From edmond.gov (https://www.edmondok.gov/371/KickingBird-Golf-Club):

An anticipated reopening date for the KickingBird Golf buildings is March 2023. Opening of the turf areas will be determined by conditions.

“This project will have an Edmond Community focus and is the largest capital improvement project in the course’s history,” said Director of Golf Brian Soerensen. “We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year and we feel this project will position us for success for the next 50 years.”

The transformational renovation of Kickingbird will include the following:

Demolition of existing clubhouse and replacement with a new 13,384 square foot clubhouse
Construction of a new 6,670 square foot tournament/banquet hall
Addition of a 7,252 square foot underground cart barn
Expansion of the driving range tee area
Addition of a short game practice facility
Rebuilding all 18 greens and seeding them with bent grass
Redesigning Hole #9 and Hole #4 to accommodate the tournament/banquet hall
Replacing the irrigation system throughout the course
Numerous small improvements made to tee boxes and bunkers

It is estimated that KickingBird Golf buildings will reopen to the public in March 2023. Opening of the turf areas will be determined by conditions. Further details will be added as the reopening date nears.

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Live down the street, looks great driving by.

this is transformational ... for this course ...

Live down the street, looks great driving by.
This is a great project and I do love it I just wish they’d replace the chain link fence with a wrought iron or stone one.

It’s always been one of my favorite public courses and where I first learned to play. Fun layout that’s forgiving for people who suck at golf (me included) without being boring and is almost always in excellent shape especially for how much play it gets. These upgrades are a long time coming and I’m really glad to see it happening especially after two of the other popular public courses around Edmond closed over the last decade(Coffee Creek and Silver Horn). Looks like they’re going to knock this out of the park!

The course and clubhouse are slated to open June 30th.

The Mule group will be running the restaurant and providing the catering for the new events center.

There will be two bars: one in the main restaurant and another between holes 9 and 10.

Should be a draw for the entire community in addition to golfers. Really a nice project.

That chain link fence is looking shoddy and distracts from the improvements. Are there plans to replace or improve the fencing? I see they installed rod iron but only at the entrance.

The course and clubhouse are slated to open June 30th.

The Mule group will be running the restaurant and providing the catering for the new events center.

There will be two bars: one in the main restaurant and another between holes 9 and 10.

Should be a draw for the entire community in addition to golfers. Really a nice project.

And the restaurant (open to the non-golfing public) will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

It took longer to add turn lanes to 2nd and Bryant than it did to completely demolish and rebuild and entire golf clubhouse complex. :p

Happy to see the Mule group take over this food and beverage op.

That chain link fence is looking shoddy and distracts from the improvements. Are there plans to replace or improve the fencing? I see they installed rod iron but only at the entrance.
I agree. I know that wouldn’t be cheap but surely the city and planners had to have noticed how out of place it looks. Maybe they can add it at some point in the future. I’ve emailed them before it about and I’m going to do it again. While they do that maybe they can add sidewalk on the east side of Bryant AVE.

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The clubhouse looks great! I will be curious about any big changes to the actual golf course. Hopefully Hefner will build something similar.

^

Hefner won't be quite as elaborate, as Kickingbird had a huge budget.

But still should be very nice and a big step up from the small, dated clubhouse and snack bar.

It looks great but I am not a fan of the front entrance design, it makes me think that tall design is supposed to be a school or something

The clubhouse looks great! I will be curious about any big changes to the actual golf course. Hopefully Hefner will build something similar.

all new greens (some shape but all drainage base and irrigation) also new irrigation on every fairway i believe and a few hole changes .. (i don't remember all but one that comes to mind right away is #9 is now a good par 4 instead of the short super up hill par 5 )

Parking is going to be an issue when they are busy on weekends. A foursome usually means four cars showing up and there aren't any more than a 100 parking spots. That's 25-30 tee times....Yikes

Parking is going to be an issue when they are busy on weekends. A foursome usually means four cars showing up and there aren't any more than a 100 parking spots. That's 25-30 tee times....Yikes

I count about 230.

The south portion of the lot is covered it mud so it's difficult to see all the spaces; plus about 50 more close to the tennis courts.

17944
There are actually 40-50 more spaces than before...

HAPPY TO REPORT that driving down Danforth just now... a brand new Black Wrought Iron Fence is being installed! It's at the entrances for now, but feel they will continue replacing all the chain link... thank GOODNESS!

It looks GREAT!

I took these a couple of days ago.

