Full Breakdown
Valley Golf Center to Close After Eight Years in Madera County
7/3/2026, 4:55:04 PM
Core Event: Lease Expiration Triggers July 29 Closure
Valley Golf Center, a driving range on Avenue 9 off Highway 41 in Madera County, announced it will cease operations on July 29, 2026. Co-owners Cindy Vining and her partner cited the non-renewal of their lease and their decision to retire as reasons for the closure. The owners will liquidate equipment and have urged customers to use any remaining range or gift cards before the final day.
Background & Context: From River Park to Community Hub
The site previously housed River Park Golf Center, which closed in late 2017 after nearly two decades. After the property changed hands, Vining and her partner secured a lease and opened Valley Golf Center on Jan 12, 2018. The venue emphasized community practice, supporting The First Tee of Fresno, local school golf teams, and Valley Children’s Hospital events. It later added Toptracer ball-flight tracking for virtual course play.
Key Figures & Groups
Cindy Vining – co-owner; her partner – co-owner; Valley Children’s Healthcare – property owner; Valley Children’s Hospital – community partner; local investors; First Tee of Fresno and school golf programs.
Data & Statistics
Opened Jan 12, 2018; closing July 29, 2026; 8 years 8 months of operation; located on Avenue 9, north Fresno, Madera County; equipped with Toptracer ball-flight tracking; remaining range and gift cards valid through closure.
Official Statements & Responses
Valley Golf Center posted a social-media notice expressing great sadness and reaffirming its community mission. Valley Children’s Healthcare said it is negotiating with a prospective operator to keep the range open for families. Valley Children’s Hospital said it hopes to retain the facility and thanked the co-owners.
Criticism & Opposition
Local observers called the loss sad, noting the lease non-renewal removed a venue with a distinct local feel and reduced practice options for youth golfers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The co-owners attribute closure to lease non-renewal, while Valley Children’s Healthcare emphasizes ongoing negotiations with a new operator, leaving the timeline for reopening unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just want to thank the community. We've put our heart and soul into making this something fun,” — Cindy Vining, Co-owner, Valley Golf Center
- “This place going away, it’s got the local feel. It’s just kind of sad.” — Co-owner, Valley Golf Center
- “It’s with great sadness to announce that Valley Golf Center will be closing at the end of this month,” — Valley Golf Center (official statement)
- “Since then, we have been exploring options for the future of the golf center, and we are currently in discussions with a potential new operator. Our goal is to keep the facility open for families and visitors to enjoy.” — Valley Children’s Healthcare (statement)
What’s Next: Prospective Operator and Community Access
Valley Children’s Healthcare says negotiations with a prospective operator are ongoing and plans to announce the new management arrangement in the coming weeks, aiming to preserve the range for community use.
