I think you are right.  And it seems that in our community some  folks who are interested in a sport for activity and socialization are turning to Pickle ball and tennis and that sort of thing, not golf.  It seems that they are cramming lots of the paddle sports in one small area.  Even taking out some of the garden plot space and the playground space.    

I see lots of walkers on all the streets and  I would drive to get to a lovely nature walking area away from the streets and the goose poop trail around the south pond..   The possibilities are many.  We already have the golf cart path so that would be a good start.  Maybe a new larger pavilion.  The current one gets lots of use.  But we could use another one.  And as many  have said there are creative ways to "transition" an underused golf course.  Maybe a nine hole and the rest other interesting things.  

I don't think anyone believes the park idea would not cost something to maintain. But even some new popular  income producing amenities in the park space might even make up for some golf loss.