La Crosse park board backs idea for new Forest Hills Golf clubhouse

A popular La Crosse golf course could get a new clubhouse soon.

The La Crosse Park Board approved Thursday a concept for a clubhouse at Forest Hills Golf, which would be called “Miller’s Junction.”

The Friends of Riverside Park have launched a fundraising campaign to cover much of the projected $3-million cost of the building, which would be city property.

The previous Forest Hills clubhouse was torn down in 2012, after being declared unusable. Tents have been used for many special events at the golf course since.

Fundraising spokesman Phillip Gelatt told the board that Forest Hills, and the surrounding Hixon Forest, is one of three “iconic” sites to be seen in La Crosse — the others being Riverside Park and Grandad Bluff.

La Crosse Parks, Rec. and Forestry director Jay Odegaard said at the meeting a new clubhouse could be a “game changer,” in the ability of Forest Hills to attract golf tournaments and other money-making events.

Planners also suggest that a clubhouse could help lead to more golf outings being scheduled by conventions that are held at the La Crosse Center.