Canal Shores Transformation - Golf History on the North Shore

« **Reply #75 on:** March 30, 2016, 04:57:51 PM »

Canal Shores is the cover story in your humble correspondent's online offering, Illinois Golfer, for April. If you're interested, go to www.illinoisgolfer.net and click your way to it.

Marvelous thing Jason and his fellow members of the skunkworks – GCA members included – are doing. It knocked The Masters off the cover!

« **Reply #76 on:** March 30, 2016, 08:16:08 PM »

Tim,

Nicely done. This is my nomination for the 2019 Midwest Mashie...

« **Reply #77 on:** March 30, 2016, 10:22:11 PM »

Thanks for telling our story thus far Tim. We're working hard to add the next few chapters.

For those who are interested, Dave Zinkand will be back in town for a public meeting presentation on Friday evening 4/22. All are welcome to attend.

We had several solid volunteer sessions this month - thanks to all who attended and pitched in. We managed to knock that berm down and fill in those ugly-assed old bunkers (only broke the skid steer twice in the process) and I just shaped another portion of the area this evening. I'll have pictures soon.

More volunteer dates are going on the calendar for April. If I don't have your email on my list and you're interested in getting dirty, let me know. The more the merrier. We're putting the finishing touches on that green complex. It will be snazzy.

Thanks again for all of the support. It makes a difference.

« **Reply #78 on:** March 30, 2016, 10:27:23 PM »

Also, I took at stab at answering my own question from a few posts back. Here's a link to the blog post:

http://geekedongolf.com/2016/03/20/the-revival-community-golf-in-america/

As always, I am interested in your take.

And finally, it is funny that you mention the 2019 event Jud. I was planning on trying to put together some sort of Golf Geeks Olympics, contested across our 4 courses when it's all finished. The Mashie would do just fine too.

Onward...

« **Reply #79 on:** April 03, 2016, 08:15:04 PM »

This afternoon, we finished tuning up the new bunkers on #12. Just need a load of sand, and they are good to go. As soon as the sand is in, the mow lines on the green and surrounds are right, and the tall grass comes up a bit, I will give you the full before and after.

Here are a few photos of the finished bunkers:

The Hill

The Strath

The Eden

That was fun, but it sure was a lot of work to do by hand. Many thanks to Axel, John, Brendan, Peter, Brian Palmer, and all the other dudes who pitched in on this deal.

So endeth my bunker building career. I'm perfectly content to let Dave and professionals take it from here.

On another note, Tom Young from Ballpark Blueprints was kind enough to create a t-shirt design for us. The shirts are now available at http://www.cafepress.com/canalshores100. Proceeds go into the CS100 fund.

« **Reply #80 on:** April 04, 2016, 03:40:15 AM »

Looking very good Jason. I know how much work such jobs are for one guy by hand so you should be very, very proud of the result.

Jon

« **Reply #81 on:** May 22, 2016, 10:58:10 PM »

It has been a while since my last update, which is not reflective of the activity level. Plenty going on along The Shores.

Toward the end of April, Dave Zinkand came into town for presentations at our Board Meeting and a Community Meeting. Both were standing room only, and were interesting to say the least.

Diplomacy is not exactly my strong suit, so I was given a pass and allowed to sit in the back of the room (as opposed to being on the presenting panel).

The public comment period is now officially open on the project, and will likely last for several months. Dave and our project team will take the feedback we get, and along with the tree inventory and wetland delineation, do a semi-final revision.

In the meantime, I am curious to hear from GCAers about their experience with this phase of the process. How do you handle it, and make it something beneficial to the end result of the project, rather than something that drives you insane?

Thanks to all who keep showing up for volunteer days. More sessions are coming, so I will keep you updated.

We also continue to get donations and support from within the game. Most recently, Imperial created a batch of hats from which a portion of the sales goes to our fund for planning and pilot projects. For more on the support we're getting, check out http://GeekedOnGolf.com/Canal-Shores-100

« **Reply #82 on:** November 01, 2016, 10:29:48 PM »

The summer at Canal Shores was interesting. For the most part, I have been standing aside listening to public feedback and watching the internal politics unfold. It seems as though we are making progress toward reasonableness.

There has been some action, with more upcoming, so I thought it a good time to pop in with an update.

We hired an Ecology / LA firm called Planning Resources Inc. and the ecological assessment (wetlands, trees, wildlife) is underway. I find this aspect of the project to be fascinating. It will present opportunities and challenges as we attempt to integrate the ecological restoration needs and perspective with the GCA objectives.

We completed the 12th green makeover project about which I posted previously. Many thanks to the GCAers who pitched in. There is a full recap of that project on my blog at:

https://geekedongolf.com/2016/10/26/journey-along-the-shores-part-14b-more-volunteer-power/

We have two fall/springs projects in the works.