The last two are of The Lookout, the bar and grill to be operated by the Mule group which is located at the east end of the building. The first photo is looking in from the north (facing Danforth) and the second is from the south, facing the course. Because the clubhouse sits atop a significant hill, the view from The Lookout over the course and all the way to downtown is going to be amazing. At the far east end is a large covered patio. This place is going to draw a lot more people than just golfers. They are getting close and I'll be taking inside photos soon.


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That is really looking nice! Looking forward to seeing in person (and playing and eating). :)

When is it supposed to re-open?

When is it supposed to re-open?

Last I heard was 6/30.

Thanks Pete....

I believe there is a tournament on the 30th and opens for open play on 7-1. There is some info on website about making tee times during the opening period. You can make tee times beginning 6-24 at 8 AM online and via phone.

Last I heard was 6/30.

kick off scramble is that day (it sold out in less then an hour)

Following a $20 million upgrade, Kickingbird Golf Club will open a renovated golf course and an entirely new clubhouse including a knockout all-day restaurant and bar called The Lookout.


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The clubhouse and restaurant sit up on a hill at Danforth and Bryant in Edmond, providing commanding views of the course and sight lines all the way to downtown Oklahoma City.

The Lookout will be operated by Hungry Town Concepts proprietor of The Mule (Plaza District and Downtown Edmond) and The Press. The restaurant and bar is meant to serve the entire community in a gorgeous space with stunning views and three huge outdoor patios.

The Lookout will be open 7 AM to 9 PM daily and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A connected but separate bar called The Turn is located between the 1st and 10th tees providing a stopover before, during, and after a round of golf.

Hungry Town will also operate the spacious event center with a capacity of 144.

The course renovation started in July 2021 and included work on the irrigation system and the greens. A new driving range offers automated service via Flite Golf which provides information on distance, height, and other data via video screens.

After a grand opening and tournament on June 30th, the clubhouse, restaurant, and course are open to the public on July 1st.




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Dang Pete - I wish I could have carried your camera for this shoot! :) Really really cool.

Everything is beautiful in person. First class all the way.

I have friends out that way and I can see many evenings spent at the Lookout. The Mule guys do a great job and it's such a nice setting and view.

I’ll be on early Saturday trying to get a tee time for the following weekend!

I know this won’t happen but it’d be nice to see some further improvements regarding fencing and adjacent infrastructure.

For one the chain length fence should replaced with stone or wrought iron.

This intersection should either be signalized or a roundabout: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Vu1nvpoWrPbDYYH8?g_st=ic

This one should a RIRO, right turn in right turn only: https://maps.google.com/?q=35.6672784,-97.4535209&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic

Here they should add a pedestrian HAWK signal: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kTUph7Zkw1uELn2v9?g_st=ic

Then Bryant needs sidewalks on the east side of the street from Kickingbird RD to Danforth.

I know this won’t happen but it’d be nice to see some further improvements regarding fencing and adjacent infrastructure.

For one the chain length fence should replaced with stone or wrought iron.

This intersection should either be signalized or a roundabout: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Vu1nvpoWrPbDYYH8?g_st=ic

This one should a RIRO, right turn in right turn only: https://maps.google.com/?q=35.6672784,-97.4535209&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=,47071704&g_st=ic

Here they should add a pedestrian HAWK signal: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kTUph7Zkw1uELn2v9?g_st=ic

Then Bryant needs sidewalks on the east side of the street from Kickingbird RD to Danforth.

an iron fence would be a massive cost and a waste of money ..

and no thanks on the other items other than the sidewalk .. that is needed .

an iron fence would be a massive cost and a waste of money ..

and no thanks on the other items other than the sidewalk .. that is needed .
Are you familiar with this stretch of road? There are pretty bad accidents here often. I can understand some being opposed to a roundabout as those don’t seem to be too popular in Oklahoma and I also understand cost issues with Iron fencing.

But why would you be against RIRO at Eagle Dr? It’s a right on top of a blind hill where a lady was decapitated after being rear ended. There’s tons of other entrances where left turns can be made instead of this one. And the HAWK pedestrian crossing? It would save time having to walk to Bryant and wait on a signal to walk across if you live in the neighborhoods to the north. Not sure why you’d be against those.

Regarding the fencing, chain length fence looks tacky. They invested all this money into then clubhouse they should redo the fencing as well.

Are you familiar with this stretch of road? There are pretty bad accidents here often. I can understand some being opposed to a roundabout as those don’t seem to be too popular in Oklahoma and I also understand cost issues with Iron fencing.

