HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9948 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9948
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 18, 2016
Page 1 of 2
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SUBJECT: UPDATE ON ROCKWOOD PARK GOLF COURSE RENOVATION
UF PROJECT
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The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council with an update on the Rockwood Park
Golf Course Renovation Project. As the result of unseasonable weather conditions during May -
July of this year, which forced the delay in grassing of the golf course, it has become necessary
to postpone the reopening until July 2017. This delay will allow for sufficient turf establishment
with the return of warmer temperatures in late spring and early summer.
On September 15, 2015 the City Council authorized a contract with Heritage Links, a division of
Lexicon, Inc. (M&C C-27470) in the amount of $4,488,307.90 for the construction and renovation
of the Rockwood Park Golf Course. The project scope included the complete demolition of the 77
year old golf course including existing greens, tees, fairways, irrigation system and cart trails and
the installation of new drainage and irrigation systems, cart trails, greens, tees, fairways and sand
bunkers. Onsite work began on November 23, 2015. Throughout the project the contractor met all
construction milestones including clearing, rough & fine grading and cart trail, drainage and
irrigation systems installation. Grassing (both sod and sprigs) was scheduled to commence in
May; however due to the unseasonable cool temperatures, grass suppliers could not harvest the
grass sprigs for the greens, tees and fairways and sprigging work was force delayed by one
month. Grassing began in earnest on June 21. The May temperature delay was exacerbated
when the worksite was rendered inaccessible from June 29 through July 14, 2016 due to heavy
rainfall in late June and early July. Combined these weather related conditions postponed the
grassing process and critical grow-in period during the hotter months of July and August.
Although the grass on the front nine holes is 85%-90% established, the back nine holes are only
55%-60% established. An assessment to open half the course has determined the gain on
revenues to expenditures would be marginal. Given the long term investment strategy and
sustainability principles upon which this project was undertaken the delay in reopening the entire
golf course to allow for a full and heathy grow-in has been determined to be the most prudent
course of action.
Although the grow-in and on course maintenance demands will necessitate continued expense,
budget adjustments will be made to lessen expenses in such areas as pro and snack shop
staffing, merchandising and food and beverage supplies. Amendments have been made to the
golf cart fleet lease to postpone receipt of carts until June 2017. These actions will reduce the
impact of unrealized revenues.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9948
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 18, 2016
Page 2 of 2
�i7 Y
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON ROCKWOOD PARK GOLF COURSE RENOVATION
UF PROJECT
fQ�5
Lastly the Park and Recreation Department will work with the Community and Public Engagement
Office to ensure that the postponed reopening is effectively communicated to project stakeholders
including the Rockwood Park Golf Course Citizens Study Committee, the Park and Recreation
Advisory Board and the golfing public.
Should you have any questions regarding this matter please contact Richard Zavala, Park and
Recreation Director at (817) 392-5704 or Susan Alanis, Assistant City Manager at (817) 392-
6116.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS