Talk of Timnath Topgolf Facility Tees Up Strong Reactions
In 2021, conversations started swirling about the possibility of a new Topgolf facility coming to a popular corner in Timnath - an idea many residents aren't thrilled about.
The location in discussion is the 240-acre Ladera development near the interchange of Harmony Road and I-25, right on the edge of Fort Collins. The Dallas-based company already has two successful Topgolf locations in Colorado, located in Thornton and Colorado Springs.
An application for the annexation has been submitted to the town of Timnath, but it's still under review. Details regarding the proposal can be found on the town's website.
According to BizWest, a conceptual sketch for the “outdoor recreation and golf entertainment center” illustrates a 38,000-square-foot multi-story facility, standing 40 feet high, and set on nearly 12 acres. The netting would stretch 156 feet into the air. Plans also include a 15,000-square-foot mini-golf course that would sit adjacent to the main Topgolf building.
Although the proposal was officially submitted, no progress has been made on the controversial project yet. Few other details have emerged beyond the basic concept explained above.
However, a first-hand account from a resident who sat in on a Timnath Town Council meeting in February 2023 noted that at least 200 to 250 people in attendance were vehemently against the proposed Topgolf plan.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other local environmental groups have also voiced concerns regarding the entertainment venue's development, explaining it would threaten the existing wildlife. The location is near the river, where a variety of important species live. Besides disrupting habitats, the new building would add massive noise and light pollution. The netting itself is also a danger to birds, and could potentially cause collisions and mortality.
On the flip side, the new recreation complex would benefit the Northern Colorado economy by providing jobs. It would also be an entertaining place to spend time with friends and family, celebrate events and parties, or just enjoy a day of fun playing a game of high-tech golf. Like other Topgolf locations, the Timnath venue would also feature a full-service bar and restaurant.
Regardless of where one stands on the matter, the best way for concerned citizens to express their opinion about the Topgolf plan is to attend Timnath's town council meetings, where it's often a topic of conversation.