that provides leisurely exercise and beautiful views. The new striping on Canyon Lake Drive North and along Longhorn and Continental has created safe walking areas along those streets.

Access is provided to the trails on the BLM land behind the Fire Station through a gate at the back of the ski boat parking lot next to the station. Keys to the gate are available at Member Services.

There is also a large network of trails and paved bike paths along Salt Creek and within the Audie Murphy community just outside the East Gate.

The board also recognized that non-golfing members are still welcome to drive their carts on the paths along holes 1 and 14 to access the Country Club from the community.