Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/80982
FACILITY PROFILE BY JEFF SUTHERLAND TO IMPROVE City Of Burnaby Golf Continues When it comes to forward thinking, golf-savvy Lower Mainland communities, it's hard to beat Burnaby. a little less obvious but just as important. A long-term commitment to golf started in 1986, when the original plans for the Riverway course were formulated. Peat from the site was sold and developers paid to bring in landfill and a course was built at zero cost to taxpayers. Renowned golf course architect Les Furber put his stamp on the course and the result is a layout unique in the lower mainland… imaginatively designed links-style fairways lined by sweeping mounds of wild fescure and an array of white sand bunkers and water hazards. Enhancements were made to the City's two full length golf courses (Riverway and Burnaby Mountain) and two pitch- and-putts (Kensington and Central Park). These projects were initiated with the vision of Manager David O'Connor and Superintendent Peter Sorokovsky; and made possible with the strong backing, vision and support of City Council and the Parks Commission. Some of these are highly visible, others One of the less obvious examples would be an ongoing commitment to least impact maintenance practices. For the past 15 years, Golf Burnaby staff maintained a strict turf management program that eliminates pesticides on everything but the greens. They are also members of the Audubon Society and work with local environmental groups and the Streamkeepers. Another would be a drainage program recently completed at both Riverway amd Burnaby Mountain Golf Courses. Explains O'Connor, "In our continual endeavour to improve both our facilities and our Golf course conditions, we have completed most of our two-year progressive program of installing a complete slit-drainage system on our fairways. This multi-stage project consists of installing drainage lines every ten feet on each of the fairway playing areas with an additional line grid at every five feet in the landing areas. This project has given our golf courses the ability to withstand heavy rainfall and recuperate quickly from ongoing seasonal rain and sudden storms throughout the year. Having consistent soil conditions will also ensure that maintenance staff have the opportunity to improve the overall turf quality on a daily basis year-round. Our goal is to provide even more opportunities for you to enjoy your round by offering phenomenal playing conditions all year- round." Completion of this project follows the opening of a new clubhouse in May, 2011 at Riverway and this 11,500 square foot, $6.4 million structure is nothing short of magnificent. It includes a large dining room, bar, cafe and patio - all with views of the course and waterways. The menu is affordable and the casual elegance of the main dining room is attracting even non-golfers looking for a nice evening out. The main dining room seats more than 200, while the main patio can accommodate another 100. Another area where Burnaby is a leader has been in providing top-notch practice facilities. It started with Riverway where the two-tiered range is constantly busy. This same approach was then used to completely upgrade the practice facility at Burnaby Mountain. The new, state- of-the-art driving range that opened last year at the foot of Burnaby Mountain boasts spacious, 60 heated stalls in a great setting. Burnaby Golf offers a wide variety of programs for all ages and caliber of golfer. If you haven't been by for a while, it's worth making the trip to see the new and improved facilities! Burnaby Mountain GC & Driving Range: 604 280-7355 / Tee Times: 604-280-4653 Riverway GC & Driving Range: 604 280-GOLF (4653) / Tee Times: 604-280-7355 Kensington Pitch and Putt: 604 291-9525 Central Park Pitch & Putt: 604 434-2727 www.golfburnaby.net 22 ALL IMAGES COURTESY GOLF BURNABY EXCEPT WHERE NOTED