Des Moines plans evening golfing at Waveland Golf Course
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Waveland Golf Course. Photo: Courtesy of city of Des Moines
The city of Des Moines wants to install lights on nine holes at Waveland Golf Course to extend playing hours into the evening.
Why it matters: The project would open up tee times and generate more revenue, city staff say, though some nearby residents are concerned about light pollution and transparency.
State of play: The nine holes are by the west and north sides of the course near I-235, 56th Street and University Avenue, Jenny Richmond, assistant parks and recreation director, tells Axios.
- The placements are meant to limit exposure to neighbors and the woodlands on the east side, she says.
- The lights could allow for other evening programming, including movie nights and sledding.
How it started: Musco Lighting approached the city about the project a year ago and offered to front the estimated $1.5 million installation cost, after installing a similar project in Conrad.
- C-Corporation, which manages the city's golf courses, would pay Musco back through a revenue-sharing arrangement with low costs to the city, Richmond says.
- Musco would use specialized "DarkSky" sports lighting equipment and finish by the end of May.
Yes, but: Some residents near the course say they are concerned about light pollution and its impact on wildlife, as well as the Drake Observatory.
- Chris Collins moved to a home off Polk Boulevard in 2024 after living near Top Golf in West Des Moines, where the lights "pretty much ruined the evening," he tells Axios.
- Molly Berggren has lived in the neighborhood for a decade and worries about the nearby bird sanctuary and losing the neighborhood feel of Waveland, noting the amplified noise from private events at the course.
- "We see bald eagles," Berggren says. "It's just the coolest thing to be able to experience this right where we live."
Between the lines: Residents also question the transparency of the process — the City Council approved a 15-year contract with C-Corp last December and granted an exception to bypass competitive bidding.
- A memo to council members also outlined a partnership with Musco Lighting to illuminate Waveland, though the city must still approve the final agreement between Musco and C-Corp, expected next month.
What they're saying: Richmond says the city has worked with C-Corp since 2006, and no competitors expressed interest in managing the courses.
What's next: People are encouraged to attend an open house detailing the project tonight at 6pm at the Waveland clubhouse.