Hundreds attend hearing on future of Wanaki Golf Course

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WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The fight to save a Waukesha golf course continued Wednesday.

At least 100 supporters of Wanaki Golf Course in Menomonee Falls attended a public hearing in front of the county board of supervisors.

The course is slated to close next year for financial reasons.

Wanaki has lost more than $700,000 the last five years, and the course’s reserve fund has been depleted.

“Every year we review the budget, and every year there’s red ink on Wanaki,” said David Zimmermann, a county supervisor.

He says he hasn’t made up his mind on whether to close the course.

Supporters worked to convince him and the rest of the board Monday that they could find a way to turn around the finances.

The county has attempted several money-making methods including reduced staff levels, more activities and non-golf events.

“Give us a chance to make Wanaki profitable,” said Joe Vachuska, a co-founder of SaveWanaki.org. “We don’t feel we’ve had an opportunity to do that.”

Vachuska suggests soliciting private donations and improving the course’s marketing.

Amendments to the county budget need to be in place by November 5th.

Zimmermann says the supervisors will spend the time until then deliberating the issue.

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