Country Club plans extensive golf course renovations with environmental enhancements

The Inland Wetlands Commission meeting held on June 16, 2025, in New Canaan, Connecticut, focused on a significant project concerning the local golf course, which has been in operation since 1893. The proposed improvements aim to enhance the golf course while ensuring the protection of surrounding wetlands and watercourses.

Bill Kenny, a professional wetland scientist and landscape architect, presented the project details, emphasizing that approximately 11,500 cubic yards of soil will be moved on-site, with no soil being imported or exported. The project will involve the import of about 2,500 cubic yards of sand and gravel necessary for rebuilding certain areas of the course, including traps and greens.

The proposed improvements include modifications to the driving range, the addition of a short play area, and enhancements to Hole 18. Kenny noted that these changes are primarily located in areas already developed, minimizing the impact on existing wetlands. The project is designed to reduce impervious surfaces by approximately 7,000 square feet, which is expected to improve water quality by decreasing potential pollutant loads.

A key aspect of the project is the establishment of water treatment facilities, including a rain garden to filter runoff from the parking area and a vegetated swale to manage water flow from cart paths. These features are intended to enhance the ecological health of the wetlands adjacent to the golf course.

Commissioners expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential to improve wetland conditions while meeting the needs of the country club. The project is set to be phased, with work beginning in September 2025 and expected to be completed by spring 2026. The first two phases will focus on the driving range and Hole 18, while the subsequent phases will address the short play area and additional improvements.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collaborative effort to balance recreational needs with environmental stewardship, aiming for a net positive impact on local wetlands and watercourses. The commission's discussions reflected a commitment to sustainable development practices that protect natural resources while enhancing community amenities.