Last week, representatives for Topgolf confirmed that plans are in the work to develop a driving range entertainment complex at the planned Ladera subdivision at the southeast corner of Harmony Road and Interstate 25 in Timnath. While the proposed new construction rolls forward, several local residents raised their voices in protest (per the Coloradoan).
A citizen petition to limit the Topgolf facilities to 65-foot nets is focused on bird safety in the area. Despite reassurances from officials that they have a policy in place to rescue any raptors caught in the facility’s 175-foot mesh, Timnath residents are not having it. The area is important to the birds as the Coloradoan says that around 200 species of birds that roost at a blue heron rookery just three miles west of the suggested Topgolf site.
For humans, Topgolf has created an entertainment empire that wraps together competition from the Grand Game in concert with drinks and eats all served in climate-controlled bays. The high-tech setup offers several different competitions for players to participate in, firing self-scoring balls onto a range from their personal box. Inside, players can turn up the tunes or tune-in to other sports on HDTVs.
On tap are Topgolf’s handmade cocktails and fresh brews. To eat, chefs offer shareable “fresh twist(s) on American classics” along with “unexpected new creations.” This includes wings, flatbreads, burgers, salads, and donut holes to accompany craft beers and drinks served up in souvenir golf bag mugs.
With over 70 locations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico and UAE, Topgolf has become an international institution. The people of Timnath, however, may not roll out the welcome mat for what they view as an environmental obstruction and a loud, light-polluting distraction.
Topgolf officials did not respond to inquiries for a timeline on construction though the Ladera subdivision is supposed to require 10 to 15 years to build out.
