West Hartford's Wetlands Board OKs Golf Course Rehab Project

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Wetland officials have greenlighted a massive project to restore and modernize a private country club in West Hartford.

The West Hartford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency unanimously voted 5-0 earlier this month to approve The Wampanoag Country Club's wetlands permit application to allow for its planned restoration.

A permit was required because the proposed work would take place near several watercourses, including Tumble Brook, which runs through the 163-acre country club.

The Wampanoag Country Club is located at 60 Wampanoag Drive.

Its application was submitted to the PZC/IWWA Aug. 8 and, following a public hearing Sept. 7, the West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission, which acts as the town's wetlands authority, rendered its decision.

According to Weston & Sampson Engineers of Rocky Hill, which is working for the country club, all of the proposed work is on the golf course itself.

"Some of the proposed restoration activities, like construction of new bunkers, fairway mounds, cart paths, drainage and rebuilding of tee grounds and greens will require earthwork within regulated areas. All proposed activities will be completed within areas already developed for golf," wrote Weston & Sampson engineer Joseph S. Perugini to the town.

"No proposed activities will be completed within undeveloped regulated areas."

In addition to cosmetic improvements to the playing area, the restoration project also aims to improve drainage at the course, so water doesn't build up after heavy rains.

Documents filed with the town do not indicate a starting date for execution of the restoration plan, but they do indicate no other work is proposed at the country club outside of this project within the next five years.

For the minutes of the Sept. 7 West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Sept. 5: 'Country Club In West Hartford Plans Major Restoration'