Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay
The DeSoto City Council voted 6–1 on June 17, 2025, to move forward with a $2.7 million agreement to purchase the ThornTree Golf Club.
The move marks a major step toward revitalizing a long-declining property that many residents once considered a jewel of the community.
The council authorized the formation of ThornTree Country Club Venture, LLC, and approved the assignment of a purchase and sale agreement between Thorn Tree Golf, LLC, and Russell Glen, LLC.
The deal includes about 157 acres of land, real estate improvements, and personal property at 825 W. Wintergreen Road.
Public sentiment during the meeting was overwhelmingly supportive, with nine residents submitting written comments in favor of the purchase and several others speaking in person.
Tom Elam, who lives in the Enclave at ThornTree near the golf course, told council members that years of poor maintenance have taken a toll on the area.
“We’ve been concerned about the upkeep of the clubhouse and the golf course in recent years, under the current ownership,” Elam said. “Honestly, this concern has resulted in several of our good friends moving from the Enclave and out of DeSoto.”
Resident Bob Benjamin, a member of the club since 1990, echoed those concerns, saying the club had been in steady decline since 2008.
“I think the only thing left is for the city to make a change in the ownership to start the turnaround of the club,” he said.
Jim Johnson, a longtime resident and homebuilder, praised the city for taking action and noted the uniqueness of the property.
“This was the gem of DeSoto,” Johnson said. “No other city around us has this possibility because they don’t have the land to build it.”
The city council voted on two motions related to the project.
The first, authorizing the city manager to form the LLC, was introduced by Councilmember Andre Byrd and seconded by Councilmember Ken Waters.
The second, approving the actual purchase and execution of closing documents for up to $2.7 million, also passed 6–1.
Not all public comments were in favor. Resident Bernadine Harrison expressed frustration about city leadership and financial transparency, wondering where the city is obtaining the funds to make the approved purchase.
“We seem to rubber-stamp everything,” Harrison said, while questioning how the purchase would be funded.
Outside of the ThornTree discussion, the meeting featured a presentation honoring DeSoto’s 2025 Mr. and Mrs. Juneteenth, community leaders Aura Foster and Troy Johnson.
Mayor Rachel Proctor presented the pair with a proclamation during a segment recognizing the city’s successful Juneteenth festival, which drew thousands of residents to local parks.
The council also approved several items on its consent agenda, including:
- A resolution in support of a $2.7 million grant application for a trail improvement project between DeSoto, Duncanville and Cedar Hill.
- Recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month and the city’s free gun lock program.
- The approval of a preliminary plat for a new 11-lot residential subdivision.
Later in the meeting, a proposed zoning amendment (Z-1530-24) for a residential development near South Polk Street and East Parkerville Road was remanded back to the Planning and Zoning Commission following opposition from nearby residents.
Multiple speakers voiced concern over smaller lot sizes, lack of alleys, and potential impacts on neighborhood character.
During the public appearance portion, residents also raised issues related to bulk trash pickup, stray dogs and late-night noise near local businesses.
Others spoke about the need for better economic development and business support for local entrepreneurs.
With the ThornTree decision now approved, the city’s acquisition enters its next phase, with supporters hopeful that the move will restore community pride, increase nearby property values, and set DeSoto apart from its neighboring cities once again.
About the Author
