Forest preserve looks to upgrade Oak Meadows golf course in Addison
DuPage forest preserve commissioners voted Tuesday to hire an engineering firm for roughly $63,000 to address flooding and improve ecology at Oak Meadows golf course in Addison.
The 288-acre Oak Meadows, which was built in the 1920s, has experienced increased flooding since 2007 and also lost its clubhouse in a 2009 fire. It includes an 18-hole course, as well as a bordering 9-hole course called Maple Meadows East-9.
Ed Stevenson, forest preserve director of golf operations, said the district initially obtained the course to hold flood water, but “to do that and function as a full golf course has been a challenge.”
“The course was designed in the 1920s, when there was no Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, with areas that drain into Busse Woods and then into Salt Creek,” said Stevenson. “We see a bunch of opportunities to improve recreation, while also making it a better a forest preserve where we can improve the wetlands and habitat.”
The district hired Martin Design Partnership, Ltd., of Batavia, to design a master plan to upgrade the golf course. The $63,000 fee will come from the Oak Meadows budget.
Before choosing Martin Design, Stevenson said staff reviewed 22 golf course architecture firms nationwide and heard presentations from the top five candidates.
Martin Design also proposed a team of sub-consultants from Engineering Resource Associates, Inc., for engineering work, which is included in the cost.
“We thought we could respond piecemeal to each flood, or we could take a step back and work with architects and engineers and meet multiple goals,” Stevenson said. “We knew if we ever wanted to take this forward, we need experts to help create the design and answer the engineering questions like … how many holes can be maintained at flood-resistant elevations?”
Stevenson said the firm also will explore grants and outside funding options for improvements; look at future maintenance and safety issues; explore how to better integrate the golf course with nearby trails and open space; and give a realistic idea of how many acres can be improved.
He added that the golf course is not currently flooded and will be fully functional during the planning process.
“It will be many months before any dirt is moved,” Stevenson said.
Ultimately, when the firm is finished, it will have a master plan that staff will present to the forest preserve commission around mid-October or early November.