Private Concessionaire to Operate Bonavista State Park Golf Course

ALBANY, NY (06/11/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash today announced that the agency has approved a contract with Boeff Golf Inc. for a concession to operate the golf course, restaurant and golf cart rental operation at Bonavista State Park located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region.

"Public-private partnerships are critical to keeping quality services available at State Parks," said OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash. "The partnership with Boeff Golf ensures this quality public golf course is available to Finger Lakes golfers, while saving the agency precious dollars in these difficult economic times."

State Parks issued a Request For Proposals for the operation of Bonavista earlier this spring when it was identified for closure in response to the state's fiscal crisis. The agreement calls for Boeff Golf to staff the course, cover its operating expenses and provide liability insurance in return for a share of greens fees, golf cart and restaurant revenue. State Parks will save the costs to operate the park and net an estimated $45,000 in revenue over the five-year term of the agreement.

Boeff Golf, which operates the golf course at Wells College, will take over course operations when the contract receives final approval by the offices of the state Comptroller and Attorney General. The course will remain open to the public with competitive rates.

State Parks has roughly 100 concession contracts with private-sector partners – including the golf course operation at Saratoga Spa State Park – that generate nearly $90 million in gross receipts annually, of which almost $10 million is returned directly to support park operations. Most concessionaires also pay for utilities, capital improvements, and advertising.

Overlooking Seneca Lake, Bonavista derived its name from the amazing lake view visible from the golf course. The 9-hole course can be played twice from different tees for an 18-hole round. 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.