Cherry Hill Working Group Jun 16, 2026

The Town of Amherst's Cherry Hill Working Group convened on June 16, 2026, to discuss the management and operational challenges facing the Cherry Hill Golf Course and Recreation Area. The meeting focused heavily on procurement and budget-related issues, including the delayed implementation of a new booking software system and the recent reposting of a groundskeeper position with an increased hourly wage. Members expressed frustration over slow execution of prior recommendations and debated the merits of maintaining town management versus outsourcing to a private operator. The group unanimously voted to recommend establishing a dedicated management position for Cherry Hill, reporting directly to the finance department, along with creating a Friends of Cherry Hill volunteer organization and an internal advisory committee of town staff to support operations and strategic planning. The motion aims to improve financial oversight, operational accountability, and long-term sustainability of the golf course as a municipal asset. The working group also discussed potential future steps including a revolving fund and enterprise fund status to better support the course's finances.