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Home My WebLink About2025-07 Hazelnut Newsletter - Foster Golf Links 100 Years - Volume 45 No. 7JULY 2025 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 7 THE FOSTER GOLF LINKS OPENED IN TUKWILA 100 YEARS AGO, and continues to be a special space for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors, try a challenging sport, or even celebrate a wedding. The course has been a community hub through the ages, welcoming new players and fostering intergenerational connections. As a public course with learning opportunities for all ages and levels, it represents Tukwila's warm and inclusive spirit. With freeways and major roads nearby, it's also effectively become a sanctuary for birds, salmon and other wildlife. TAwilaWA.gov We are excited to invite you into this special edition of the Hazelnut! In 1925 and under the "Maple Grove," the course we now know as Foster Golf Links opened with a grand community celebration. This year, we're celebrating its centennial. Through two world wars and countless economic ups and downs, the Foster Golf Links has been a place for people to come together, have fun and enjoy nature. Golf is a unique sport: a grandparent and a grandchild can play it together. It's a game where you compete against other people, but the core challenge is in beating yourself. Your competition also provides the camaraderie that makes for a truly memorable day. While the course might be 100 years old, the game continues to evolve. Many people tried golf during COVID, and the friendly, inviting atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Foster Golf Links is one of the region's favorite public golf courses, and the staff make an extraordinary effort to invite people in. With many beginners' courses and events available, it's easy to get started. Do you want tojust take a look around? That's easy too: the clubhouse and restaurant are open to everyone, and are a popular spot for all kinds of family and community events. We invite you to check it out for yourselves! Lin 45 � Mayor Thomas McLeod City of Tukwila FOSTER J�P- About the Course KNOWN FOR ITS VIEWS, MATURE TREES AND ACCESSIBLE LAYOUT, THIS 18-HOLE, PAR 68 COURSE IS NEAR INTERSTATE 5 AND INTERURBAN AVENUE SOUTH, AND IS ACCESSIBLE TO GOLFERS ACROSS THE REGION. In true Northwest style, this popular and fun course also has the salmon -bearing Duwamish River running through it. It is a great place to see wildlife, so golfers are advised to keep their eyes open. Depending on the time of year, they might see eagles, eaglets, crows, beavers or the Blue Angels. A COMMUNITY LEGACY: THE HISTORY OF FOSTER GOLF LINKS IN TUKWILA Foster Golf Links has been a part of Tukwila's story since 1925, making it one of the oldest public golf courses in the region. Its history is closely tied to the evolution of the community itself. The land was originally part of a homestead claimed by Joseph Foster, a pioneer who arrived in the Duwamish The Hazelnut - July 2025 Valley in the 1850s. A plaque commemorating Foster's homestead is located on Tukwila's oldest maple tree at the north end of the golf course. In 1924, "against the advice of others and mortgaged to the hilt," George Henry Eddy purchased the property. Eddy envisioned a golf course that would serve the growing population south of Seattle. He developed the 9-hole Foster Golf Links in 1925 and expanded it to 18 holes soon after. "Green fees were 50 cents for all day. The old Foster farm house was used as the club house," according to Northwest Hickory Players historian Martin Pool. "Mrs. Eddy did the cooking, and sold sandwiches. Thus began Eddys' one -family business venture." In 1951, after George Eddy had passed, the family sold the golf course to Joe Aliment, who had worked for George Eddy as caddie master and greens keeper since the beginning. Together and over decades, the Eddy and Aliment families built more than just a business: They created a community institution. In 1978, the City of Tukwila purchased the course, ensuring it would remain publicly accessible and reflect the community's long-standing commitment to open space, recreation, and community connection. Many thanks to Martin Pool and his history of the course, available at www.NWHickoryP[ayers.org. �s7- _ FOSTER - GOLF LINKS. LEARN TO PLAY HERE!lessons4appanlment .; LFG00DSFORS►U. r ems... i KEYFACTS Established:1925 by George Henry Eddy Original Landowner: Joseph Foster, namesake of the course and the Foster neighborhood City Acquisition: 1978 George H. Eddy: Born in Cornwall, England and