City of Kent not sure what to do with Riverbend’s Par-3 course

For years, Riverbend Golf Complex in Kent has been made up of an 18-hole championship, course, driving range, merchandise center and a par-3 golf course. The nine-hole par-3 course has been an affordable and popular short course for a variety of golfers through the years.

But with rounds of golf not what they used to be, the City of Kent is looking for ways to save some money at Riverbend – and they have talked about selling the par-3 golf course. It’s a difficult decision and the city knows the bottom line is you never like to lose a golf course. In fact, the city of Sumner shut down its Sumner Meadows Golf Course last fall and sold the property.

The players who have played the Riverbend par-3 course for years are looking for ways to work with the city and save the course. Kent’s par-3 course has experienced a decrease of a little more than 20 percent in annual number of rounds played. A group has been formed called the Committee To Save The Par-3 and they would like to see the course included into its more sustainable parks system. They welcome the possibility of a vendor perhaps operating the city-owned course.

No timetable has been set on the future of the Riverbend par-3 course. The city is looking at a variety of options. Stay tuned.