Plans underway to build new clubhouse
PORTLAND, Ore., July 16, 2008 – Portland Parks & Recreation recently announced its selection of KemperSports to manage Heron Lakes, a premier 36-holegolf destination, located just north of downtown Portland. In addition to operating two championship golf courses, KemperSports will also oversee the planning and development of a new clubhouse at the property.
“We look forward to working with KemperSports to build on a great history at Heron Lakes. KemperSports has a reputation within the industry for its professionalism as an operator and providing a quality experience for the customer. These goals, combined with affordability describe the mission of Portland’s Golf Program,” said John Zoller, golf manager for Portland Parks & Recreation. “This area has an abundance of good golf opportunities, and our goal is to keepHeron Lakes at the top of the list.”
The work of renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Heron Lakes offers two distinct golf courses designed to meet multiple skill levels. Opened in 1971, the Greenback Course is a milder and more flexible layout, featuring large and elevated greens. The parkland-style design incorporates trees, ponds and numerous bunkers. The more challenging Great Blue Course, which debuted in 1992, better suits the skilled golfer, complete with narrow fairways that wind through Scottish-style mounds, small greens and risk-reward opportunities.
The award-winning Great Blue Course at Heron Lakes has hosted the 2000 U. S. Amateur Public Links Championship, a USGA event won by current PGA TOUR professional D.J. Trahan, and the annual Portland Invitational Tournament, among other tournaments.
In addition, Heron Lakes is home of The First Tee of Portland, which has as its mission to impact the lives of young people by providing educational and mentoring programs that incorporate life skills, character development, family values and personal growth through the game of golf.
“We look forward to working with the City and the Portland golf community to take the golf experience at Heron Lakes to the next level,” said Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports.
For more information on Heron Lakes, call 503-289-1818 or visit www.heronlakesgolf.com.
About Portland Parks & Recreation
Portland Parks & Recreation leads the City of Portland’s efforts to develop and operate public parks, natural areas, recreational and sports opportunities to give life and beauty to the city. Portland Parks & Recreation Golf Program provides high quality and affordable golf to its residents and visitors through its four public golf facilities: Heron Lakes; Eastmoreland; Rose City and RedTail. For more information, visit: www.portlandparks.org.
About KemperSports
Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Chambers Bay, Harding Park, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen Club, Desert Willow Golf Resort and the Chicago Park District golf facilities. Affiliate KemperSports Marketing & Communications, a sports marketing, events and public relations agency, has produced and managed major national and international events and communications programs, including the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational college basketball tournament, numerous PGA TOUR events and The Art of Food & Wine Palm Desert. For more information, visit www.kempersports.com.
Editor’s Note
High-resolution images of Heron Lakes and the official logo are available upon request.
Contact:
Susie Chang
847-850-2471, schang@kempersports.com