emigrated in 1910 Course Evolution: Began as 9 holes; later expanded to 18 Significance: One of the oldest public courses in King County The Hazelnut - July 2025 A Place to Connect wiM f"n Pam' farsai y PUBLIC GOLF COURSES ARE MORE THAN JUST PLACES TO PLAYA ROUND —THEY'RE PLACES FOR PEOPLE TO SPEND MEANINGFUL TIME TOGETHER. Joining a foursome, whether with a planned group of friends orjustjoining an available group, offers a chance to spend time together in a relaxed setting. A few hours on the course can lead to new friendships or strengthen existing ones. "Golf is a great way to meet people and connect," said Deron Pointer, Foster Golf Links Head Golf Professional. "There are set groups that play here consistently, even twice a week, and then there's people who just join the next available foursome. Maybe you have lunch and play together again and maybe you don't, but it's still good to get out and meet new people." Foster Golf Links also hosts community events, charity tournaments, and skills clinics for all ages. These gatherings bring people together across neighborhoods and backgrounds, and create easy ways to meet other people in the community. Pointer noted that COVID opened people's eyes to the many benefits of golf: you could be with people for hours, in nature, at any fitness level, and with much less risk to others. That trend bears out nationally. In 2024, 28.1 million people golfed (the highest since 2008), and there were record -high levels of representation - 28% of all golfers were women and 25% were people of color. The easy pace of the game also lends itself to conversations that become memories. Longtime player Joe Langer, Seattle, recalls "I have lots of memories, but probably being able to play golf with my Dad and my best friend Joe Korn and his dad," he said. "Playing with Joe when he shot the course record was special." 10PODID YOU KNOW? Tukwila Golf Links has been averaging 58,000 golfers a year since 2022. That includes: 30,000 senior golfers 28,000 golfers younger than 62 7,000 Tukwila residents In summer, there are more than 110 tee times! Golfers start in 8-minute intervals from 5:30 a.m. - 8:10 p.m. There are about 300 golfers in a day: Course record: 56, Joe Korn Only closed 4 days a year i Celebrated 100 years Feb 13th, 2025 As a council our role in celebrating Independence Day is multifaceted, encompassing civic leadership, involving community engagement, and the promotion of shared values. Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the principles that unite us —freedom, democracy, and equality. By organizing or participating in local events such as parades, fireworks displays, and community picnics, we can help strengthen the social fabric of our community. Independence Day is an opportune moment to encourage our friends and neighbors to reflect on their civic duties. An occasion to remind our community the importance of voting, community service, and adherence to laws. We play a crucial role in ensuring that Independence Day celebrations are safe and inclusive for all residents. This includes promoting safety measures using safe fireworks, providing information on pet safety during celebrations, and being mindful of the veterans and those with disabilities who are sensitive to explosions and booms. Our leadership as a community can help create an environment where everyone feels welcome and secure. Independence Day is also a time to give back to the community. Organizing and participating in community service projects, such as park clean-ups or food drives, can have a lasting positive impact. These activities not only improve the community but also embody the spirit of service and collective responsibility that Independence Day represents. We honor the nation's history and strengthen the community's commitment to the values that make it vibrant and the only United States of America. The Hazelnut - July 2025 A Plpce�to Connect with Nature PUBLIC GOLF COURSES OFFER A RARE CHANCE FOR PEOPLE TO SPEND TIME IN NATURE WITHOUT LEAVING THE CITY. These protected open spaces give golfers and nearby residents a break from traffic, buildings, and noise. Simply walking through a course can provide mental and physical benefits, including stress relief and fresh air. The Foster Golf Links was designed around curves of the Duwamish River, and has effectively protected that area ever since. With trees for air quality, lots of open ground to absorb rainwater and plenty of plants to purify the water, prevent erosion and provide cover, the course is a unique ecosystem. Eagle nests are visible from the