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Richmond Parks warns aging golf irrigation control panel may require costly replacement; staff cite revenue gains
Summary
Parks staff told the Richmond Parks and Recreation Board that the golf course irrigation control panel failed and a replacement could be expensive; staff said higher recent golf revenues and possible food-and-beverage tax revenue would be needed to fund major repairs.
Denise, parks superintendent, updated the Richmond Parks and Recreation Board on maintenance and capital issues at Highland Golf Course and said the course’s irrigation control panel failed and ‘‘is very old,’’ with a ‘‘replacement of it is going to be pretty costly.’’ She said staff will meet with Automatic Irrigation on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to assess the damage and estimate replacement costs.
Denise described work already done to keep the course operational: staff dug up and replaced failed pressurized lines, verticut greens recently, and ran automatic systems where possible. She told the board that greens have required frequent attention and that staff have been "band‑aiding" an aging irrigation system.
When a board member asked about long‑term plans, Denise said the department’s 10‑year master plan includes modernizing the irrigation system and clubhouse. She also said there is currently no dedicated funding stream to pay for a full system replacement and added: "Our hopes, honestly, is to be able to enact a food and beverage tax to be able to control these types of costs." She cautioned that the panel’s replacement cost was unknown until the vendor assessment.
Jim, parks operations staff, and golf staff reported a strong recent month of golf revenue and several events (including the IU East Invitational). Denise said higher-than-expected revenue in recent months has improved the golf fund balance but that ongoing drought and green maintenance remain risks: "If a green checks out, it's $20,000 to replace that," she said when describing the costliness of damaged greens.
Board members discussed drought impacts and the recurring need for specialized chemical and aerification treatments. Staff said those items appear in the golf fund’s contractual and supply budget lines and that some costs are seasonal and weather-dependent.
No vote was required for the report. Staff said they will return with Automatic Irrigation’s assessment after the Tuesday meeting and keep the board informed about estimated replacement costs.
