County says golf course openings delayed as contractor works through specialized bunker rehab

Orange County parks staff told the Physical Services Committee that repairs to bunkers at the county’s two golf courses have been delayed by colder-than-expected conditions and a specialized porous-concrete liner that requires narrow installation windows.

Anthony Ewell (title given in meeting as Parks presenter) said the contractor’s work is part of a rehabilitation program funded by a grant and that the specified liner requires consistent temperatures (about 40°F and above for multiple days) and coordinated deliveries from concrete suppliers. "They worked through that. Work progressed a little bit slower than we had anticipated," Ewell said.

Nut graf: The contractor has opened nine holes at one course to allow work to continue on the other nine; the second course remained closed pending concrete deliveries. Staff said they will continue to coordinate deliveries and the staging of open holes, and noted a potential revenue impact from the later opening date.

Ewell said the material is a drainage-capable liner placed before sand and noted vendor capacity and lead-time issues were the principal cause of delay. He reported Stony Ford opened nine holes on April 17 and that Hickory’s front nine are expected to open after the next available concrete delivery window. Committee members asked whether local vendors could supply the concrete; staff said local capacity exists but the product requires plant setup and lead time with the specified mix.

Ending: Parks staff said they will monitor progress, continue to stage openings to allow play while work continues, and that promotional pricing was in place for nine-hole play while repairs continue.