The decision to make changes in Champions Landing’s operations didn’t come lightly — or quickly — for owner Jeremy Rusco.
During KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Thursday, Rusco detailed what led to his initial plan to close the facility outright before deciding to keep the property open to the community with significant operational adjustments. He says it was months of checking numbers before initially deciding to close, telling staff of the upcoming closure and then changing the plan.
At the top of the adjustment list is eliminating traditional ball golf, the facility’s hallmark since it formed as the Emporia Country Club over 100 years ago. Rusco says costs, including maintenance, upkeep and underground infrastructure, and the presence of the city-subsidized Emporia Golf Course made it impractical for ball golf to continue.
In place of the ball golf course will be two new disc golf courses, one for beginner-level play and one for intermediate-level players. Rusco believes that will open up slots for more disc golfing in general terms and also aligns more with the city’s recreation aspect of its strategic plan. Layouts are to be determined.
Champs Coffee is open five days a week and may be closed permanently, depending on traffic flow, but there are no changes planned for Champs Bar and Grill.
Another big change is closing down the pool, a location landmark for decades. Rusco says that was another victim of expenses well surpassing revenues.
Rusco has said Champions Landing will prioritize events like weddings, community activities, private parties and live music, and it will have new associated fees for room rentals, setup and cleaning services. It will also continue to emphasize it is open to the public.
