TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The historic Rea Park Golf Course is turning 100-years-old this month, and a celebration was held to honor the facility on Tuesday.
Although the park continue to thrive, officials have their eyes set on bringing in big updates to advance the park even further.
Friends of Rea Park Inc. President Mike Harding said that he wants to see the course continue to be a destination in Terre Haute for another century and beyond. He made the Friends of Rea Park group back in 2014 to achieve the goal of preserving the historic clubhouse and course.
“Mr. and Mrs. Rea wanted this park to serve people so we’ve got to update this building so it does just that,” Harding stated. “We think we’re acting in their best interest.”
A four phase project will bring numerous changes to Rea Park. Phase 1 will restore the current clubhouse into a social center that will serve all activities conducted on the park grounds. Air conditioning would also be installed in the building.
Latter phases of the project would see additions such as pickleball courts, restaurants and a golf academy.
Harding mentioned that although in need of some work to help modernize the building, the clubhouse is still mainly intact. He stated that the clubhouse renovations and updates should cost around $2 million.
“You’ve got a building that can be renovated so it’s going to cut the cost down,” Harding said.
Private funds will play the biggest role in funding the projects, but READI grant funds will also play a role. $50,000 in previously awarded READI funds are going towards Rea Park, and Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett suggested that potentially more could come in the future.
“The next legislative session they’ll be ‘READI grant two’ if you will,” Bennett said. “We hope to apply for additional funding during that round.”
