Clearview Prepares to Construct Education Center
OSNABURG TWP. – After nearly three-quarters of a century of offering the game of golf to the public, Clearview Golf Club wants to give visitors an inside look into the historic facility's history and legacy.
The golf course, located at 8410 Lincoln St. SE, was built in the late 1940s on what had been a dairy farm by the late William Powell, who was denied an opportunity to play golf on area courses because he was Black.
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Plans now call for Clearview Golf Club to build a 5,800-square-foot complex that will be known as Powell Education Center. One element will be an archival area or museum.
"We will get it started sometime this year," said Renee Powell, head professional at the course and daughter of William Powell. "If we get it started this year, we will be ready next year. It will be like a museum. We have got people coming in from all over the country. We have memorabilia from several years. It is to educate people."
Historic Clearview golf course eyes new $1.1 million complex
The projected cost of the Powell Education Center is $1.1 million, according to plans filed with the Stark County Building Department. The education center will be on the west side of the complex.
The east side building will house a conference center, according to the filed plans. However, Renee Powell said conference center is not an apt description. She said it is more of a gathering site for guests who are at Clearview Gold Club for various occasions.
"When people finish playing golf, they will go in there," Powell said. "It will be a permanent place rather than a tent. We are having functions from the golf outings there. Some golf courses have a dining area. That is what it will be."
The complex, according to Stark County Building Department plans, include an office, lobby, catering area and restrooms.
William Powell returned to the United States after serving in Europe during World War II. While he was able to play golf over while overseas, Powell did not receive that same privilege when he returned home.
His determination to play was so strong, he embarked on constructing his own course.
Clearview Golf Club opened to the public in 1948. The golf course started out as a nine-hole facility. It subsequently was expanded to 18 holes in 1978. William Powell died in 2009 at age 93.
He was the first Black person to design, construct and own a professional golf course in the United States.
Clearview Golf Club is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The golf course is about one and a half mile east of East Canton.
Clearview's new plans require zoning clearance
Part of launching the Powell Education Center project involved securing the proper zoning clearance from the township Board of Zoning Appeals. The project was approved for a nonconforming zoning certificate.
"The zoning out there right now is rural-residential," township Zoning Inspector Merri Braucher said. "It would normally be like a business zoning. The golf course is technically a business. It was grandfathered in. The golf course was established before our zoning was voted in."
Where the Powell Education Center will sit is an existing structure that is to be razed. According to plans Renee Powell divulged to Stark County Regional Planning Commission, the Powell Education Center will be used to host youth programs such as Pro-Am Tour events.
"It is going to be an education conference center," said township Trustee Randall Pero. "It sounds like a pretty good thing for the township. They have got plenty of room out there. I am sure we are for this. Anything they can do for education or attract people to our township is a good thing."
The property is owned by the Powell Family Limited Partnership.
Renee Powell has played on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. She also was inducted into the Professional Golfers Association Hall of Fame.
More: LONG DRIVE HOME: The untold story of Stark County's 'golf legend' Renee Powell
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"I think they (Powell family) have done a lot of good for the game," Matt Lefferts of the Ohio Golf Association said. "I really think they have given golfers a place to play the game and be comfortable. Renee has kept it going. She is nationally known in the golf community."
Reach Malcolm at 330-580-8305 or malcolm.hall@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: mhallREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Renee Powell launches education center at Clearview Golf Club course
