Kent’s Riverbend Driving Range reopens after net replacement

The city of Kent’s Riverbend Driving Range has reopened for full use after closing for nearly two months when the January ice storm damaged the net surrounding the range.

The driving range’s 100 plus feet of netting, which protect users of the Green River Trail and residents of the Colony Park Apartments from errant balls, was damaged during January’s ice storm.

Riverbend’s driving range couldn’t reopen for full use until new netting was installed. The range reopened March 19.

Repairs to the range fences cost the city $100,000, but were covered by insurance with a portion of the cost to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a city of Kent media release.

Pete Petersen, Riverbend’s superintendent of golf operations, said the range is one of the busiest in the state.

“Each year, we average over six million balls hit at the driving range,” Petersen said. “I know our customers are thrilled that we have reopened for full use.”

The driving range is at 2020 West Meeker St., and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The range features 32 covered and lighted hitting stalls, eight target greens with bunkers and water hazards, heated stalls, learning center, pro shop and miniature golf.

Fees are $9 for a large 100-ball bucket and $5.50 for a small 50-ball bucket; the senior (ages 55 and older) and military discount rate is $8 for a large and $5 for a small bucket; and the junior (ages 17 and younger) discount is $7 for a large bucket and $4 for a small.

Riverbend Golf Complex includes a 6,701-yard 18-hole course and a 1,174 yard Par 3 course. The course rating is 72.0 and it has a slope rating of 125.  The 18-hole golf course was designed by John Steidel. It opened in 1989. The front 9 was remodeled in 2008 as part of the Green River Levee Improvement Project.