Golf Course Overhaul Of Irrigation System Finalized By WeHa Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A wet summer has kept the greens green at the Town of West Hartford-owned and operated Rockledge Golf Club.

But when Mother Nature isn't cooperating as she is this year, it takes some mechanical magic to keep the gold course nice and playable.

The golf course's 40-year-old irrigation system, however, is in rapid declide and has more than exceeded its 25- to 30-year life span.

Which is why the West Hartford Town Council last week voted 7-0 to take $150,000 in funding from the state's Urban Act grant and place in the Rockledge Capital Reserve Fund.

Originally, the council earmarked the cash June 27, but on June 30, the State Bond Commission awarded West Hartford the Urban Grant, requiring another council vote to utilize that funding specifically.

Ultimately, this means no town tax dollars are being utilized for the golf course irrigation project, which circulates water throughout the course to keep it well watered.

Council approval represented the final step in the process, with work to commence soon once a contract is finalized with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Specifically, the project would replace the central irrigation pump station in the current pump house on site at the course, which is located at 289 S. Main St., West Hartford.

"This generous grant from the state will allow us to replace the pump station," said West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith Aug. 22, also thanking West Hartford legislative delegation in Hartford for helping secure the funding.

This is the first phase of a planned irrigation system overhaul at Rockledge.

"The pump station is an essential component of the entire system," wrote Ledwith to the full council. "The existing pump is failing and struggles to support the irrigation needs of the golf course."

"This has been a subject that we've discussed in committee for a while," West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said.

For a project narrative, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Aug. 22 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.