RITTMAN (Ohio) — The popular Rawiga Golf Club is now owned by Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. It is located south of the Department of Veterans Affairs facility.
Jesse Getz, Cemetery Director, stated that the purchase of the 156-acre golf course for $1.69million secured future expansion plans for Western Reserve. The course will also continue to be operated well into the future.
According to Medina County auditor records the transfer of the golf course occurred Oct. 4. It added more than 150 acres of land to the Western Reserve, which is one of two Ohio national cemeteries.
He said, “It’s a win for veterans and the government because we lease it to the golf course.” “It could be leased for 10 or 20 years.”
Getz stated that the cemetery opened in 2000 and now has 49.503 graves. The space would eventually run out. The Phase III development of the cemetery will last 10 years and there are approximately 30 acres for new graves.
The 164 national cemeteries in the United States and territories were created to honor veterans of war and their families.
He said, “We only have one chance to do it right and that is what we strive for: perfection.”
Golf club will not be changed.
E. Lawrence Packard designed the Rawiga course. He was a well-known architect of golf courses and had over 600 courses in North America. Packard died in 2014. He designed four courses at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor, Florida. This is where the Valspar Championship takes place on the PGA Tour.
Rawiga co-owner Bill Colianni is the head PGA professional at the club and general manager. He said that he was approached by representatives from Western Reserve Cemetery in the late summer to purchase the property for their future needs.
Colianni stated, “They had to secure our property.”
Colianni stated that Rawiga’s owners can lease the property back to Rawiga until the cemetery expands. He said that the course will continue to run without any noticeable changes during this period, which is estimated to last at least seven years or more.
Rumours on social media mischaracterized when any transition would occur. Some speculated that there would be rapid changes after the sale was announced. Colianni stated that this is not true.
He said, “We’re here for all our outings banquets leagues,” “No one should worry about us disappearing.” There is no change.”
In 1959, the course was started as a private club. It has since evolved into a public course that offers banquet facilities.
“A national cemetery is an honor”
Janie Parish was the executive director of Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. She said that she had mixed feelings about this purchase.
She said, “When it was announced that they were buying it, people were sad. It has been around since 1960s.” “This is where we hold our annual golf outing.”
Parish stated that the cemetery was a valuable and prominent fixture in the county.
She said, “It’s an honor that we have that national cemetery.” It becomes a destination more than anything. Both my parents are buried in the cemetery.”
Getz stated that it is difficult to predict when the golf course land would be needed but speculated that it wouldn’t be necessary for the next 10 to 15 years.
“We should have lots of land in the first cemetery. He said, “…for our next stage.”
