So begins the season of the snow shovel

It seems the snow might finally be here to stay and winter has begun. The snow and colder season bring a change of gears for the EPGCC Maintenance Department. We shift our focus from the summer and fall jobs that are mostly based around the maintenance of the golf course to tasks that are focused on preparation for next season as well as keeping the parking lot and walks cleared of snow.

This season was a strange season for the golf course. It seemed to exhibit the extremes of Alberta weather including the extreme rain we saw in the early part of the season to the lack of precipitation and heat we saw in the later portion of the year. The golf course faired well, however, considering the weather extremes it faced. We don’t have to look far to see pictures of fairways underwater or puddles in places that haven’t had standing water in years. Fortunately, the time and resources we invest in maintaining the drainage system were obvious as the course remained playable through most of the rain it saw. August and September were dry months, with less than average precipitation. The effects of the low precipitation were compounded by a problem with the pump that transfers water from the river to the golf course and that is then used to irrigate the course. We were forced to be cautious with our water consumption on the course and consequently, some of the rough areas that rely on rain as the source of irrigation showed signs of stress.

In an effort to improve the irrigation and pond system on the course, EPGCC has decided to move forward with plans to dredge three of our ponds including 11 tees, 10 and 1. This process will include removing the current riprap stonework around the ponds; rebuilding edges and replacing the riprap with new granite stonework (picture); excavating the current pond bottoms deeper; and rebuilding the interior of the ponds with a shallow shelf that transitions into the deeper middle. The work is scheduled to begin in November and will continue throughout the winter months. We will post progress reports regularly here, as well as more regular pictures and tidbits on our Twitter account.

Our Horticulture Department has also decided to, once again, host three separate days of wreath building instructional sessions for members. Each session includes instructions and direction on live wreath building by horticulturalist Julie McKinley; all wreath making supplies; as well as lunch and merriment. Julie has hosted this event for three consecutive seasons and it is always well attended. This year is no exception, as an extra day has been added to accommodate the interest this season. Please check back for pictures of some of the completed wreaths early in December.

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