Derek Slap

WEST HARTFORD LEADERS WELCOME STATE BOND FUNDING FOR ROCKLEDGE GOLF COURSE TO MAKE CRITICAL IMPROVEMENTS

Today, West Hartford leaders welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $150,000 to make critical infrastructure upgrades at Rockledge Municipal Golf Course in West Hartford, the town’s golf course that has received renown statewide and beyond.

“Rockledge is one of West Hartford’s many great resources, and I’m glad our community is receiving the funds necessary to retain and improve its high quality,” said Senator Derek Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their local investments.”

“I am thrilled that the town of West Hartford will receive funds from the state bond commission. The Rockledge Municipal Golf Course is used by local residents as well as individuals from around the state, and the upgraded water pump will be greatly beneficial,” said State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-West Hartford, Bloomfield).

“Rockledge is one of the preeminent public courses in the United States in addition to being vital open space for our community during the offseason,” said State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington). “Upgrading the pump house, which is the heart of the irrigation system, will help maintain Rockledge as one of the town’s outdoor jewels.”

“Rockledge’s value to our community extends beyond the course, thanks to the open space for walking it provides during the offseason,” said State Rep. Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon). “Ensuring its irrigation system is properly maintained by upgrading the pump house will keep Rockledge positioned as a year-round hub of outdoor activity.”

“I’m so happy that we can support Rockledge Golf Course,” said Representative Jillian Gilchrest. “This funding will make much needed improvements to our town’s premier public golf course.”

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said, “Rockledge Golf Club is recognized as one of the finest 18-hole public golf courses in the United States. It has been voted Hartford Magazine’s “Best Public Golf Course” for 12 consecutive years and one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play. We are grateful to the State of Connecticut for recognizing our need to keep Rockledge in pristine condition by offering this grant that will allow us to make much needed improvements to the irrigation system”

The State Bond Commission today approved its June 30 bonding agenda, including items including the $150,000 for Rockledge. The funds will be used to upgrade the golf course’s pump house, improving both the structure and the strength of the pumps.

According to a summary of work needed at Rockledge, the existing pumps and pump house were installed 40 years ago in 1983 and the system is past its useful life, unable to meet the golf course’s irrigation needs. Without sufficient water distribution, the entire golf course could face significant turf loss; with these improvements, in addition to improved quality of the course, Rockledge should also see water and energy savings through improved efficiency.