City Plans New Building, Simulators at Stambaugh Golf Course

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The city plans to construct an addition to Henry Stambaugh Golf Course that would house indoor golf simulators for those looking to sharpen their game year-round, officials said Thursday.

“We’re looking to do two state-of-the art golf simulators,” said Clemate Franklin, director of the city’s Parks & Recreation department. “It will extend the season, and it’s basically all year-round.”

The simulators will display a menu of different digital golf courses from across the country that players can choose from, with adjustments for weather conditions and other effects, Franklin said. Players tee up as they would at any course and then hit into a screen, which then analyzes game aspects such as ball speed, swing and distance.

The simulators would be added to space near the front steps of the clubhouse, entering from the parking lot.

Other projects at the course include a new garage to store equipment, golf carts and trucks.

Franklin said the project would generate additional revenue for the course and enhance community engagement there. “There are a lot of golfers around here, and this is something we can provide for our constituents,” he said. “It’ll help with skill development and training.”

The projects are part of $10.5 million in upgrades allocated to Parks and Recreation from the city’s American Rescue Plan funds. That money is earmarked for improvements that are targeted for the parks citywide, including new playground equipment and other amenities.

“It’s making it possible to have this type of activity at the golf course,” said Kyle Miasek, finance director. 

Charles Shasho, deputy director of public works, said bids will go out to general contractors soon for the project. Strollo Architects, Youngstown, was selected to design the new addition.

“The contract should be awarded this year,” he said. The precise scope and cost of the new addition were not available, he said, and documents are still being prepared. 

City officials discussed the project at the conclusion of its Board of Control meeting Thursday.

The Board of Control – which consists of the mayor, finance director and law director – approved 52 spending measures that included renewal of a contract not to exceed $75,000 with Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners, the city’s consultant on its 20 Federal Place redevelopment effort.

The city earlier this year released a request for proposals to developers interested in acquiring and redeveloping 20 Federal Place. In September, just a single company – Bluelofts Inc. of Dallas – responded to the city’s request.

“We’re still evaluating the one developer,” Miasek said. “We’re going back and forth with questions and answers.”

The board also approved an Appalachian Community Grant with the Ohio Department of Development for technical assistance and planning management.

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