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Seaford approves $27,500 to help revive Hooper's Landing fairways after winter die‑off
Summary
Atkins Management reported a rare Bermuda‑grass die‑off across several regional courses after an unusually cold winter and asked Seaford to cost‑share the restorative 'springing' operation; council authorized $27,500 (50/50 cost share) from golf course reserves to reimburse the firm.
Atkins Management representatives told the council that an unusually cold winter and prolonged ice led to a Bermuda‑grass failure on several fairways at Hooper's Landing. Agronomist Mike Pine said the firm procured approximately 10 acres of sprigs and already completed a springing propagation process on five impacted holes.
“The total amount that Atkins has already paid is $55,000,” Pine said, and asked the city to cover half of that cost — $27,500 — as the course had been advanced by Atkins to expedite recovery during the narrow growing season. Pine said the cost per acre for sprigs was roughly $5,500 and the propagation approach is faster and less expensive than sod.
Golf pro Mike Connor said the springing was started quickly because the growing window (June–August) requires prompt action; with favorable conditions he said results could be visible in about six weeks and, in a worst case, about ten weeks. To help customers, the course is offering discounts and coupons while fairway recovery continues.
City staff said the initial $25,000 in work was authorized under manager authority to avoid missing the growing window and asked council to approve the remainder. Vice Mayor Henderson moved to authorize the city manager to expend $27,500 as a 50/50 cost share to make Atkins whole; Councilman Quillen seconded and the motion passed unanimously. City staff said the funds will come from the golf course reserves established from golf operations.
Why it matters: restoring fairways quickly preserves course playability and prevents larger, costlier rehabilitation later; the council used established golf reserves rather than general‑fund money.
