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Paint Branch Golf Complex

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1. What other golf courses or Driving Ranges do you recommend for use during the construction of the University of Maryland Track and Field facility?

•    University of Maryland Golf Course

•    Henson Creek Golf Course

•    Enterprise Golf Course

•    Gunpowder Golf Course

2. Why are the number of course holes being decreased?

The proposed reduction in the number of golf course holes is to allow space for the replacement of the existing Driving Range that will be used to enhance the “Learn to Golf” experience. The reduced course could be used by DPR to provide training for new golfers.  

Additionally, with holes of varying lengths, more experienced golfers will have an opportunity to work on their short, mid-range, and long-range games. We believe that a redesigned course as envisioned would complement the existing golf performance center and new Driving Range. 

The existing Driving Range is an integral part of the training experience and provides revenue. The proposed modifications and additions are opportunities to bring in new golfers, support DPR’s growing First Tee program, while also diversifying the onsite activities to meet the needs of a growing community.

3. How will this impact the play price at the complex?

Our goal is to always keep the play price affordable for Prince George’s County residents.

4. How long will the golf course remain as it is now?

We expect the current golf course to remain intact until the summer of 2022. Once approved, the University anticipates starting construction of the Track and Field facility during the Summer of 2022 and complete the facility during the Summer of 2023. We will make all efforts to maintain the golf course during this construction period. A timeline for the other proposed amenities has not been developed.

5. What will happen to the current Paint Branch employees?

We do not envision any reductions in the number of employees currently assigned to operate the golf facility.  In fact, the reimaged golf course when completed would require an increase in staffing. As envisioned, the reimaged Paint Branch Complex includes golf and other recreational amenities on the 66+ acres, along with a Track and Field on the 8 acres that currently is the site of the driving range. The vision is for the new Driving Range, Performance Training Center, Clubhouse, and three to six holes of golf.

6. What additional amenities could be added to the complex?

We want your feedback on the additional amenities for the complex.  Some of the ideas include batting cages, a miniature golf facility, rectangular ball fields, in addition to a replacement Driving Range. DPR will host a variety of public sessions and provide continuous opportunities to receive feedback from the community.

7. Would nearby communities get preferential access to the amenities (reduced rates, increased access)?

The costs of using any future amenities on the site have not been determined.

8. How will this affect the current Paint Branch walking/biking trail?

The current Paint Branch Trail should have few to limited interruptions due to this project. Improving the safety of the trail crossing at the entry to the Paint Branch facility is of special interest and will be studied further during the conceptual design process. DPR will explore opportunities to bring new trail connections to the Paint Branch site, possibly including a connection to the Autoville community, while enhancing the existing trail.

9. Will this project include new lighting for the trail between campus and the new amenities?

New lighting will be evaluated. 

10. Will there be adequate parking and restrooms?

Yes.

11. Why is this a partnership with the University of Maryland?

A partnership with the University of Maryland is not unique.  In fact, DPR partnered with the university in the construction of the Clarice Smith Performance Arts Center in 1994. The Department continues to look for opportunities to establish and further partnerships with public and private entities to provide recreation amenities to residents.

Existing partnerships include The Gardens Icehouse, Prince George’s Stadium, and the Junior Tennis Champions Center. The proposed partnership with the University of Maryland to reimagine the Paint Branch Complex is an opportunity to provide programming and community access to a collegiate-level track and field facility. Furthermore, a partnership with the University brings additional financial and staffing resources to the site.

12. How do you see the Track and Field facility enhancing the Paint Branch Complex?

It offers an opportunity for DPR to offer healthy lifestyle programming, track and field training, and local events on-site. The track will complement other on-site recreational activities, allowing users to walk or jog as a warm-up or cool down to other activities. The small field area at the center of the track could allow for exercise classes such as yoga, Tai Chi, or exercise boot camps; for small-sized soccer practices, or running (football, soccer, lacrosse, etc.) drills. 

The Track and Field facility, including the small playing field area, will be available for programming by the Department and available to the community to use during the midday, evening, and weekend hours while not in use by the University of Maryland Track and Field team. (Team practices are typically about four hours a day, during the Fall and Spring seasons, concentrated in the morning and late afternoon hours. The University intends to host approximately five competitive track meets during the Spring on weekends.)

13. Will golfers have access to the University of Maryland driving range until the Complex’s driving range is replaced?

Yes. The Department of Parks and Recreation will share more information on how to access the University of Maryland’s Driving Range as we move forward.

14. How is this project being funded?

The Track and Field amenity will be funded completely by the University of Maryland. The University will also contribute to the development of the replacement Driving Range.  

15. Who will cover the costs and supervision of maintenance?

The University of Maryland will be responsible for the maintenance of the Track and Field facility. The Department of Parks and Recreation will maintain other amenities at Paint Branch.  

16. Will the University of Maryland consider a new 9-hole senior rate?

The Department will have discussions with the University of Maryland about the establishment of new senior rates.

17. What is the impact of this development on current residential communities?

The impact of the Phase 1 project on adjacent communities should be limited.

18. What are the expected environmental impacts on natural habitat, noise levels, and area traffic?

The intent is to redevelop within the existing footprint of the golf course and to limit the removal of trees. Phase II will include site analysis and design, and an evaluation of the environmental and noise impacts on-site and in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

On-site parking will be increased; however, there will be limited parking allowed for track and field events. Any large events will be serviced by shuttles from the main campus. A traffic analysis will be conducted to investigate parking needs, entry and exit access points to the site (including safe pedestrian and bicycle access), along impacts on University Boulevard and surrounding roadways.

19. What will happen to the First Tee Program?

• Our Junior Golf Program consists of First Tee of Greater Washington, PGA Jr League, Operation 36, and an extensive golf lesson program. All of these programs utilize Paint Branch Golf Course as well as Enterprise and Henson Creek Golf Properties.
• The reimagined Paint Branch Golf Course would allow for some or all of these programs to continue depending on the final determination of the number of holes and the replacement Driving Range.
• The Department is also revitalizing our Kentland Golf Complex next to the Kentland Community Center. Upgrades will include replacing the existing four greens (three holes and one practice green) and tee boxes with artificial turf. This replacement is projected to be completed by September 2021. Additional work includes landscaping such as brush clearing and tree trimming. This location will also be used for all of our Junior Golf Programs to meet the growing demand for this learn-to-golf experience.  We will offer golf camps, classes, and clinics in cooperation with the existing programming at Kentland.