Watertown seeks state approval to lease Thompson Park golf course

Watertown is seeking approval from the state Legislature to lease Thompson Park Golf Course to a qualified operator. Because the course is designated parkland, the city needs “Home Rule” approval before moving forward.

A City Council resolution requesting that approval was not voted on during a recent meeting. The city manager’s office said the city does not anticipate difficulty obtaining the required legislative approval. State legislation is already being developed, but it would still require approval from lawmakers.

The city is accepting bids for a course operator through Oct. 13. Two organizations, groups or businesses are reported to have responded to or be studying the request for proposals. If no operator is selected for the upcoming season, Council member Doug Osborne said he might support the city running the course for one additional season.