Town Driving Range Overhaul Approved By West Hartford PZC

WEST HARTFORD, CT — After a few weeks of delays, the town's zoning board this week has officially given the OK for the town to overhaul the driving range at Rockledge Golf Club.

The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission Monday, April 1, voted 3-0 in favor of a site plan application for a fully modernized driving range at town-owned Rockledge, which is located at 289 S. Main St., West Hartford.

The approval comes after several delays, with the application originally on the PZC docket in early February, with the application continued through March and, finally, being decided this week.

The delays gave the town more time to fine-tune the application and indicate some changes to the prior plan, though the scope of the upgrades is, for the most part, unchanged from before.

Specifically, the project entails adding 20 covered driving stations, meaning golfers would be able to hit away even in the rain.

In addition, the project calls for a new snack bar and restroom facility.

Perhaps the most significant new feature will be the high-tech component of the new driving range offerings.

At some of the new bays, users will be able to utilize "digital technology that will enhance a golfer’s preparation, training, and performance analysis," according to the town.

Essentially, digital recording capabilities will allow a user to have their swing analyzed for any flaws in their game.

The PZC approval did come with some technical conditions attached, mostly to do with drainage, fencing, and other aspects of driving range operations.

For the minutes of the April 1 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For an updated project narrative, click on this link.

From Jan. 28: 'WeHa's Golf Driving Range Targeted For High-Tech Upgrades'