Plans to light up parts of the busiest municipal golf course in Des Moines, Iowa, to extend tee time hours have been scrapped after fierce neighbor pushback.
Leaders from the Waveland Golf Course operator, C-Corporation, said in a statement that the company appreciated feedback from community members and golfers, who expressed both support and concerns for the project.
“After carefully considering the feedback received, the proposed limitations discussed during the process, and the range of interests involved, C-Corporation has decided not to move forward with the proposed lighting project,” C-Corp president Jeff Chiodo said in a statement posted by the Waveland Park Neighborhood Association on Facebook Thursday, March 12. “The City of Des Moines respects this decision and appreciates the community’s engagement throughout the discussion. Together, we remain committed to ensuring Waveland Golf Course continues to serve as a valued community asset for residents and golfers alike.”
The statement was also posted to the Waveland Golf Association website.
Des Moines planned to light up the front nine holes along the north and west boundaries of Waveland Golf Course, 4908 University Ave. Known as the oldest public golf course west of the Mississippi River, Waveland is one of the three city-owned courses operated by C-Corp.
More: Lights at Waveland could mean night golf, but neighbors are concerned
City Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page previously said the $1.5 million lighting project is a unique opportunity to help generate additional revenue as the city grapples with long-term budget challenges in the wake of Iowa lawmakers’ property tax reforms.
A Waveland Golf Course flag is seen near the Drake Municipal Observatory on June 20, 2025, in Des Moines.
Community members packed into the Waveland Golf Course Clubhouse and swung questions at Des Moines city leaders for over an hour on Feb. 26, criticizing plans to light up parts of the course for nighttime play.
Neighbors expressed concerns over light pollution and how it could impact surrounding homes, wildlife and the nearby Drake Municipal Observatory. Several residents complained that the city did not advertise its lighting plan until after the Des Moines City Council had already approved it.
More: Residents, feeling shut out, boo city over lighting plans at Waveland
A rendering displayed at an open house Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, shows what lights at Waveland Golf Course would look like in a plan for night golfing on the front nine holes at the course, 4200 University Ave.
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa golf course lighting project scrapped after neighbor backlash
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