Survey responses call for restaurant for golf club

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH – More than 1,500 people responded to a survey conducted by the Golf Club Building Use Committee. Respondents to the survey said they want a restaurant that is open to the public and has a mix of full-service and quick service like grab and go. The respondents also said they would like outdoor dining and venue space for functions and meetings.

About half of the 1,500 responses want the golf club building to be renovated, while the other half want the building to be torn down and have a new building constructed.

During the July 12 meeting, committee member and golf pro Matt Griffith said changes need to be made to the pro shop area.

“The shop is dated,” he said. “We have 30-year-old shelves and walls.”

Griffith added that the lockers and showers could also be removed, citing lack of use.

Committee members also discussed adding golf simulators.

“We have 7,000 square feet of footprint,” said Griffith. “We have a lot of options for that space.”

Committee members also discussed possible next steps, especially the future of the building. They plan to invite Department of Public Works Director Chris Payant to their next meeting to discuss renovation of the building versus its replacement.

With either option, the building and deck would have to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, said Ian Johnson, who is the Select Board’s representative to the committee.

Timing is also an issue — committee members would like to have the deck open next year and offer more food options such as food trucks.

Toward that end, the committee plans to present some recommendations to the Select Board.

The committee will meet next on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 6:30 p.m.