Spring weather means golf season and folks waiting to “tee-it-up” at the Providence Municipal Golf and Recreation Center can do just than beginning today (April 1).

The facility is buzzing with workers preparing the golf course for the opening and a couple of people that are working ‘night-and-day’ are newly hired General Manager Jon Garrett and head ground’s keeper Gary McConnell.

“We’re going to open for business Thursday but it might be a little hectic. I’m not even sure the cash register works so we might be running it (the course) out of a cigar box,” he laughed.

Garrett, who lives in Madisonville, is a Clay native and former member of the Providence Golf & Country Club. With a business background in sales, consulting, marketing and computer web design along with an extensive background in volunteer work and community involement, Providence mayor Eddie Gooch said his resume’ was by far the top of the list in an impressive stack of applications.

“It just jumped out at me, when I saw his application. I immediately got on the phone and talked with him,” Gooch stated. “I told him this job wasn’t going to pay him what he’s used to. But he said that managing a facility like this was something he had dreamed about.”

Garrett confirmed that Monday, noting that if you love what you do, then you never work a day in your life.

“I’m very fortunate at this point of my life that I can do something that I want to do, something that I love and something that makes me happy,” he explained. “I know that until we get this up and going and on the right track, it’s going to be stressful and there’s going to be a lot of long days and nights and I’m prepared for that. But it’s all worthwhile when you walk out there and see families playing golf or tennis together or taking advantage of the swimming pool. That won’t seem like work to me, that’s an environment I want to be in. I’ve been in high-stress jobs in health care, politics and even the banking industry and they just weren’t for me. I’m 40 years old and I’m looking for something that really gets me excited and I can’t think of a better project that something like this.”

Garrett also stated that he still has family in Webster County, including his mom who lives in Providence.

“I’ve always considered myself a community-minded person and this is just an extension of this and at the end of the day, I want to do something that really gets me excited and I feel this is that opportunity. And I truly want to develop a great facility for the people here in Providence.

“But Jon Garrett is not going to define what this facility becomes. I’m going to listen to the people who come in here and take part in the activities and then we’re all going to build from that. It certainly won’t be perfect from day one and it won’t be perfect a year from now, but we’re going to work towards it being better every single day by treating people the right way ... with respect ... and them treat the facility the same way. That all goes hand-in-hand, you treat people the right way and they’ll respect you and what you’re trying to do. And being able to come back to my home county and do this, it was icing on the cake.”

Golf fees for the center include $15 for nine holes (including cart) Monday through Friday and $20 for 18 holes (including cart). Saturday and Sunday rates are $20 and $25. All-inclusive yearly passes for both families and individuals, which includes unlimited access to the golf course, pool and tennis courts, will also be available and rates will be announced next week. Discounted rates will available for Senior Citizens.

“We invite folks to come by the club house and sign-up for these passes or simply to play a round of golf. We don’t have rental carts available yet but they should be here by next week,” Garrett continued. “I want people to realize this is not a country club anymore ... it’s open to the public ... so there will be different rules that everyone must live by. Everyone will have to check in at the pro shop and everyone begins play on hole number one and there are fees associated with playing. No more starting on any hole and coming and going as you please. We certainly welcome all past members and those who just want to pay as they play.”

He explained that the ability to handle debit and credit cards was not yet available but that would be a service provided probably within 10 days. He also stated that the pro shop would soon have supplies stocked and ready for sale as well as a snack bar.

“Right now I have three lists ... things we have to do, things we are going to do and things we hope to do,” he laughed. “I’m concentrating on the things I have to do in order to get the golf course up and running for those golfers who are ready to begin playing this week and take advantage of the beautiful days that are coming up. The golf course kind of gets the ball rolling for us so it’s our priority right now. We’ll move on to the pool, tennis courts and those types of things very soon,” Garrett continued.

“I want to do this the right way from the beginning. I want to provide a first-class product to the folks of Providence and I intend on making sure things are done right and meet all safety codes and regulations. The possibilities are endless for this facility but I don’t want to rush something and then try to play catchup. I want it right from the beginning. ”

Garrett emphasized the big differences in the transition from a private club to a public facility, especially the liability issues.

“We have to get the pool up to state code, find life guards and do some repair work to have it ready. But we’re still hoping for a traditional Memorial Day opening for that,” he stated. “Again, this is no longer a private club so all the rules and regulations change to assure the safety of everyone involved.”

Garrett is also a huge tennis fan, and is just months away from having his certification from the United States Tennis Association. He’s hoping to give tennis lessons as well as provide tennis leagues for all ages.

“We have to complete some extensive repairs to the tennis courts but we want to make it a showcase for the facility. That’s one of the first things you see when you drive up so we want it to sparkle,” added Garrett.

He also talked about the exciting changes that are in the future.

“My vision for this facility is very similar to that of the mayor’s and the council. We hope to develop this into a total recreation center, not just a golf course. We’ve talked about holding concerts out here or maybe a 5K fund-raising run for a worthy cause. This is “all” of Providence’s facility and we want them to take advantage of it,” he stated. “We were going to do our best to provide a top-notch product, provide great service and do it with a smile and I’m also open to any comments or suggestions. I just think the possibilities are endless of what we can do out here and how much this facility can offer to the citizens of Providence. It’s really an exciting time not only for me peronally but for all of the citizens in this great town.”

A complete listing of fees and times of operation will be published in next week’s J-E.