1. Northwestern is replacing their football field after the season ends and has offered us up to 70 truckloads of free sand. We plan to use the sand to dramatically upgrade our short game practice area. Plan is for Dave Zinkand and Luke Donald to do the design and Dave the shaping. This area will ultimately be integrated into our Kids Links.

2. The Grounds Committee and our gang of volunteers will be doing bunker and tree work. We have discovered a 100+ year old stone wall under the brush that runs the length of our 16th hole that we are going to uncover. The 15th hole needs bunker work (one removal, and two modifications). If any of you have a hankering to cut down invasive/garbage trees or build a principal's nose bunker, hit me up so that I can get you on my volunteers email list.

As the projects progress, I will be back with photo updates. Until then, onward we go...

« **Reply #83 on:** November 09, 2016, 08:14:28 PM »

Got a couple of the homies together and we knocked out part of our fall bunker project this past weekend. We had an old fairway bunker complex that had grown over. We decided it could use a little more character. Canal Shores is now the proud home of our principal's nose bunker. A few photos from the project:

Our Super Tom cut the sod (thanks to the generosity of Brian Bossert from Bryn Mawr).

I dug out and sodded the right nostril.

Our very own Peter Korbakes dug out and sodded the left nostril.

My buddy John helped shape and sod the nose.

We'll seed the bare approach, tune up the bottoms, and add sand in the spring. Fun project, and a cool new feature for our players.

We're going at it again on the same hole this coming Saturday the 12th if any of y'all want to get in on it. Making hay while the sun is still shining.

« **Reply #84 on:** November 10, 2016, 03:47:22 AM »

Jason,

great post. Nice to see bunkers that are built by hand and of modest size. Keep the posts coming.

Jon

« **Reply #85 on:** November 10, 2016, 05:41:57 AM »

It has been so cool to follow the progress of this project via twitter and gca Jason. Well done. Thanks for the updates and congratulations on the fruits of your efforts.

« **Reply #86 on:** November 10, 2016, 09:02:16 AM »

Thanks gents. Much appreciated.

We have a modest sized course, and a very modest maintenance budget Jon, so modest size is what makes sense. It is also all that is possible doing these things with volunteers and shovels. I can barely stand up straight after most of these sessions as it is.

« **Reply #87 on:** February 25, 2017, 12:34:11 PM »

The bunker work that we did in the fall has been incorporated into a larger project that we are taking on with our volunteer army this spring that we are calling the Metra Corner Makeover (in honor of the train line that borders that part of the course).

There are several components to the project that I have outlined in a new post on my blog here -> http://bit.ly/CSMetraCorner.

I also tinkered a bit and created a video illustration of the changes, which I unfortunately cannot post here - the video is on my site.

A number of you have been generous volunteers and we truly appreciate the help. If anyone new would like to join in the party this year, message me so that I can add you to my list. Dates for work sessions will be set soon.

And of course, if you are going to be in the area and want to tee it up at Canal Shores, hit me up.

« **Reply #88 on:** July 18, 2017, 10:48:12 PM »

For those of you who have been following along on our progress at Canal Shores, my apologies for being remiss with updates. Quite a bit has transpired this year, and I owe some thanks.

Officially, our Board has resolved to go forward with formal planning for a full renovation of the course to coincide with the ecological renovation already being planned. Both aspects of our Master Plan are methodically moving forward and will begin to merge soon. Fundraising is underway, as are talks with the First Tee of Greater Chicago regarding a partnership.

On the ground, our new Superintendent Tony Frandria has put together a great team and is slowly but surely tuning up the course, in spite of the challenging weather. I continue to be blown away by the support we get from other area Superintendents, and folks from the industry.

Our Metra Corner Makeover project continues to progress. The 15th hole is mostly finished. I got out this morning in the bright sunshine to snap a photo of our principal's nose in all its splendor, and there is now a write-up of the work on that hole on my blog:

http://bit.ly/JATSMetraCorner15

We have also made progress on the 16th hole, including completely uncovering the 100+ year old stone wall that borders the hole and acts as a base for the train line. Many thanks for the help of our volunteers, including GCAers Howard Riefs and JJ Shanley. They were champions.

I'll be back with a full write-up on the 16th hole when it is complete and grown in. In the meantime, we are planning to do another little bunker project in mid-August. Anyone who would like a taste of the insanity is welcome to join in. Email me at jwizay1493@hotmail.com to get added to the list of geeks.

As always, we appreciate the support we continue to get from this community. It helps more than you likely realize.

Onward we go...

« **Reply #89 on:** July 18, 2017, 11:02:21 PM »

Keep up the wonderful work Jason. Just fantastic seeing this work - heart warming in fact. 😊

Matthew

« **Reply #90 on:** July 19, 2017, 10:13:53 AM »

Jason,

I grew up in Skokie and must have driven by Jans a hundred times and never gave it much thought. What you are doing is just fantastic for the community, the kids, and gca.

