HomeMy WebLinkAboutGEC comment LetterTOWN OF YARMOUTH
Golf Division
635 West Yarmouth Road, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Telephone (508) 760-4878, Fax (508) 760-4806
To: Conservation Commission
From: Ellen Chapman, Golf Enterprise Chairman
Date: December 15, 2023
Subject: Bass River Golf Course Bridge Replacement
The Bass River 18th hole bridge existed for more than 50 years prior to 2017 when the bridge
experienced significant structural damage. In 2017 The Golf Division was granted approval from
the Conservation Commission to remove the bridge due to potential safety hazards.
Subsequently, designs and plans were drawn for a replacement bridge. The significant issue was
funding. In 2018 The Golf Division embarked on a $2 million capital investment into Bayberry
Hills. The Bayberry Hills renovation was completed by end of summer 2018. By 2019 round
count and volume had returned and actually exceeded pre-renovation levels, creating a surplus
for Golf. This surplus is used for capital projects through the Golf Division.
Although we returned our focus to the bridge, Covid hit in February 2020, shutting down the golf
courses and many other operations throughout the town with the bridge project again being put
on hold. Yarmouth Golf was closed for more than 50 days before being allowed to reopen for
limited tee times. During the entire 2020 and 2021 golf seasons, Yarmouth Golf focused on
Covid related limitations in which resources were allocated to ensure the success of the Golf
Division.
In 2022 Golf returned to normal with Covid restrictions lifted. Once again, we were able to focus
on capital projects, including the Bass River bridge replacement. In late 2022 the Golf Division
hired landscape architect Tim Gerrish to review the site and design the bridge. In Spring of 2023
the Golf Division hired Coneco Scientists and Engineering to survey the site, aid with design and
engineering, and assist with filing the necessary permits with the State of Massachusetts and the
local Conservation Commission.
In August 2023 the design and engineering of the bridge was completed. All paperwork required
was compiled and reviewed. The Notice of Intent was filed with the State of Massachusetts and
Yarmouth Conservation Commission dated September 6, 2023.
On November 16, 2023, we appeared before you with design and engineering for the bridge
replacement. The bridge presented was 38ft or 12ft longer than the original bridge which existed
for over 50 years. During the hearing numerous modifications were made to change the bridge to
allow for more sunlight and placement further away from the salt marsh. These requested
modifications have been made to the bridge.
Modifications to the bridge included increasing the height of the bridge and length of the bridge
to allow for more sunlight and placement further away from the salt marsh area. With the
proposed modifications to the bridge and the significant safety issues that exist without the
bridge, we would very much like to rectify this safety issue with the approval of the golf course
bridge on the 18th hole at Bass River.
The bridge project has been five years in the making with Covid restrictions beyond our control
being the main issue delaying the project. The current situation without the bridge is a significant
safety hazzard as all players on the 18th hole are forced to go around the stream and enter into
play on the 13th hole creating a very hazardous and dangerous situation. This can be corrected
with the bridge replacement.
Thank you.
cc: Scott Gilmore, Director of Golf Operations
Brittany DiRienzo, Conservation Administrator