Worth hires new management for Water’s Edge Golf Course

By Joe Boyle

Even an impending snowstorm could not damper the mood of Worth Trustee Laura Packwood regarding plans for the village’s Water’s Edge Golf Course.

Packwood, who is the head of the golf committee, said that Orion, a company based out of Kansas City, Mo., became the official managers of Water’s Edge Golf Course as of Feb. 1.

The trustee made the announcement during the Worth Village Board meeting on Tuesday night.

Packwood said that she was confident that Orion was the right choice for the local golf course because representatives of the company said they were committed to providing a modern vision for the future.

Orion representatives Matt Roberts and Shane Gardner said in December they would like to bring in their own computer system, which would cost about $5,000 and be paid for through online revenues. The new system would be cost effective and user-friendly, Roberts said.

“There’s opportunities and we have to find them,” Roberts said during a Worth Village Board meeting in December. “We stay small by choice. We want to work with Water’s Edge.”

Packwood said Orion is off to a good start. Along with the computer upgrades, the new managers are working with the present staff.

“We will have 99% of staff return this year, even seasonal employees,” Packwood said. “We only had one person leave. Orion has a lot of great ideas for the new season.”

Packwood also mentioned that the Illinois Gaming Board has approved a gaming license for the clubhouse. They should be operating at the golf course by the end of February.

Members of the Worth Village Board were impressed with the initial operations of Orion, the third company to run Water’s Edge.

“I want to thank everyone on the transition of the golf course,” said Trustee Pete Kats. “I know Trustee Packwood had a lot to do with it but I know a lot of people were involved.”

Mayor Mary Werner pointed out that Village Clerk Bonnie Price had an active role in making the transition possible.

Price also mentioned that Park Lawn representatives have requested permission to advertise at local businesses and institutions to publicize their Tag Days, which will be held Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 and 15 and 16.

Community volunteers will be soliciting for donations on street corners and by storefronts from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. or dusk. Volunteers will be wearing bright orange safety vests and will be carrying collection buckets, along with sheets with Park Lawn’s logo and information.

Park Lawn’s mission is to provide services that promote choice and access to community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization has 12 facilities throughout the southwest suburbs.

Trustee Kevin Ryan thanked the Worth Police Department for their K-9 fundraiser to raise revenue for the new therapy dog program. The department’s first therapy dog — a 3-year-old toy poodle named Louie — was “sworn in” at the last board meeting. His trainer, police officer Michael Cozzi, brought Louie to the board meeting to be introduced and to pose for photographs. Cozzi said that Louie’s specialty is reaching out to students or anyone under stress or dealing with a recent tragedy.

The fundraiser for the program, which was held Saturday at the Garden Chalet, was deemed a huge success.

“I want to thank the police department for the fundraiser on Saturday,” Ryan said. “It was phenomenal.”

Tim Denton, the police chief, said the fundraiser was remarkable.

“It was awesome,” Denton said. “We raised about $25,000. I’ve never seen anything like this. We had people who supported this from outside the community, too. We have still have donations coming in.”

Trustee Brad Urban joked that perhaps the village should put a photo of Louie on other upcoming community events.

An ordinance was approved amending the village’s municipal code to modify bond requirements associated with certain building permit applications. An ordinance amending sections of the village’s municipal code to modify the number of Class A-1 tavern liquor licenses was approved. Vehicle licensing fees were also amended.

A resolution was approved for the 2021 Invest in Cook Improvement Project Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County for the Sidewalk and Path Improvement Project in the amount of $500,000.

Board members were delighted that the county had approved the funding after several years of requests. Paths will be made along the Cal-Sag to allow for walkers, runners and bikers to cross under Harlem Avenue under the bridge. Renovated paths will be completed from the boat launch near 115th and Beloit to the Metra Station.

Plans by the Chicago Archdiocese to have the village annex land at the west side of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery has been withdrawn. Price said no reason was given.