#12 Irrigation Box

Recently, the irrigation control box located between 12 green and 13 tees had been struck by lightning.  The high electrical current resulted in heat being passed through the electrical components inside the box and a small fire ensued.  

 

The entire inside of the box was damaged and needed to be replaced.

An up close look reveals melted parts.  The bottom left was a surge protector which was no match for the power of lightning.

We took this opportunity to resolve another problem with the location of the box.  Every year when we would receive heavy rainfall, the control box would flood because it is located in a low lying area.  As we all know, water and electrical parts do not mix.  To solve this problem, the box was pushed back a couple feet and also raised 2 feet on a concrete pad.  

Wood was used to create a form for the concrete pad.  The wires in front all had the be spliced and an additional 5 feet of wire was added. In all, over 50 slices were done.  The wires were then run through "sweeps" which are pipe that create space for the wires.

A lot of wires!

The box was placed on top of the concrete pad and bolted down.  All the wires were attached and double checked to ensure the proper wires were in the right place. 

Sticky stone will be added to the concrete pad in the spring time to make it look more appealing.

Bunker Rehab Continued...

With old man winter knocking on the door, the crew at Rivercrest kept busy by sprucing up the some of the bunkers. This process has been going on for the last couple of years, and we have received great feedback on the results.  There are a few reasons the bunkers have been declining which include over watering, build up of sand, compaction, and insects. This year bunkers on #4, #5, #8,and  #16 were addressed.   

The big bunker on the right hand side of #4 fairway was stripped of the Fescue that had become very compacted and patchy. 

Once the sod was stripped, soil was added to level off certain areas to ensure a smooth surface for the sod to be laid.  This will not only be more appealing to the eye but will ensure better playability.  

 

 

Three bunkers on the left side of #8 were stripped in preparation for sodding.  The fine Fescue around these bunkers had also become very patchy and weed infested

Once these areas were stripped turf type tall fescue sod was  put down. 

These areas will all be maintained at about 2” to 3” in height and will make for better playability and also much more appealing to the eye.  The proper management of these new areas should keep these areas in good shape for years to come.