Golfers will get a first close look at three alternative concepts for reconstructing storm-damaged Hiawatha golf course in Minneapolis at an upcoming meeting.
The three alternatives include a basic restoration of the course, reducing it to nine drier holes or rebuilding the course to make it less prone to flood damage in the future. Those are the same basic choices provided for Meadowbrook course in St. Louis Park, which was damaged in the same rains in June 2014.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board opted in a preliminary vote last week for a more thorough renovation at Meadowbrook to help with stormwater retention and to keep more of the course above water. But it's not financially feasible to put as much of Hiawatha out of flood range, course designer Kevin Norby said.
The meeting on Hiawatha is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Nokomis Community Center, 2401 E. Minnehaha Pkwy.
Unlike Meadowbrook, Hiawatha was able to reopen nine holes for play.
The Park Board has been working with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District on financing improvements that both restore an 18-hole course and allow flood-control improvements along the creek, which borders the course. Federal disaster aid will pay part of the cost.
Steve Brandt
