(11/P97) TRENTON - The Department of Environmental Protection today released a Request for Proposals for the private management and operation of two DEP-owned, 18-hole public courses, Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

Cream Ridge Golf Course is located in Upper Freehold Township in Monmouth County, and White Oaks Golf Course is located in Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Interested parties may submit proposals for one or both of the golf courses.

Cream Ridge and White Oaks golf courses were acquired by the DEP in 2006 through the Green Acres Program and have been managed by private companies under separate agreements with DEP. Both agreements expire on December 31.

"Using businesses with experience in the golf industry ensures that our golf courses are managed in a cost-effective, professional manner while providing residents of New Jersey with enhanced recreational opportunities,'' said Amy Cradic, Assistant Commissioner of the DEP's Division of Natural and Historic Resources. "Having professionals run these golf operations also is likely to enhance revenue-generating opportunities that benefit the State.''

The DEP owns four public golf courses, each operated by private management companies. Earlier this year, the DEP publicly bid a management contract for the operation of Spring Meadow Golf Club in Wall Township, Monmouth County. An agreement for Centerton Golf Course at Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove was publicly bid in 2008.

The DEP is seeking operators for Cream Ridge and White Oaks who have experience and knowledge in operating golf courses, are financially stable and show strength in customer service commitment and employee performance.

The initial terms for Cream Ridge Golf Course and White Oaks Golf Course will be six and five years, respectively. The successful bidders will have the option of renewing for longer second terms, 14 years and 15 years, respectively, if the bidders undertake certain capital improvements during the first term.

Successful bidders will pay the State a fixed annual fee, increased annually by three percent, plus a percentage of its annual gross revenue earned from course operations. They will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the golf course and for improvements, as well at commercial development of the courses.

A mandatory bidders meeting will be held at Cream Ridge Golf Course on August 23 and at White Oaks Golf Club on August 24. The meetings will be held at 10:00 am in the Clubhouse/Pro Shop at each facility. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 21.

For a copy of the RFPs, visit: www.njparksandforests.org/parks/business_ops/current_leases.htm