Gardner Golf Commission Grapples with Costly Pump House Repairs Amid Water Scarcity
- Meeting Overview:
The Gardner Golf Commission meeting focused on the deteriorating pump house infrastructure, which has led to reliance on city water and concerns about future costs. The commission is seeking solutions to maintain operations while planning for potential expensive replacements.
The primary issue discussed was the pump house’s outdated and corroded infrastructure, which has been causing significant problems for the golf course’s irrigation system. Contractors recently replaced an old corrugated steel pipe with a plastic one, but sediment continues to enter the wet well, threatening the functionality of the pumps. The commission is consulting with contractors to find a temporary fix and is considering a more permanent solution, such as lining the wet well with a plastic sleeve. However, this would reduce the system’s capacity, posing a challenge for maintaining adequate water flow.
Due to the pump house issues, the golf course is currently relying on city water, which limits irrigation capabilities to hand-watering greens and tees. The need for rain is pressing, as the current dry conditions exacerbate the situation. The commission is exploring long-term solutions, including constructing a new pump house, which could cost approximately half a million dollars, based on pre-COVID estimates. Financing options, such as bonding the cost over ten years, are being considered.
In addition to the infrastructure concerns, the commission reviewed the financials, noting a current surplus of $18,000. However, this figure is expected to change as the season progresses and additional expenses are factored in. The commission plans to continue monitoring the financial situation closely.
Michael J. Nicholson
Recreation Commission Officials:
Michael Budwick, Jeffrey Gallant, Ann Twohig, David Noyes, Aleksander Dernalowicz
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Meeting Type:
Recreation Commission
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/13/2026
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Recording Published:
04/14/2026
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Duration:
12 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Gardner
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