Irrigation System Complete: Grass Gets Greener at Strathcona

"Strathcona is home to the longest running golf tournament in our city and has become a unique City asset that contributes to the quality of life for residents year-round," said Mayor Lynn Peterson. "With the addition of the new automated irrigation system, this course will only improve. It will become an even brighter jewel for residents and visitors alike."

City Council approved the funding for the installation of the irrigation system in the 2008 Capital Budget. The automatic system will be programmed to run at night or early morning. Sprinkler heads will run along each side of the fairway and around the greens. The tees will have a single row system.

"I am thrilled to have the new irrigation system complete," said Tom Forsythe, Director – Golf Thunder Bay. "With the push of a button we will be able to maintain and protect the health of the course. Up until now by mid July the fairways are usually brown and dormant which deters players. The new system will greatly improve the course for players and attract more golfers."

The benefits of the new system should start to show in 2009, depending on weather. The system is designed to supplement natural rainfall and help healthy turf through a drought, not necessarily to bring dormant turf back to life in the middle of a drought.

The course remained open during the installation of the system which began in late May and had relatively little impact on play. Ful Flo Industries, who was awarded the installation contract, used a vibratory plow where possible to pull the nearly 50,000 feet of pipe required into the ground; a process that does not bring any soil to the surface and doesn't leave a trench when completed.

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Contact: Tom Forsythe, Director – Golf Services, 625-2423