What’s Next for Dumas? – BREC Golf

Download PDF of this information

A Vision: Greenwood Community Park and Baton Rouge Zoo

Comprising 660 acres, Greenwood Community Park is the largest park in the BREC system, almost half of which is an undeveloped natural wooded Louisiana landscape. Currently, the Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park are separate, distinct locations. BREC’s vision is to transform the area to make Greenwood the gateway to the new, modernized Zoo. This ambitious project will be designed to make an extraordinary contribution to the quality of life, health and wellness, and vibrant economic transformation of the surrounding area. 

Sasaki Associates, an internationally renowned urban environmental design firm, is leading the way in creating a master plan that will allow our Zoo to be artfully integrated into Greenwood Community Park. Visitors to the Baton Rouge Zoo will enter through the park and experience a drive providing beautiful views and scenery as they approach the Zoo’s entrance. 

Many Contributing Voices

Points of engagements to date regarding Greenwood + Baton Rouge Zoo

1,879 total points of engagement
  • 573 in-person: public open houses door-to-door survey (Conducted by Percy & Company)
  • 1,306 online survey responses

The Numbers

In 2018, Dumas Memorial Golf Course recovered 31.7% of its costs. Compare this to 64.6% at Webb, 84.9% at Beaver Creek, and 104.7% at Santa Maria.

During the last 3 years, on average, Dumas customers paid $19.38 per round of golf. Citizen tax dollars paid $43.89 for each round of golf.

Over the last 3 years:
  • 11, 629: average rounds played
  • 30.8%: cost recovery
  • $506,550: average subsidy
  • $1,519,651: total subsidy
  • $19.38: average revenue per round
  • $43.89 average subsidy per round

Greenwood + Zoo + Dumas FAQs

 Q: Is BREC considering closing Dumas Memorial Golf Course? 

A: Sasaki Associates, an internationally renowned urban environmental design firm, is creating a master plan for Greenwood Community Park based on input received at public meetings in early 2019. All three currently proposed future visions of Greenwood, displayed at public meetings in May, proposed JS Clark Golf Course expanded and improved, and Dumas Memorial Golf Course repurposed to other park uses. It’s very likely the final master plan recommendation will have this same structure. 

 Q: Why would BREC consider repurposing Dumas Memorial Golf Course to other park uses? 

A: The primary reasons are: 

LOW PLAY LEVEL – Dumas has averaged 11,629 rounds played per year over the last 3 years. Compare this to 23,165 at Beaver Creek, 26,395 at Webb Memorial, and 34,189 at Santa Maria. 

LARGE ANNUAL SUBSIDY REQUIRED – Over the last 3 years Dumas has required an average annual subsidy of $506,550, more than $1.5 million dollars in 3 years. 

LOW COST RECOVERY – In 2018 Dumas golf course recovered 31.7% of its costs. Compare this to 64.6% at Webb, 84.9% at Beaver Creek, and 104.7% at Santa Maria. During the last 3 years, on average, Dumas customers paid $19.38 per round of golf. Citizen tax dollars paid $43.89 for each round of golf. 

 Q: Dumas Memorial Golf Course was re-named after Woody Dumas. If the course is repurposed, what will you do to remember Woody Dumas’s contributions to the area? 

A: BREC will get feedback from the public about the best area of the new Greenwood Community Park to name in Woody Dumas’ honor. 

 Q: JS Clark is BREC’s least played golf course. What will BREC do to improve the golf experience there? 

A: JS Clark Golf Course closed for renovation in 2021 and re-opened on May 1, 2023. JS Clark is now now a 3,200 yard par 36 nine hole golf course. With large putting greens and two holes on each green, the new JS Clark golf course is built to accommodate 18-hole play. JS Clark now offers a driving range and a modern golf course experience in Greenwood Park.

Do you have questions or would you like to provide your feedback?

We want to hear from you. Follow the link below to provide your feedback

Dumas Feedback Survey