Renovations at the Camden County Driving Range include the complete replacement of the second-level concrete deck in the background. Staff members include Anthony Battaglia (left to right), manager Maureen Higgins and staff member John DeFeo.
Playing golf is a stress relief for thousands of Camden County duffers – a chance to get away from fast-paced lives by getting outside for a few hours on a beautiful day.
However, the peace and quiet can be shattered with a drive that goes into the woods or the water, an approach shot that ends buried in a sand trap, or a five-foot putt that does not drop in the hole.
In order to avoid those mishaps this year, golfers showed up to hone their skills at the re-opening of the Camden County Driving Range on April 12.
“More than 500 people showed up during the weekend,” County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said. “We are thrilled to welcome the community back to the Camden County Driving Range, one of the most well used and loved amenities throughout our county park system.”
The driving range, closed since last October for a $600,000 renovation project, now has a completely replaced second level concrete deck, lighting upgrades and new fencing.
“The upstairs concrete was compromised and needed to be fixed,” said staff member John DeFeo, adding that the short game area for chipping and putting was renovated last summer.
“Everything looks a lot better,” staff member Anthony Battaglia noted. “The guests are happy. We’re getting lots of compliments.”
“This is my fourth day on the job,” said manager Maureen Higgins on April 15. “The place looks great.”
“These upgrades have greatly improved the conditions at the driving range, making for a more enjoyable experience for all users,” said Nash, adding that 67,000 golfers came to the range last year to hit a few buckets of golf balls into the water or sharpen their short game.
Located at the intersection of Route 130 and Park Drive along the Cooper River, motorists waiting at the light can watch the golfers drive from the second level, some of them aiming at a small island in the middle of the water.
“We have senior golf classes,” noted Nash, adding that the popular driving range also hosts 50 to 60 people in recovery from addiction every Wednesday from June to September in the First Tee program.
The renovations were funded through a capital investment by the board of commissioners, explained Nash, who was first elected to the board 33 years ago and has seen the transformation of Cooper River Park into a venue for national and international regattas and has recreational facilities for families and sports teams.
“I would not have imagined it back then,” Nash acknowledged.
The Cooper River is a tributary from the Delaware River, and the county is creating a water trail for kayakers and canoers from the driving range, past Gateway Park to Pine Point Park, and on to Petty’s Island.
“We are installing a boat ramp behind the Pub,” said Nash, adding that the public has been very supportive of the efforts over the years to improve and enhance Cooper River Park. “It (the water trail) will be the most spectacular water kayaking trail in the Northeast.
“It’s a team effort.”
