DATE: Wednesday, May 21, 1997               TAG: 9705210502

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   48 lines

GOLF PARK PROPOSED FOR LAMBERTS POINT SITE

An old city landfill in Lamberts Point that has sat unwanted for at least 40 years is being eyed for an 18-hole, par 3 golf park.

A Maryland firm, McCullough Enterprises of Germantown, is negotiating with city officials to build a $2 million-plus facility that would include a two-story driving range, a putting facility and a pro shop.

The park - so-called because it is scaled much smaller than a typical golf course - would be located on an approximately 50-acre tract west of Powhatan Avenue, adjacent to Old Dominion University.

City Council members were briefed on the plans Tuesday, and they liked what they heard.

``This is a terrific use for a piece of property for which there would be no other use,'' Mayor Paul D. Fraim said. ``Recreation space in the city is at a premium.''

Stanley A. Stein, director of the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and General Services, said the city should have a signed agreement with the company by next month.

The land will have to pass a state environmental review before the project can proceed, but Stein said he did not anticipate a problem. The landfill is covered with an approximately six-foot cap of topsoil, Stein said. He said the park would provide ideal training grounds for young and beginning golfers.

``With the Tiger Woods craze, a lot of youth are coming into golf now, and it's just a good opportunity for youth to get good, basic training,'' Stein said.

The park also would offer practice grounds for experienced golfers wanting to brush up on short irons, wedges and putters.

``Golfers just love that stuff,'' Stein said.

The property features hills that are 100 feet above sea level, with a riverfront backdrop, Stein said. The longest hole would be just under a 170-yard drive, while the shortest would be about 90 yards.

Residents could get on the park for $12, or pay $6 to drive a large bucket of balls.

The park would be half the size of a full golf course, at about 2,000 to 3,000 yards long, compared to the 6,000 yards for a full course, Stein said.

Stein said the city would retain ownership of the land and let the firm use it rent free. Just putting the property to use, which will generate sales and tax revenue for the city's coffers, is of benefit to the city, Stein said.

The park could be up and running by this time next year, he said. KEYWORDS: GOLF COURSE GOLF PARK LAMBERTS POINT

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