But why would you be against RIRO at Eagle Dr? It’s a right on top of a blind hill where a lady was decapitated after being rear ended. There’s tons of other entrances where left turns can be made instead of this one. And the HAWK pedestrian crossing? It would save time having to walk to Bryant and wait on a signal to walk across if you live in the neighborhoods to the north. Not sure why you’d be against those.

Regarding the fencing, chain length fence looks tacky. They invested all this money into then clubhouse they should redo the fencing as well. Agree with replacing the chain length fence. It does look cheap and from an aesthetic point of view, if your going to do a multi million dollar renovation, do not do it half a***d!

Agree with replacing the chain length fence. It does look cheap and from an aesthetic point of view, if your going to do a multi million dollar renovation, do not do it half a***d!

Or, you can put the taxpayer money in the things that are most important.

This project was anything but half-assed.

Or, you can put the taxpayer money in the things that are most important.

This project was anything but half-assed. The renovation was done well. however, it is the little things that add to it! Aesthetics play an important role as well. Just stating my opinion.

Are you familiar with this stretch of road? There are pretty bad accidents here often. I can understand some being opposed to a roundabout as those don’t seem to be too popular in Oklahoma and I also understand cost issues with Iron fencing.

But why would you be against RIRO at Eagle Dr? It’s a right on top of a blind hill where a lady was decapitated after being rear ended. There’s tons of other entrances where left turns can be made instead of this one. And the HAWK pedestrian crossing? It would save time having to walk to Bryant and wait on a signal to walk across if you live in the neighborhoods to the north. Not sure why you’d be against those.

Regarding the fencing, chain length fence looks tacky. They invested all this money into then clubhouse they should redo the fencing as well.

Lol yeah I live within a mile.

Lol yeah I live within a mile.
My family built the neighborhood across the street. Have several relatives that live there and that’s where I stay when I’m in town. So again I ask why would you be opposed to things that would make the area better and promote healthier lifestyles? I know when I go there I’m going to walk. It’d be nice to have proper accommodations in doing so. The current sidewalks along Danforth are a complete afterthought as well with problems.

I know this won’t happen but it’d be nice to see some further improvements regarding fencing and adjacent infrastructure.

For one the chain length fence should replaced with stone or wrought iron.

That has been the one thing commented on around the (city) office. It is like having a nice portrait then placing it within the border of a ratty frame. From that west side, it just ruins the "curb appeal".

the north side fence at oak tree national is chain link .. .

the north side fence at oak tree national is chain link .. .

Yeah but it faces Logan County…

I kid I kid. As that continues to develop I wouldn’t be surprised if that changed.

Agree with replacing the chain length fence. It does look cheap and from an aesthetic point of view, if your going to do a multi million dollar renovation, do not do it half a***d!
Looking for a pimple on Miss America?

Agree with replacing the chain length fence. It does look cheap and from an aesthetic point of view, if your going to do a multi million dollar renovation, do not do it half a***d!

I spoke with a staff member yesterday and he mentioned there being a five year plan that included pickle ball upgrades and a new fence. They didn’t have it in the budget for this go round. This gave me hope but we’ll see.

Looking for a pimple on Miss America?
One of the most prominent features of the entire property which is what literally defines it can be compared to a pimple on a supermodel. Right…

I swear you can’t criticize a fly on OKCTalk without a group of naysayers either saying how you’re just being negative and complaining about things that don’t matter or how it’s unrealistic and/or costs too much.

I spoke with a staff member yesterday and he mentioned there being a five year plan that included pickle ball upgrades and a new fence. They didn’t have it in the budget for this go round. This gave me hope but we’ll see.
Hopefully that happens. I know a new fence wouldn’t be cheap and I’m not even upset too much they didn’t include it with this project. I know it was already an expensive project. I’d just like to see it done at some point. It would make a huge difference.

Hopefully that happens. I know a new fence wouldn’t be cheap and I’m not even upset too much they didn’t include it with this project. I know it was already an expensive project. I’d just like to see it done at some point. It would make a huge difference.

did they upgrade the danforth side to an iron fence?

did they upgrade the danforth side to an iron fence?
I haven’t been back since December so I’m not sure. It’d be nice if they did. They need to add a sidewalk as well.

did they upgrade the danforth side to an iron fence?

No, just the entrance area. Danforth is still chain link and I’m pretty bad disrepair in some spots.

There IS a sidewalk on both the north and south sides of Danforth right there. I live right near the course.

