A new golf cart shed at Myrtle Point Golf Club, south of Powell River, was built in less than six months using wood milled from trees felled at the course and lots of volunteer labour.
“We thought we’d just get started and then try to raise money to finish it over the next year or two,” said Bob Price, a club member who spearheaded the construction project. “But the further we got into it, the more we realized that we could actually get it done this year.”
The initial project was not to build a shed, but to create an RV park, said Price.
“Me and another ex-logger started talking about knocking some trees down to make an RV park and then sell the trees, which would generate money to finish the park,” he said. “While we were doing that, we realized some other trees needed to come down as well, so we started looking into the cart shed project.”
According to Price, a new cart shed was needed for many reasons.
“The carts were stored in this small barn down a dirt road at the bottom of a hill,” said Price. “Staff would have to hide the phone, lock up the pro shop, and walk down to the barn to bring the carts up one at a time. Because it was a dirt road, the carts got dirty before they even got to the top, and it just wasn’t a professional look for the course.”
Price said when they first approached club management, they were happy the members wanted to do the project, but were not sure they’d be able to get it done so quickly.
“To be honest, we didn’t think we’d get it done so quickly either,” he added. “But once we got started, people just pitched in to help.”
Milling their own lumber from the felled trees and getting volunteer labour made it feasible to complete the project within a small budget, said Price.
“All the framing and trusses are built from wood milled here at the course,” he added. “We had members who are electricians, truck drivers, hoe operators and other tradesmen volunteer their equipment and labour. We even had some people donate money, because they weren’t able to climb ladders or help with construction.”
The new cart shed is located next to the pro shop and is larger, making it easier for both staff and golfers. Additionally, Price said the grounds crew is using the old cart barn for their equipment, which had previously been stored outside.
“It’s been a benefit for everyone,” he added.
Price said he and other members enjoy putting in volunteer time at the golf course, and find the benefits worthwhile.
“I’ve golfed all over the coast and in Arizona since I took the sport up 15 years ago, and I can honestly say that Myrtle Point is a darn good course,” he added. “The work we volunteer helps keep our dues affordable and makes this a fantastic place to come and play. Really, it’s a jewel in this community.”
