Innovative Design Will Offer ‘Flood-Resistant’ Golfing, Improve Habitat and Stormwater Storage
Today the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Board of Commissioners awarded a construction contract to renovate Oak Meadows Golf Preserve in Addison to create flood-resistant golf operations while restoring the natural habitat and improving flood control along Salt Creek.
“This plan for Oak Meadows was borne out of a desire to challenge the assumption that any efforts to protect the golf operations from flooding would simultaneously reduce the property’s usefulness for stormwater management,” said Ed Stevenson, director of Golf Enterprises at the District.
The 288-acre project, which was awarded to Martam Construction, Inc., of Elgin, will create an 18-hole par-72 course with tee options ranging from 4,800 to 7,100 yards and expanded practice areas. Elevated playing surfaces will limit recurring disruptions and damage from frequent flooding. The project will encompass the current 18-hole Oak Meadows as well as nine holes on the East Course at Maple Meadows, which has also lost business due to flooding.
The project will also increase the overall stormwater capacity of the property by more than 20 million gallons, create 25 acres of new wetlands and 43 acres of riparian habitat and restore 13 acres of the corridor along Salt Creek, which has suffered from erosion, poor water quality and limited plant and animal diversity.
In-stream improvements will remove two low-head dams and replace engineered hard-bank erosion protection features with more natural bank stabilization materials such as aquatic plants, cobble and boulders. This restoration work will increase levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, which will allow the creek to support a wider range of native aquatic animals. Away from the creek, the Forest Preserve District will also improve 65 acres of prairie, savanna and woodland habitats.
“The purpose is to develop a golf course that will respect the landscape, allowing the game to be played while carefully revealing the land’s natural amenities, its history and charm and restoring its vital environmental function,” said Greg Martin, golf architect for Martin Design and project contractor.
“The District is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable environmental management practices by providing an engaging golf experience while restoring wetlands and natural habitat to the benefit of our residents and guests,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.
Construction is slated to begin in July 2015 and be completed in time for the 2017 golf season. “Golfers can enjoy Oak Meadows through the 4th of July,” Stevenson said. “There’s still time for golfers to play the current layout before construction gets under way.” Maple Meadows West and Green Meadows golf courses will remain through the entire 2015 season.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.