There IS a sidewalk on both the north and south sides of Danforth right there. I live right near the course.
Sorry I meant Bryant. There is no sidewalk on the east side of Bryant. The sidewalks on Danforth need improvements as water and mud often collects and pools. They need to fix that.

Sorry I meant Bryant. There is no sidewalk on the east side of Bryant. The sidewalks on Danforth need improvements as water and mud often collects and pools. They need to fix that.

No one really walks in Edmond.

Maybe tear up the sidewalks on one side and put in a bike path. The 10 year old me would have enjoyed that.

No one really walks in Edmond.

Maybe tear up the sidewalks on one side and put in a bike path. The 10 year old me would have enjoyed that.
You’re not wrong but ever since they added the paths along covell and Kelly I’ve noticed a lot more people there than before. We should at least show a little love to pedestrian infrastructure in the hopes it might encourage more people to use it. I know when I’m in town I live in Kickingbird and I’d love to be able to easily walk to this new bar and have a drink or a bite to eat.

You’re not wrong but ever since they added the paths along covell and Kelly I’ve noticed a lot more people there than before. We should at least show a little love to pedestrian infrastructure in the hopes it might encourage more people to use it. I know when I’m in town I live in Kickingbird and I’d love to be able to easily walk to this new bar and have a drink or a bite to eat.

I'm afraid that development wise, that genie was out of the bottle long ago. Edmond has been designed in a decidedly pedestrian unfriendly way--strip malls with HUGE parking lots--everything spread out. Bike paths would make a lot more sense and would get some of these bikes which cause dangerous situations for themselves and drivers off the road. Most bike paths are pretty pedestrian friendly as they have lanes for passing.

To get to that bar right now, you'd have to walk maybe 1/2 a mile to get out of your neihgborhood, then cross wide and dangerous high traffic roads. With that distance, even if it's less than a mile, most folks are probably going to uber that. Bikes offer some real options for commuting and staying in shape. Edmond has a few nice bike paths, but there's nothing connecting them. Imagine being able to ride from Mitch to Arcadia without having to share the road with cars.

I see a ton of people running on those long sidewalks along section-line roads; far north OKC too.

I'm afraid that development wise, that genie was out of the bottle long ago. Edmond has been designed in a decidedly pedestrian unfriendly way--strip malls with HUGE parking lots--everything spread out. Bike paths would make a lot more sense and would get some of these bikes which cause dangerous situations for themselves and drivers off the road. Most bike paths are pretty pedestrian friendly as they have lanes for passing.

To get to that bar right now, you'd have to walk maybe 1/2 a mile to get out of your neihgborhood, then cross wide and dangerous high traffic roads. With that distance, even if it's less than a mile, most folks are probably going to uber that. Bikes offer some real options for commuting and staying in shape. Edmond has a few nice bike paths, but there's nothing connecting them. Imagine being able to ride from Mitch to Arcadia without having to share the road with cars.
See for me, I live right in the middle of that neighborhood. So yes it’d be a nice little walk which all the reason why a crosswalk in between Bryant and Coltrane would be great for danforth. They also need to do something to slow traffic down and preferably add a roundabout at the Faircloud entrance but that’ll never happen. People haul ass on that street and I’ve almost gotten into several wrecks and it seems like I hear about one happening every month.

I see a ton of people running on those long sidewalks along section-line roads; far north OKC too.
They do as well on the rebuilt sections of covell with the new paths. It shows if you build the infrastructure people will use it.

They do as well on the rebuilt sections of covell with the new paths. It shows if you build the infrastructure people will use it.

Yes, I see people running and walking along the wider sidewalks along Covell and Kelly too...BUT, these sidewalks are being used simply for recreation. (And there is nothing wrong with that!) The larger sidewalks, wide lanes on Covell, and general overall upkeep (mowed grass, flat pavement, wide crosswalks) makes it very friendly to runners and walkers.

Edmond, and the rest of Oklahoma City has commerce designed for vehicles. You are at a large disadvantage if you do not have access to reliable vehicle transportation. No one is walking from their house to Uptown Grocery or Pepperoni Grill along Covell.

There are pockets of pedestrian friendly access around OKC, and those areas seem to be in high demand. Recently, Edmond has and is doing everything it seems to capture high density housing close to its downtown and create a walkable area with a mix use of retail, food, and housing.

It has been mentioned before on OKCTalk, but there is growing movement to get away from the "Stroads" that we have built for the past 60 years that are neither great at vehicle or pedestrian movement.

Absolutely. I’m not suggesting walking or biking being an alternative for commuting purposes here. I’m sure some people do it likely not having a choice due circumstances.