LONGWOOD, Fla. – Plans to transform an old Seminole County golf course into a community park are steadily advancing.
Originally established in 1926, Rolling Hills Golf Club was once a premier golfing destination. For longtime resident Keith Papke, the memories of that era remain vivid.
“It’s a great, great layout,” he reflected. “It was kind of neat to sit out in the front yard, sit on the swing, and watch all the people hit the houses when they hit their balls.”
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Papke has lived along the second hole for two decades and even worked part-time at the course until its closure in 2014. Initially, there were plans to develop the land for housing, sparking concern among neighbors.
“(I was worried about) property values,” Papke admitted. “That was the first thought.”
In 2016, Seminole County agreed to purchase the golf course for $4 million and has since been working on plans to redevelop the nearly 100 acres into a community park. In the meantime, the county has maintained the property, ensuring it remains in good condition until construction begins.
Commissioner Lee Constantine, who grew up in the historic Longwood neighborhood, emphasized the significance of the project.
“Rolling Hills is a community that’s entrenched in our culture and it’s a fabric of our history here in Seminole County,” he stated. “We have to do it right.”
The old tee boxes and overgrown greens are set to be transformed into a vibrant outdoor recreation area, a crucial asset for the region’s growth, according to Seminole County’s Parks and Recreation Director, Rick Durr.
“As we continue to see our population grow over time, the needs of our population and population growth mean additional park space,” Durr said.
County renderings offer a glimpse of the envisioned park, which will feature an inclusive playground, a four-mile trail, a meditation garden, and more.
“It’s not just the park and it’s not just the trail,” Durr explained. “It’s also roadway improvements and pedestrian crossings and a lot of community infrastructure. You want to be able to do that well and you want to do it once.”
Before construction can begin, addressing traffic concerns is essential. The county has earmarked $25 million for road improvements in the area, including the installation of roundabouts along Raymond Avenue, North Street, and Palm Springs Drive.
The project is now out to bid, with the county seeking the right construction company to redevelop the park, which is anticipated to commence in 2025.
“This is going to be something very special,” Constantine said.