ground, and golfers enjoy the coming and going of eaglets. Mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons live nearby, as well as frogs, ducks and other water birds. Tukwila's golf course is also unique in that it does not draw water from the municipal water supply at all: it all comes from the river itself. While there is access to recycled "greywater" in case of emergencies, the course pulls water out of the river and holds it in a reservoir. Because of its location far away from the Duwamish's fragile estuary, fish populations are unaffected by the water draw. With only 55 acres of irrigated land, the Foster Golf Links draws water from the Duwamish River and holds it in a small reservoir. Multiple studies have shown that Tukwila is far enough downriver that the annual watering does not harm fragile fish populations. In fact, at the right time of summer, golfers can see salmon as they - --- - -- -= ems_ t 0 • The Hazelnut - July 2025 COME JOIN US: CENTENNIAL EVENTS The centennial events aren't over! August 2&3: Tukwila City Amateur September 26: Glow Ball LESSONS Whether you do a single lesson or invest in a beginner series of 3 lessons, you can get the attention you need to start playing and gain confidence. You can also spend time on the simulator for practice and feedback. For booking private lessons or further questions send an email to Deron.Pointer@TukwilaWA.gov SPECIAL PRICES Family Weekends The Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Tukwila and Foster Golf Links are excited to announce the creation of a family weekend ... GOLF STYLE. Juniors (ages 6-17) play forjust $13.00 with a paid adult Saturdays and Sundays after 12 p.m. This is a great way for all generations to spend a weekend afternoon together. ® HAVE QUESTIONS? N/ Visit www.FosterGo[fLinks.com Or call the golf shop at 206-267-3114 for more information. The Hazelnut - July 2025 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard City Hall campus in -person hours: Monday —Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM Phone: 206-433-1800 Fax:206-433-1833 Email: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov Website: TukwilaWA.gov MAYOR Thomas McLeod ......... 206-433-1850 Mayor's Office Administration Offices ........206-433-1850 Marty Wine, City Administrator 206-433-1851 Brandon Miles, Director, Strategic Initiatives/ Government Relations ............. 206-431-3684 City Clerk's Office ................206-433-1800 Community Engagement .... 206-454-7564 Economic Development ...... 206-433-1832 Human Resources- Personnel 206-433-1831 Human Services...................206-433-7181 Emergency Management .... 206-971-8750 Technology Services ...........206-454-7575 Community Development Department Nora Gierloff, Director .......... 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement ...............206-431-3682 Finance Department Aaron BeMiller, Director ........... 206-433-1835 Parks/Recreation Department Pete Mayer, Deputy City Administrator/ Parks Director .............................. 206-433-0179 Police Department Eric Drever, Chief ....................... 206-433-7175 Public Works Department Jen Tetatzin, Director ............... 206-767-2342 Emergency - Fire, Police .............................. 911 MUNICIPAL COURT 15005 Tukwila International Blvd ..206-433-1840 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division ..................206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services.............206-767-2321 Facility Rentals .........................206-767-2323 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop....................................206-242-4221 ol PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY All fire -related services ...........253-856-4300 PugetSoundFire. org 2025 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Tosh Sharp, Council President.. 206 507-6440 Tosh.Shorp@TukwiloWA.gov Mohamed Abdi.....................206-798-4872 Mohamed.Abdi@TukwilaWA.gov Armen Papyan.....................206-888-3380 Armen.Popyan@TukwiloWA.gov Jovita McConnell ................ 206-600-3533 Jovita.Mcconnell@TukwiloWA.gov Dennis Martinez ...................206-960-1607 Dennis.Mortinez@TukwiloWA.gov Hannah Hedrick ...................206-580-8123 Honnoh.Hedrick@TukwiloWA.gov Verna Seal . ........................... 206-724-4548 Vemo.Seol@TukwiloWA.gov To email the entire Council at once: CityCouncil@TukwiloWA.gov Laurel Humphrey, Analyst... 206-433-8993 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings ........... 1st/3rd Mondays Committee of the Whole2nd/4th Mondays