The Maryvale Golf Course will soon be under new management. Grand Canyon University has agreed to run the city course for the next 30 years.
The city and the university finalized the deal on Thursday. In addition to taking over course management, Grand Canyon University will also redesign and renovate the facility.
"Once we’ve recouped our investment we’ll have a revenue split with the city," said Brian Mueller, the university’s president. "We don’t expect to make lots of money on it, but we expect to break even or a little bit better and then for it to become a huge resource for Grand Canyon and the community."
According to Mueller, about 35,000 rounds of golf are played at the facility each year. He hopes the renovations will increase that number to 70,000.
City officials estimate the golf course is currently operating at a $230,000 loss.