The general manager of the Green Mountain Golf Course in Camas says he’s leaving in October as developers prepare for some big changes.
The lease for Lacamas Family Entertainment, which runs the 18-hole course, will expire at the end of September. When that happens, General Manager Kevin Coombs will leave the course after more than a dozen years at the helm.
City planners and private developers have long eyed the Green Mountain area as a prime location for new housing as Camas’ population continues to grow in the coming years. This spring, Phil Bourquin, the city’s community development director, said planning was already underway for about 2,000 lots in the area.
But when the course will close for new development remains undetermined, said John O’Neil, one of the owners of the Metropolitan Land Group, which owns the land.
The company is still working through the permitting process and sorting out plans for the site. More details about the timeline should become clear in the coming months, O’Neil said.
For now, the course will remain open for the foreseeable future, he said. However, Coombs said he sees the transition as the end of Green Mountain’s nearly 15-year-run as an 18-hole course.
“I’m disappointed, like everybody else, that the golf course’s future is in doubt,” he said.
Coombs anticipates the land around the clubhouse could be developed as soon as next spring. Golf operations might continue afterward, but to what extent is unclear at this point.
With the end of the lease approaching, Coombs is spreading the word about a number of changes for his customers. All gift card sales have been immediately stopped, though they may be redeemed until the final day of operation.
For more information about how the transition will affect season pass holders, Summit Club members and award points in the coming months, visit www.golfgreenmountain.com or call the course at 360-833-8463.
Justin Runquist: 360-735-4547; twitter.com/col_smallcities; justin.runquist@columbian.com.
