Warren County and Vicksburg is characterized as a retirement community that is progressive in attracting new business and industry, rich in history as a tourist destination and a great place to raise a family.

Improvements in education are taking place with the passage of a new school facilities bond; new and existing businesses are coming to the area and expanding; we constantly pay respect and homage to our history; and more young people and families are finding their way to our downtown district to enjoy nightlife and family entertainment.

The new sports complex, Sports Force Parks on the Mississippi, is expected to be an added attraction once it is completed and open in 2019.

All of these things are good for our community, but one portion that is in danger of losing support is county parks and recreation.

Most experts will tell you that an area cannot be vibrant without an active parks and recreation department that is supported by the community and its leaders.

A public golf course not only attracts retirees in a community, but also business and industry that want to entertain associates and families looking for a fun outdoor activity.

Clear Creek Golf Course is owned and operated by Warren County through the parks and recreation department.

It is one of only two county-owned golf courses in Mississippi.

For a variety of reasons, the golf course has been draining money from Warren County coffers rather than making money. It has gotten to the point where county leaders are seriously considering their options in continuing to operate the facility.

Some of the issues that were brought before the Warren County Board of Supervisors from the parks and recreation board include:

• The course is built and operated on 16th section school land and the lease is coming up, which could mean an additional increase from the Vicksburg Warren School District.

• Membership has gone down due to an increase in fees, competition from surrounding golf courses, and fewer people taking up the game of golf.

The parks and recreation board is seeking an $82,000 increase in their budget for the next fiscal year in order to keep the golf course open.

Vicksburg and Warren County has a lot to offer and more is on the way, but keeping open the public golf course should be a priority and closing it would be a shame.