A change on the horizon
On a sunny day in Matadepera, a small town in Catalonia, the town council made a decision that would change the landscape of the town. Under the CiU government, it was decided to build a 9-hole golf course in search of new opportunities for high-level real estate development. The land was reclassified and thus an urbanization was born next to the golf course, located in an old farmhouse. This process could be the plot of a novel, but it has been forgotten in the annals of pre-internet history.
The golf course and its challenges
The golf course, opened in 1994 under a concession regime, became famous at the time due to the problems that arose on hole 1. Being located near a road, golf balls that were not hit well ended up breaking car windows or even reached the patio of a daycare center. Interestingly, the nursery was built after the golf course opened.
A decision in the hands of the inhabitants
Today, 30 years after its opening, the golf course has been under municipal administration since 2011. However, a debate has arisen in Matadepera about its future. A non-binding municipal consultation will be held on 12 July to decide whether it remains open as a golf course or is put to other uses. Opponents argue that the golf course costs 250,000 euros a year to maintain and that it is not being used to its full potential. Opinions for and against are varied, and public debates have been held in the village. Even surprising arguments have been raised, such as the use of waste water for irrigation and the possibility of turning Matadepera into an ideal film location.
An intermediate solution
The question posed in the municipal consultation is counterintuitive: ‘Do you agree to change the use of the golf course?’ This question causes confusion, since voting yes means saying no to golf, and voting no means saying yes. In the midst of this debate, an intermediate solution emerges that could avoid divisions in the town. Inspired by the Old Course of Saint Andrews, a golf course in Scotland that closes on Sundays and becomes a park for the enjoyment of the inhabitants, it is proposed to transform the Matadepera golf course into a public space on Sundays. This way, residents could walk, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery. This solution is neither new nor modern, as the Old Course at Saint Andrews has been implementing it since the 16th century.
A decision in the hands of the people of Matadeper
The final decision on the future of the Matadepera golf course is in the hands of its inhabitants. The non-binding municipal consultation will allow the people of Matadeper to express their opinion and decide the fate of this facility. It will be important for voters to understand the question and the implications of their answer. Meanwhile, the debate continues in the town, with arguments for and against that reflect the diversity of opinions. Matadepera faces a challenge that requires a balanced solution that takes into account the well-being of all its inhabitants.
A look at the past and the future
The case of Matadepera and its golf course invites us to reflect on urban development and the preservation of natural spaces. History shows us that decisions made in the past can have a lasting impact on the present. It is important to find a balance between progress and conservation, taking into account the needs of the community and the environment. The municipal consultation in Matadepera is an opportunity for residents to participate in decision-making and shape the future of their town.
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