EAST CHICAGO | The city is looking for professional help to get duffers back on the long-idled MacArthur Park golf course.

A proposal to renovate the nine-hole links from ServiScape Golf Management, of Michigan City, was accepted by the Board of Public Works on Wednesday.

ServiScape is known for its work on the Harborside International and Beverly Country Club courses in Chicago, as well as Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, and the Sand Creek Country Club and Brassie Golf Club in Chesterton.

For $14,572 per month, the firm proposes to restore the fairways, greens, tee boxes and roughs at the MacArthur course, which has not officially been open since the 20th century.

"I have met with ServiScape, evaluated their current and past clients, and am confident they can do the job," said Fernando Trevino, the city's consultant for the renovation project.

The MacArthur Park pro shop, restrooms, concession stand and 300-foot golf driving range were restored last year.

Though supplies and materials are not included in the firm's fees, ServiScape would hire and train employees and make recommendations on all purchases, said Clay Putnam, project manager for ServiScape.

A contract for the MacArthur Park work is expected to be presented to the works board at its next meeting on May 9.