The University of Missouri-Rolla’s plan to develop a research and technology park where the UMR Golf Course is located gained approval from the University of Missouri Board of Curators on Friday, April 6.         

Plans call for eventually converting the 56-acre property into a research and technology park to provide space, access to UMR researchers and facilities, and business support services that help companies transfer knowledge from the university to the marketplace. The university research park would also help foster economic development in the region.         

The concept calls for creating a campus-like atmosphere that maintains green space and includes walking trails that would connect with the city’s network of trails.         

The nine-hole, par 35 golf course and driving range is located south of 10th Street and west of the UMR athletic fields.         

Meeting on the UMR campus, the curators approved a resolution designating the property as “a research, development and office park project” that would allow university researchers and students to better collaborate with businesses and governmental agencies; encourage entrepreneurship among UMR faculty and students; provide laboratory space and infrastructure for fledgling businesses; promote outreach activities to high schools, other colleges and universities, and the community; and encourage shared facilities.         

Keith Strassner, director of UMR’s office of technology commercialization and economic development, says current plans call for developing a comprehensive master plan with broad community input, establishing restrictive covenants to guide future development, and creating a marketing and finance plan. These plans would be submitted to the Board of Curators for final approval at a future board meeting.         

“We have a great deal of interest from technology-based businesses who desire to locate or expand their operations here,” says Strassner. “Plans are also in development for the creation of a university business incubator to provide lab and support facilities for faculty and student start-ups.”