Private Business to Operate Pinnacle State Park Golf Course

ALBANY, NY (04/26/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced that State Parks has signed a contract with CDK Golf Enterprises for a concession to operate the 9-hole Pinnacle State Golf Course in the town of Addison.

"This public-private partnerships is an example of how State Parks is redesigning itself to become a more efficient state agency," said Harvey. "The agreement ensures a quality recreational resource remains available to the public, reduces government spending and creates a new economic opportunity for a small, local business."

The five-year contract, with an option for an additional five years, calls for CDK Golf Enterprises to assume all aspects of operation of the course and clubhouse, including turf management, beverage and snack sales in the clubhouse, retail sales of golf equipment, and cart rentals. The concessionaire will collect all revenues will be responsible for all costs including staff, utilities and insurance; and will pay a $15,000 license fee to State Parks as well as 5 percent of any gross receipts over $265,000. State Parks will retain ownership of the golf course.

State Parks issued a Request For Proposals for the operation of the golf course last year to achieve efficiencies in response to the state's fiscal crisis. State Parks has roughly 100 concession contracts with private-sector partners – including the golf course operation at Bonavista State Park in Seneca County – that generate nearly $90 million in gross receipts annually, of which almost $10 million is returned directly to support park operations.

Pinnacle is open for play and can be reached at (607) 359-4082.

World-renowned golf course landscape architect Geoffery Cornish designed the course with the clubhouse built on top of Orr Hill to take advantage of the spectacular view of the rolling course rising from the Canisteo River. Although this is a 9-hole course, white and blue tee markers are alternated to provide an 18-hole challenge.

Information on each of the 178 state parks and 35 historic sites operated by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is available at www.nysparks.com.