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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jeff Schmidt, Superintendent of Golf Operations
DATE: October 18, 2026
SUBJECT:
Resolution Establishing 2027 Golf Rates at Phillips Park Golf Course
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of the requested resolution establishing rates for the 2027 golf season.
BACKGROUND:
Attached are the proposed golf rates for the 2027 golf season. The City of Aurora last adjusted golf course rates in 2026. Golf serves as an important recreational and wellness activity for Aurora residents and individuals throughout the surrounding communities. Historically, the City has maintained competitive golf rates within the Fox River Valley and surrounding areas. Phillips Park Golf Course has established a reputation for welcoming golfers of all ages and skill levels while maintaining excellent turf conditions and delivering exceptional customer service. As operating costs continue to rise and the course’s aging infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and investment, the proposed rate adjustments will help offset these increasing expenses while keeping the course competitive with comparable facilities in the region. These adjustments will also support continued improvements to the golf course, its infrastructure, and amenities, ensuring that Phillips Park Golf Course remains an accessible, enjoyable, and a high quality recreational amenity for the community.
DISCUSSION:
After reviewing the surrounding golf course landscape, our proposed rates will strengthen Phillips Park Golf Course's position among our competitors while maintaining affordability for our core customer base. Phillips Park Golf Course will continue to rank among the most competitively priced facilities in the Fox River Valley. Golf rates were evaluated against historical peak tee time reservations to ensure pricing reflects demand during high-volume periods. As operating costs continue to increase, maintaining existing rates would place additional financial pressure on the facility and may compromise its ability to sustain the quality of course conditions, services, and overall recreational value expected by our patrons. Inaction may lead to a decline in overall golf value.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
By not approving the 2027 proposed rates, it will hinder our ability to remain competitive with courses in the surrounding market.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopts the resolution establishing 2027 golf rates at Phillips Park Golf Course.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Establishing 2027 Golf Rates at Phillips Park Golf Course
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, City staff have reviewed several changes in golf rates for the City of Aurora owned Phillips Park Golf Course for 2027, a copy of which is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Golf Operations seeks authorization to adjust rates throughout the season as needed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: A resolution to establish 2027 Golf Rates as set forth in the attached exhibit be approved.