County Notifies Residents of Seasonal Closures at Public Golf Courses
The Orange County Department of Parks and Recreation issued an advisory on November 21 informing residents that Hickory Hill Golf Course would close for the season on November 26, and that Stony Ford Golf Course would operate on reduced hours and weather dependent schedules over the Thanksgiving period. The notice matters to local golfers, park users, and community planners because it affects weekend recreation access and could influence demand for alternate public amenities during winter weather.
Orange County officials notified the public on November 21 that Hickory Hill Golf Course would close for the 2025 season at the end of business on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The county also outlined operations at Stony Ford Golf Course, which will remain open as long as weather permits, but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 27 and is planned to reopen on Friday November 28, 2025. Stony Ford is listed with daily hours of 8 00 a.m. to 2 00 p.m., Monday to Sunday, and the advisory notes green fees and cart availability for players.
The advisory urged residents to call ahead because frost or snow can affect hours and closures. A contact phone number for Stony Ford is provided as 845 457 4949, and the notice points residents to the county Parks and Recreation web page for additional information. The announcement is part of routine seasonal scheduling decisions by the Department of Parks and Recreation that align course operations with weather patterns and maintenance needs.
For local residents, the immediate impact is practical and logistical. Regular golfers will need to adjust plans around Thanksgiving and the final week of November, particularly those who rely on transportation services or organized tee times. Reduced hours at Stony Ford concentrate play into a shorter daily window, which can increase demand for morning tee times and limit access for afternoon players. Park users who expect to combine visits to county greens with other recreational offerings should confirm availability in advance, as early morning frost or unexpected snowfall can prompt additional closures beyond the posted schedule.
Beyond individual inconveniences, seasonal closures highlight broader institutional questions about public recreational amenities. County operated courses generate revenue through green fees and cart rentals while also serving community recreation and outdoor health objectives. Shortened seasons and weather driven closures can affect fee income and the scheduling of maintenance work, which in turn have budgetary implications for Parks and Recreation planning. Residents who follow county budgeting and service priorities may wish to monitor how seasonal operations factor into annual spending decisions and program priorities for outdoor services.
The advisory underscores the need for clear communication between county agencies and residents during transitional weather periods. Calling ahead or checking the Parks and Recreation page can prevent unnecessary trips and help residents plan alternative activities. For those concerned about access, revenue use, or program scheduling, county public meetings and contact channels remain the avenue for civic engagement and feedback on recreational services.
