HOISINGTON — Golfers in Hoisington may soon have a new  place to hit the links. Hoisington resident Mark and Kristi Lovett were present at the Hoisington City Council meeting on Monday to ask the council to consider leasing property south of the city to them to install a driving range for golfers. The property is located south of the railroad tracks in Hoisington and east of the Rotomix plant.
The name of the proposed business is The Long Drive Driving Range.
Mark presented plans to the council. “It’ll be a place for local golfers to come and enjoy hitting the ball,” he said. “Hoisington has no amenities for golfers. It will add to the appeal of the city.”
In addition to Mark’s love of golf, the Lovetts hope is to add to the economy of Hoisington. They plan to start simple, but eventually hope to have a clubhouse, playground and putting greens.
They plan to open in a month with the bare amenities, but have a long term plan in mind, with a grand opening in the spring. The property will  accommodate a 300 yard drive.
Mark told the council  the plans are for 10 tee boxes with two open boxes that will allow for the annual Mud Run, held near that location to continue.
 The Lovetts plan for an immediate cost of $7,000 to $8,000 and are looking for investors.
They would like to partner with the school district to give the school teams a place to practice. Eventually, they would also like to have a golf pro present on occasion and also rent the property for parties.
The business will assume all maintenance, taxes and insurance costs.
Although the ground is rough, Lovett said they could rent a roller to flatten the ground. They also are considering lighting and are raising money to buy an automatic  ball dispensing machine that accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash. They are also considering the possibility of adding cameras.
The facility would be open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. An added benefit, Mark said, is that  the location is very quiet and peaceful.
By consensus, the council agreed to have a proposed lease drafted for a period of several years. A survey of the wedge shaped area would be needed to provide a legal description, which Mark hopes will be done in the near future.