Architect hired for Maple Meadows golf course makeover
Golf course architect Greg Martin will iron out the details of proposed improvements to the public Maple Meadows track in Wood Dale.
DuPage County forest preserve commissioners in December approved Martin’s master plan for the Maple Meadows Golf Club, a 180-acre, district-owned property.
Martin recommended reducing the number and size of bunkers, making better use of the “wonderfully rolling topography” and expanding a practice area where golfers could sharpen their short game.
Commissioners now have hired Martin to develop detailed design plans for course renovations. The district will pay Martin Design Partnership up to $283,927 using golf revenues generated by greens fees and cart rentals, among other things. Martin’s firm also will prepare construction documents and technical specifications.
“He also did work for us at The Preserve at Oak Meadows with terrific success on that project,” said Ed Stevenson, who runs the district’s golf operation.
Across the street, Martin handled the redesign of sister course Oak Meadows, turning what was originally a 27-hole layout into a premier 18-hole facility. That was a two-year, $16.8 million project that also addressed flooding issues and restored a part of Salt Creek.
The Maple Meadows project is expected to begin in either late 2025 or early 2026.
The goal is to speed up pace of play, modernize the course infrastructure, improve drainage and transform Maple Meadows into a more environmentally friendly “golf preserve.” To grow a greener golf course, the district aims to reduce the use of herbicide and fertilizer and create larger blocks of natural areas.
“Maple Meadows Golf Course has numerous assets,” Martin’s firm wrote in a proposal to the district. “The golf course is quite satisfying but aging.”
According to a preliminary estimate, course improvements would add up to roughly $9.85 million, not including professional fees, permitting and other “soft” costs. Replacing the irrigation system alone would cost $2.85 million.
Maple Meadows once was part of the former Brookwood Country Club.