Maintenance Dept Update

Staff members just participated in a tree maintenance seminar hosted by the Michigan Green Industry Association, to gain more knowledge on the safe and efficient methods to remove and trim trees.

Off season tree trimming is continuing this month when conditions are favorable to get equipment on the golf course. The recent heavy snow caused a loss of power in the area and damaged some pine trees on the golf course. We will continue to trim trees that are on our maintenance plan as well as clean up from the storm as conditions dictate.

And lastly, THANK YOU for those that donated for the Polar Plunge that benefited the Special Olympics of Michigan! Below are some action shots of Matt, Clint and Levi in their costumes.

16 Bridge-North Update

The new decking and railing are completed on the bridge. There will be some minor work done to the asphalt approaches in the spring when the weather is conducive.

Support Radrick Team in the Polar Plunge

Three members of the Radrick Maintenance staff, Clint Kutzley, Matt Weiland,and Levi Moore will be participating in the Polar Plunge at the Big House. Please support their cause, the donations go directly to the Special Olympics of Michigan. Link for Matt: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/matt-weiland/uofmpolarplunge.Link for Clint: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/clint-kutzley-radrick/uofmpolarplunge2. Link for Levi: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/LeviMoore/uofmpolarplunge

Matt Weiland, Clint Kutzley, Levi Moore

Tree Maintenance & Bridge Repair

Winter is the best time to remove and prune trees because the ground is frozen. While in this frozen state, heavy equipment can be used on the course with minimal damage to the turf. We've been lucky so far this winter with good ground conditions (until this week) and have been able to do tree maintenance on 3,5,6,9 and 16 so far this Winter. Below are some examples of tree issues that cause us to remove or prune trees.

Wind damage to Oak on 9

Tree decay 30'  above ground, tree will be removed (6).

Steel supports inspected

The off-season gives us the chance to improve other areas on the golf course. The bridge on 16 will be refurbished  The existing decking and hand rails will be removed and replaced with new rough sawn oak planks and treated hand rail material. The steel supports are inspected to ensure a safe crossing over Fleming Creek.

16 Bridge before work starts

Removing old planks

16 Bridge Replacement

16 bridge was replaced this fall. The bridge replacement project presented the opportunity to improve 16 by adding a new cart path, installing rip rap and J-hooks in and around the creek and replacing the bridge that washed away in the flood of 2011. The J-hooks control the current of the creek by diverting the current away from the creek bank towards the middle of the creek, thus controlling the soil erosion that has happened in the past. Below are some pictures of the J-hooks being installed as well as pictures of the new bridge being set on the new foundation.

A 90 ton crane was used to move the bridge from a semi trailer bed  to the bridge foundation.

Radrick Staff installing new sod along new cart path edges.

The bridge is set on the new foundation.

J-Hooks being installed in the creek bed

J-Hooks Installed