Watertown council starts talks on Thompson Park golf course lease

The Watertown City Council has authorized negotiations on a proposed lease of the Thompson Park golf course, moving the city closer to finding an operator for its only 18-hole course in Thompson Park. Andrea Doane submitted the only offer received by the city.

Doane proposed a lease running from April 1 through Oct. 31, 2027, at $3,000 per month, or $21,000 for the season. Her family would operate the golf course and clubhouse restaurant.

The council considered Resolution 9, authorizing negotiations for the lease and operation of the course, and Resolution 10, requesting a home-rule bill from the state Legislature. The council’s Oct. 19 agenda lists both resolutions. The lease cannot take effect until the Legislature approves the request because the course is on parkland dedicated to public park and recreation purposes.

The city issued request for proposals No. 2026-11 with a deadline of 11 a.m. Oct. 13. The award is subject to the city appropriating funds. Negotiations will determine whether the proposed terms become a final lease, which would still require the council’s approval.

The city bought the former Watertown Golf Club for $3.4 million in a deal finalized in January 2023 and renamed it Thompson Park Golf Course. The course reported losses of $306,590 in 2023, $316,969 in 2024 and $87,085 in 2025. In 2025, the council informally agreed to close the course after the 2026 season unless it was leased or sold.

A report expected later this month is set to show whether the course broke even during the 2026 season. The council’s negotiations with Doane will proceed while the state Legislature considers the home-rule request.