It's a "Country Club" style facility instead of a pulic-oriented one. There are a few like that scattered around the states, and they are built to cater to wealthy folks in much the same way private golf clubs are. Member fees for some of those places are similar.

More than likely it is a bunch of well-heeled enthusiasts that put it all together, and I'd be willing to bet they had a member list built before the first slab was laid down anyway. Some folks have the money and desire to have a facility like that virtually to themselves.