A group of city officials left Fort Lauderdale smiling on Tuesday after Broward County commissioners agreed to acquire the Cooper Colony Golf and Country Club under the $400 million parks bond issue.
City commissioners said negotiations soon would begin between county officials and the owners of the private golf course at 5050 SW 90th Ave. They said the county is willing to pay up to $2 million for the 67-acre property.
After a deal is reached, the county would turn the facility over to the city, which would operate it and ensure it’s preserved.
“We’ve been approved to be a proud owner of a golf course,” Commissioner Scott Kleiman said. “The city and residents don’t have to be concerned about the course falling into disrepair … in the hands of a private owner.”
City commissioners became interested in the golf course last year after a group of residents expressed concerns about the possibility of losing the land to private development, although a deed restriction would make it difficult to alter the use of the property.
The course, a community landmark, has been operating since Morris Cooper, the city’s founder, built it in 1962.
The residents’ fear had stemmed from the fact some of the course’s original owners wanted to retire from running the business. And Philip Tantillo, who moved from New York to Cooper City in 1970 and was a principal owner of the course, died Jan. 27, just a few months after city officials approached the county about buying the property. He was 89.
“At least, we are going to be able to preserve that open space,” Commissioner Bart Roper said.
Once the city takes over the property, commissioners would have to decide whether to keep it an 18-hole course or turn it into a nine-hole course with a passive park featuring walking and seating areas, more green space and other features.
Commissioners, whom the county has given clearance to choose either option, said they could not make a commitment until they further discuss the situation. Months ago, they backed up a proposal for a smaller course because a county review board wanted the course to meet green space requirements stipulated in the bond issue.
“I believe we have to go back to the community and ask for their input,” Commissioner Debby Eisinger said. “We also have to look at the fiscal responsibility the city will assume in fixing up the golf course.”
Some residents living near the property have said they were against modifying the course. They said adding even a passive park would create more traffic and possibly generate crime in their neighborhood.
Former Commissioner Angelica Palank said a nine-hole course with open space looks attractive, but “we first need to know what’s successful before we try to be creative.”
Thomas Monnay can be reached at or 954-385-7924.
