Ridgeline Equestrian Estates Golf Course Announces Closure

(November 17, 2006)  ORANGE – Ridgeline Equestrian Estates, LLC, owner of the Ridgeline Equestrian Estates Country Club in East Orange, announced today the closure of the nine-hole golf course on the property.

“We’ve spent several months studying the operations and finances of the golf course before concluding that it is no longer a viable business,” explained John Martin, managing partner of Ridgeline Equestrian Estates. “The golf course has been in decline for the past five years.” 

Other operations, such as the Ridgeline Equestrian Estates tennis complex and related services, as well as the wedding and banquet center, and swim club will remain open.  Tennis play continues seven days a week, and banquets and parties continue to be booked. 

Records show that daily play at the golf course is less than one-half the number of rounds recorded as recently as six years ago.  This reflects a national trend showing interest in golf has slumped the past few years after the spike in popularity during the 1990’s.

Future uses for the 51-acre property, purchased by Martin in July, are now being discussed as part of a comprehensive planning process. 

“We now have an opportunity to work with our neighbors in designing a plan for this site that reflects the needs and wishes of this special community,” said Martin, an Orange Park Acres resident. “We plan to initiate a comprehensive planning process that will involve the community to examine all possible future uses for this property.”

Current city zoning for the Ridgeline Equestrian Estates property allows a variety of commercial and recreational uses, including corporate events, weddings, athletic fields, etc.  These options will be discussed with the community along with alternative uses for the property, including equestrian-style homes, new state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, improved equestrian riding trails, stable facilities and sports fields. 

Martin stressed that the company is mindful of the impact the decision will have on loyal patrons of the golf course, and its historic appeal to local junior players.  The company will begin recycling turf and other golf course assets to be made available for organizations that offer outdoor experiences for local youth, such as the Boy Scouts.

Those interested in learning more about the planning process for the Ridgeline Equestrian Estates property are encouraged to visit www.ridgelineequestrian.com or e-mail info@ridgelineequestrian.com.

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