Cross Country Could Stay The Course County Commissioners Determine Golf Staff, Committee Went Too Far

Cross country runners may have won a reprieve in their bid to continue having district and regional races at Hangman Valley Golf Course.

Spokane County commissioners were in accord in a joint statement reaffirming a policy that makes county golf courses available for a variety of recreational pursuits.

Commissioner Steve Hasson said Friday a decision to change policy cannot happen at the advisory level without board concurrence.

“They overstepped their authority,” said Hasson of the Spokane County golf staff and citizen’s golf advisory committee decision to close Hangman Valley to future meets.

“We don’t like ambushes and we were ambushed.”

Hasson said the commissioners received a number of calls regarding the decision and realized there was a conflict that needed to be immediately addressed. The board would not undo what it did by reinstating the race.

“There’s a history and tradition that sponsors good will,” said Hasson.

“It’s vested and there’s no compelling reason to change.”

The county and school districts have cooperated in separate recreational endeavors. Although county golf courses are selfsustaining, Hasson said public money was used initially and also to repair flood damage at Hangman Valley.

“That has to be reconciled with some quid pro quo,” said Hasson.

He added that schools may be asked to help defray costs and other conflicts would have to be addressed.

“I want the golf advisory board to feel comfortable and want the cross country people and school districts to work with us,” said Hasson. “It can be done.”

Hangman Valley professional Steve Nelke was out of town Friday and unavailable for comment.

Course superintendent Mike Barber mentioned concerns of increased numbers of spectators running rampant on the course and the added burden for his staff, setting up the course and cleaning up afterward.

He said the traffic was so congested that an ambulance could barely get through to administer to a runner.

But he agreed the commissioners are the ultimate bosses and will have the final say.

Next year, the AAA regional is scheduled to be run in Yakima, but the AA and A-B district races would be here.

, DataTimes