To our Membership,
On behalf of the Board of Governors, we want to welcome everyone back to what is expected to be a fun and exciting 2025 season at the Chequessett Club. As members return, we know there will be many questions about the status of the Herring River Restoration and its impact on the Club. The following is a brief update on where the project currently stands:
Construction of the new bridge and sluice gate/water control system at Chequessett Neck Road is expected to be substantially complete this coming fall. Once completed, the bridge’s sluice gate system will be controlled to allow for increased tidal flow to and from the Herring River. The re-established tidal flow will improve water quality enabling the gradual restoration of the Herring River estuary back to its original state. A by-product of the increased tidal flow will be increased water infiltration onto the Club’s golf course, specific to holes 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9, more commonly known as the “low-lying” holes.
Over the past several years, the Board, Barry McLaughlin, committee volunteers, and our legal representatives, have been working alongside the Friends of Herring River, the Town of Wellfleet, federal agencies, and associated design consultants to develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate potential flooding to the low-lying holes once the bridge’s new gate system is fully operational. These efforts have included comprehensive soil testing, tidal modeling, engineering, and architectural design to develop a cost-effective, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to ensure that our golf course is enjoyed by members and guests for future generations.
Currently, the proposed solution is to elevate the low-lying holes by approximately 6.5 feet using existing fill located adjacent to the 4th and 5th holes. Once the holes are elevated, the impacted holes and affected areas of the golf course would be reconstructed to include new drainage, irrigation, greens, bunkers, tee boxes and plantings. We are anticipating receipt of bid documents (plans and specifications) for this option within the next few weeks. Upon receipt, bid packages will be submitted to qualified contractors for pricing. Our intent is to complete a detailed bid analysis by early summer, 2025.
Simultaneously, we are exploring alternative water mitigation measures and design solutions should the bids to elevate and reconstruct the low-lying holes be deemed unaffordable. These alternative solutions are in their preliminary stages of development and as more information becomes available, we will provide clarity on the proposed scope of work.
Although much has progressed over the past several months, information coming from the various agencies is fluid and there remains a significant amount of planning and supporting documentation to process. Once we have thoroughly explored all viable options and have fully vetted each option’s inherent risks, financial obligations, and the projected timeline, the Board intends to present our recommendations to membership and the Club’s Trustee’s for final review, discussion, and approval. Until such time, the Board will be providing updates to membership on a regular basis to keep everyone informed with accurate information. In addition to email, the Board plans to post all updates on Chequessett’s website.
While this letter leaves many unanswered questions, please be assured that the Board remains committed to working in the best interest of our membership and preserving the Club for the enjoyment of future generations.
Sincerely,
The Chequessett Club Board of Governors
