$17M renovation to address flooding at Oak Meadows golf course

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has broken ground on the agency's $17 million renovation of Oak Meadows Golf Preserve in Addison, designed to restore natural habitat and improve flood control along Salt Creek while creating flood-resistant golf operations.

"The district is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable environmental management practices," Forest District President Joe Cantore said. "When this project is completed, it will not only provide an engaging experience for golfers but also create restored wetlands and natural habitats that will benefit all DuPage County residents."

The 288-acre project footprint encompasses Oak Meadows' 18-hole course as well as the adjacent nine-hole Maple Meadows East. Chronic flooding at both courses has driven golfers away. The new 18-hole, par-72 course will have tee options ranging from 4,800 to 7,100 yards, expanded practice areas, and elevated playing surfaces that will limit recurring flood-related disruptions and damage.

"We expect construction to finish in time for the 2017 golf season," said Ed Stevenson, director of business enterprises at the district. "In the meantime, the Oak Meadows practice range will remain open as will the remaining 18 holes at Maple Meadows and our nine-hole Green Meadows Golf Course in Westmont. We'll continue to post rates and updates, too, at dupagegolf.com."

In addition to improving golf operations, the project will increase the overall stormwater storage capacity of Oak Meadows Golf Preserve by more than 20 million gallons, create 25 acres of wetlands and restore 43 acres along Salt Creek and 65 acres further upland. In-stream improvements will remove two low-head dams and replace engineered hard-bank erosion protection features with more natural features, such as aquatic plants, cobble and boulders, which will increase levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and allow the creek to support a wider range of native aquatic animals.

"For decades it was assumed that any efforts to protect the course from flood damage would reduce its capacity to hold stormwater," said forest district Commissioner Marsha Murphy, District 1. "The concept for this project was borne out of a desire to challenge that assumption, accomplish multiple goals, and improve golf while enhancing the natural functions of the property."

"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.