The Village of Woodridge received formal notice from the Woodridge Park District this week of its intent to terminate its lease and operation of Village Greens Golf Course, effective November 11, 2025.
The Village has owned the Village Greens property since 1972, when it purchased the course from a private owner. The Village operated the course until 1995, when it entered into an agreement with the Woodridge Park District to operate and maintain the facility. The current 25-year lease began in 2013, with the Park District overseeing daily operations while the Village retained ownership of the land. With the lease being terminated, responsibility for the course will return to the Village.
Like many municipal golf courses nationwide, Village Greens has faced operational and financial challenges in recent years. The course has averaged annual operating losses of approximately $60,000 over the last several years. The District has also estimated approximately $12 million in facility capital replacement re-investments will be needed over the next decade.
As the property owner, the Village will now begin a careful and deliberate review of the course’s operations, facilities, and long-term capital investment needs to determine the best path forward.
“This process will take time, and the Mayor and Board are committed to exploring all options before making any decisions about the future of Village Greens,” said Village Administrator Al Stonitsch. “No decisions have been made regarding whether the golf course will remain open or close after the end of this golf season.”
“Village Greens has been a cherished destination for more than 50 years, and we know it holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, golfers, and dedicated staff,” said Mayor Gina Cunningham. “We know that the Park District’s decision to end the lease was not made lightly, and the Village extends its sincere appreciation for the District’s stewardship of the course over the many years.”
Both organizations also recognize the dedicated employees who have been an integral part of Village Greens.
“We understand there are longstanding staff members whose future may feel uncertain during this transition, and we do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Jenny Knitter, Executive Director of the Woodridge Park District. “Many of our staff have been part of the Village Greens family for years, and we are grateful for their commitment and service. We will continue to work closely with them and the Village to ensure they are supported during this process.”
Over the coming months, the Village and Park District will work closely together to conscientiously facilitate this transition. The Village will provide regular updates, including meeting notices and opportunities for public input, through E-News, social media, and other community communication channels as the review progresses.
“We understand there will be many questions about the future of Village Greens, and we ask our community for patience as we carefully explore all options before making any decisions,” said Mayor Cunningham. “We will take the necessary time to ensure that any decision made will serve the best interests of our community.”
Both the Village and Park District understand there are strong opinions about the future of the golf course and want to remain as transparent as possible as discussions continue. To help address immediate questions, they have prepared the following FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Park District ending its lease of Village Greens Golf Course?
A: The Park District has faced ongoing financial challenges operating the course, including annual losses and significant upcoming capital replacement and investment needs. After careful consideration, the District decided to terminate the lease and return responsibility to the Village.
Q: Does this mean the golf course will close?
A: No decisions have been made yet. The Village will review all options before determining the course’s future and will keep the community informed throughout the process.
Q: What will happen to the employees currently working at Village Greens?
A: The Village and Park District recognize the importance of the staff and will work together to support them during the transition. This remains a priority and concern for both entities. The Village will begin undertaking its overall review of the golf course, and as such has not made any specific employment decisions at this time.
Q: How will the Village keep residents updated about this process?
A: The Village will provide regular updates, including meeting notices and information, through E-News, social media, its website, and other community communication channels.
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About the Village of Woodridge
The Village of Woodridge is dedicated to achieving a high quality of life by providing superior customer service, responsible emergency services, and diverse programs and amenities in a fiscally responsible manner. Incorporated in 1959, with less than 500 residents, the Village of Woodridge is home to over 34,000 people today and is located approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. The Village includes thousands of acres of forest preserve land, six public elementary schools, one junior high school, and outstanding library and park facilities. To learn more about the Village of Woodridge, visit woodridgeil.gov.
About the Woodridge Park District
The mission of the Woodridge Park District is to enhance one’s quality of life by providing superior parks, facilities, and recreational services in a safe, fiscally responsible, and environmentally sustainable manner, in partnership with the community. In serving parks and recreation to the Woodridge community across 10.26 square miles, the Woodridge Park District offers more than 1,000 programs annually. It manages five facilities, 21 miles of paved off-road bikeways connected to regional trails, and more than 40 parks and open space sites, including woodlands and wetlands, spanning 685 acres.
