COLUMBUS - The future of Van Berg Golf Course is still up in the air, but community members are pushing to make sure the course remains open for years to come.

Monday night, a number of speakers plead the case for Van Berg to stay open during a Committee of the Whole meeting. The presentations were lead by the Columbus Golf Association, who want to turn the course into the Van Berg Family Golf Learning Center.

Facility improvements are needed to make that vision into a reality, and the CGA is looking for assurance from the City Council that the course will remain open before heading down that road.

"The clubhouse is in need of work according to fire code, and we want to create a youth-oriented facility," said Bill Podraza. "We don't want to spend time and money on those two activities if Van Berg is to close within a year."

Last year, Mayor Jim Bulkley recommended that Van Berg be closed once Quail Run Golf Course is repaired back to pre-flood conditions. Residents at the meeting countered that Van Berg should stay open because it's an ideal course for beginners and seniors, and to also handle overflow golfers if Quail Run is too busy.

Local business owners also say that golf tournaments create increases in local revenue, and more can be held if Van Berg stays open.

"When the high school tournament was held at the Elks, our sales increased by over 25% for those three days," said Chuck Jensen, owner of Stack 'N Steak. "With a little work we will be able to bring in youth events at Van Berg outside of the 100 mile radius, which brings more revenue into the city."

Not everyone at the meeting was for Van Berg however, as one resident believes 27 holes of municipal golf isn't financially viable, and says the rates at Van Berg should be increased if it is to stay in business.

Ultimately, the committee approved a motion to keep Van Berg in use at least until the City and the CGA have completed a joint evaluation of public golf, Quail Run is operational as an 18-hole venue, and the Van Berg Family Golf Learning Center is established.