A year ago, Jeremy Rusco had offered to buy the then-Emporia Country Club. He is now in the process of buying the property.
Both Rusco, the founder of Dynamic Discs, and Mike Law, a member of the Emporia Community Group LLC, have sent a member email from the Community Group leadership to KVOE News confirming the sale is in process. Closing could happen by month’s end.
Emporia Community Group LLC gained the Country Club Board’s unanimous approval to purchase the facilities at 1801 Rural in late 2022.
At the time of the 2023 sale, there was a plan in place to offer more opportunities for business meetings, community events, birthday parties, weddings and other activities as a way to make the Country Club more accessible to the community. The email, however, says the group “met many obstacles that have made it clear we do not have a path forward for sustainability.” The email says member numbers dropped and the restaurant, while open to the public, was not as well-utilized as hoped. Group leaders also met with a team of designers and developers involved with golf course redevelopment to gauge other options, but the initial indications showed the plan could be costly and may not gain community or leadership support.
The email also says deferred maintenance costs and staffing hurdles contributed to the situation to sell the property.
The Country Club’s original golf course was finished in 1915 after the charter was approved in 1911 and the clubhouse was built in 1912. Besides a 9-hole golf course and clubhouse, the Country Club also consists of a disc golf course, dining facilities and banquet rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. The Reeble Park pickleball complex west of the clubhouse is on city property.
The email says the Emporia Community Group “made great strides to preserve an important venue for Emporia and are proud of the improvements and support” offered by members and others in the community.
Rusco has scheduled a meet-and-greet for Emporia Community Club members at 7 pm Thursday to answer questions, address concerns and discuss future plans. Rusco will also outline his vision for the Community Club on KVOE’s Newsmaker segment at 7:20 am Thursday.
