The October 15 meeting of the Wawarsing Town Board was marked by residents seeking assurances about the future of Joseph P. Stoeckeler Memorial Park and Golf Course, a Village of Ellenville property whose financial challenges have prompted discussion about its future.

At recent village meetings, officials have explained that revenue from the golf course is sufficient to cover day-to-day operating expenses and maintenance, but not the longer-term costs of major improvements. The financial uncertainty has raised questions about how the property can be maintained and what role, if any, the town might play in its future.

The first speaker at the town meeting was Jeff Kaplan, former mayor of Ellenville and a leading figure in the village’s effort to acquire the property in 2019.

The property encompasses 48 acres between Nevele Road and Sandburg Creek, just north of Honor’s Haven, formerly known as the Fallsview Hotel.

The site was once home to the beloved Shawangunk Country Club Golf Course, known locally as “the Gunk.” Its restaurant was a favorite gathering place, but by 2019, the club was struggling to pay its bills. A developer had expressed interest in purchasing the property and building senior and workforce housing.

Although both types of housing were needed and might have been approved, the golf course was also a notably beautiful property, offering views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Kaplan and others believed it was worth preserving as a recreational asset rather than allowing it to be redeveloped.

But Village officials have identified significant needs at the property, including rehabilitation of the former clubhouse and restaurant and repairs to the adjoining parking lot. Ellenville mayor Evan Trent has noted that properly managing a golf course requires a full-time commitment, something he cannot personally provide alongside his other responsibilities. The village is therefore exploring its options, including the possibility of alienating the property in accordance with New York State law.

The golf course continues to serve several community needs. Ellenville Superintendent of Schools Lisa Wiles has explained that having a local course makes it easier and less expensive for the school district to maintain boys’ and girls’ golf teams. Without it, the teams would have to travel considerable distances to practice and would lack a home course for matches.

Kaplan said six leagues currently play at the course. He singled out one, the “Bonnie & Clyde” league, noting that “when they have finished playing they all go to Gaby’s restaurant on Canal Street.”

He described the golf course as an economic engine for the village, alongside Shadowland Stages and the restaurants along Canal Street. These destinations, he argued, bring visitors to Ellenville who spend money at local businesses.

Former Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion also spoke in support of the golf course, describing it as one of the “bright spots” of the community.

He was followed by John Eckhart, an Ellenville resident who praised the beauty of the course against the backdrop of the Shawangunk Ridge and noted that many retirees enjoy playing there. Eckhart wondered whether the town and village could jointly manage the property.

Town Board member Samantha Ellis said her son plays at the course. Calling it an asset, she also recognized its value to the wider county.

Deputy Supervisor Bill Brown, who has played the course many times, brought the discussion back to the town’s financial constraints.

“This is budget season,” Brown said. “This is a very tough budget season,” with rising costs for everything from diesel fuel to road salt, which could cost the town $75,000 this year.

The Wawarsing Town Board is expected to continue discussing possible options for the future of Joseph P. Stoeckeler Memorial Park and Golf Course.