A Rancho Cucamonga golf course popular among golfers with disabilities could be redeveloped if the city approves rezoning plans so that the owner can build an apartment building.
Bill Davis, an avid golfer, has drafted a petition to help save Empire Lakes Golf Course from redevelopment.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga posted a Notice of Filing at the golf course, which explains the city was exploring the idea of rezoning the area for an apartment community on the 160-acre property.
Davis is legally blind and runs "First Swing Adaptive Golf," a program that teaches children and adults with disablities to golf.
"Without it, then I have to more or less resort to practicing on my practice facility here at home," he said.
Davis said Empire Lakes is a perfect facility for his students because some of them are in wheelchairs and they have easy access to the driving range because of the concrete.
Davis noted that the golf course is within walking distance of the metro station, which is helpful for disabled golfers who cannot drive.
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Davis also said the golf course is also vital to programs for high school students.
"It's better to have the golf course there and have the kids go there as an activity than have the kids running around the neighborhood getting in trouble," Davis said.
Lafayette Boldin, who golfs at Empire Lakes, is in favor of keeping the golf course.
"Rancho Cucamonga is really overdeveloping with apartments anyway. I don't think we need a lot more apartments. The golf course, I think, would benefit people here more than the apartments would," Boldin said.
A representative for Lewis Group of Companies said they will listen to public input but ultimately, if the City Council approves the rezoning, they will redevelop the golf course.
