The new clubhouse was designed to maximize space using the same footprint as the old clubhouse and eliminated the need for additional and expensive foundation work. Ponds and lakes were expanded allowing the property to hold more water from the course and the surrounding neighborhood which is an added benefit for the entire community. The new drainage system includes a whopping 15 miles of drainage pipe that moves water off the course faster allowing it to re-open in mere hours after a heavy rain. In the past, a heavy rain could have closed the course for three days. A mix of new hybrid grasses on the fairways, tees and putting surfaces can withstand draught and heavy rains to increase playability. Higher elevation means those areas are naturally dryer for better play. The new design strategically raised the areas where people normally hit their second shots. The new course features a combination of strategic design, creative use of hearty grasses and a quality drainage system that manages water for increased playability and lower down time. Like many courses, Sunset Valley is in a flood plain and moving water off the course was a constant challenge. With a database of over 12,000 email addresses and a website with 12,000 visits monthly, the project was constantly in the public eye. Project updates were also posted on the Park District’s website and linked to the District’s bi-weekly e-newsletter. Several weeks prior to the project’s start, neighbor letters were distributed letting them know that the project was set to begin, what equipment they would see on-site, what initial work would take place, assuring them that construction traffic would not enter neighborhood streets and construction crews would abide by City ordinances. Throughout the process, the District sent letters to neighbors introducing them to the project, informing them of community meetings and public hearings, and providing project progress updates. The two-phased project included renovation of the course from April through October 2017 and renovation of the clubhouse from October 2017 through July 2018. Four public meetings were also held during the design process allowing for additional resident feedback. In addition to presentations at public Park Board meetings, a Golf Advisory Committee comprised of avid resident golfers met monthly to provide design input. The District made sure the entire Sunset Valley planning process was conducted publicly and with multiple opportunities for public input. It was vitally important to continue its long-held practice of seeking input from the community for the project. Renovation of Sunset Valley Golf Club was a major initiative in the Park District’s 10-year master plan and community involvement played a key role in the ultimate outcome. Now featuring an expanded golf shop, the new “13ninety” restaurant, as well as a cozy lounge with fireplace, the clubhouse is no longer just a “pass through” to the course, but a destination for guests and golfers to shop and relax with a cold drink, a meal, and a beautiful view. The remodeled clubhouse offers a classic vibe with striking views of the course. The project included renovation of all tees, fairways, greens, bunkers as well as overall infrastructure, drainage and storm water management. The new Sunset Valley accommodates every level of golfer and reflects an open British Heathlands course design with strategic landforms, flowing masses of native grasses and groves of trees which harken back to the character and aesthetics of a 1920’s era golf course. In August 2018, the Park District of Highland Park reopened Sunset following an extensive $7 million renovation that took 18 months to complete. However, the clubhouse built in 1956 and the course, which still featured some of the original 1920 elements, were in vital need of renovation to provide a great golfing experience for today’s community. Even PGA Champions and World Golf Hall of Famers including Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Jock Hutchinson, Harry Cooper, and Archie Compston played at Sunset. Generations of residents learned to play golf at Sunset including Illinois Amateur Hall of Famer Joel Hirsch and newcomer to the PGA tour Patrick Flavin. For 98 years, Sunset Valley Golf Course has been a valued part of the Highland Park community.
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