Ira

« **Reply #91 on:** July 19, 2017, 11:10:50 PM »

Thanks gents. Appreciate the kind words and the support.

More to come...

« **Reply #92 on:** July 20, 2017, 10:01:35 AM »

Great work Jason, it's amazing how much you guys have accomplished.

« **Reply #93 on:** August 13, 2017, 01:58:32 PM »

A few quick updates:

I don't recall mentioning that we have launched a Greens & Grounds blog: http://canalshoresgrounds.blogspot.com/ We are doing our best to keep the community updated on all items of progress, big and small. If there is one thing that I have learned through this process, it's that change is not easy for most people. The fear of it makes people act out in all sorts of interesting ways. We can't do much about that, but we can at least communicate openly and thoroughly in the hopes of educating and easing the transition.

Going forward, I am only going to be posting on my blog about the golf-geekiest aspects of the transformation. Most information will be available on the blog above.

Representatives from the Union-Pacific Railroad came out to inspect the old stone wall that we uncovered on the 16th, and that they didn't know they had. They have tentatively agreed to send a crew out to repair and stabilize it. They have also given us the initial blessing to do a native/prairie restoration on the bank above the wall, and will support us in applying for grants to plan and fund that project.

Our snazzy new round-rail fence was installed behind the 16th green, made possible by the HCRJG, including GCAers.

Our volunteers got out and built a new walking path to complement another section of fence that was installed right of 15 green. One of our challenges is to direct walkers on and off the course in the safest manner possible. This is the beginning of a long-term process of trial and error.

In addition to ongoing clean-up and clearing efforts, we have two projects upcoming:

This coming Saturday (8/19) from 8am - Nooni-ish, we will be reworking an old bunker on the 14th. The plan is to create two smaller bunkers and add a little flair. Stay tuned for photos. Word on the street is that we will be joined by Tony Dear and Graylyn Loomis from Links Magazine. Come on out to meet those geeks, and dig in the dirt, if that's your thing.

We are trying to organize a larger project to fix a drainage issue on the 17th, and transform the green into a double plateau. The hope is to get the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents to take it on as a service project, and find a shaper to pitch in. That project is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of 10/21-10/22. We will have equipment for this one, but also need as many able bodies as possible. Come on out if you can.

That's it for now. For up to the minute updates, tune in on Twitter or Instagram.

« **Reply #94 on:** August 14, 2017, 05:04:00 PM »

Will there be football fan parking in the fall? How does that impact the turf on the course?

« **Reply #95 on:** August 14, 2017, 06:37:35 PM »

We are likely entering into an agreement with NU to extend the football parking through 2018, at least. First Tee has made it clear that once the Kids Links area is renovated, they would prefer not to have parking in that area anymore. We'll have to see how that shakes out.

In general, football parking is a part of the culture of the course in the fall, so we want to find a way to make it work on some holes. Those holes will be designed with parking in mind, and the damage is typically minimal.

« **Reply #96 on:** August 16, 2017, 08:43:41 AM »

Quote from: Jason Way on August 14, 2017, 06:37:35 PM

We are likely entering into an agreement with NU to extend the football parking through 2018, at least. First Tee has made it clear that once the Kids Links area is renovated, they would prefer not to have parking in that area anymore. We'll have to see how that shakes out.

In general, football parking is a part of the culture of the course in the fall, so we want to find a way to make it work on some holes. Those holes will be designed with parking in mind, and the damage is typically minimal.

Does the course get the revenue from the football parking? I can see doing it if it makes money for the course.

« **Reply #97 on:** August 16, 2017, 11:31:56 AM »

Quote from: Scott Weersing on August 16, 2017, 08:43:41 AM

Does the course get the revenue from the football parking? I can see doing it if it makes money for the course.

A sizable enough amount that without it, we would not likely be able to stay afloat.

« **Reply #98 on:** August 19, 2017, 11:00:32 PM »

Over the past two days, we knocked out a project on the 14th hole. There was a trench style bunker left of the green and a cart path left of that. Both had fallen into a state of disrepair.

By the street on this same hole, we also wanted to get rid of an old post & cable fence, and so we thought it would be fun to fix the bunker and recycle the posts in the process. The fence was ripped out and away we went.

Yesterday, we borrowed Westmoreland's skid steer (thank you Superintendent Todd Fyffe) and scraped up the old path.

We borrowed a sod cutter from Bryn Mawr CC (thank you Superintendent Brian Bossert) and prepped the area around the bunker. I cut out the shapes for two bunkers - one at the start of the old trench, and one at the end. The posts were laid out in between, with the intention of sinking them into the bank and letting them get partially grown over. We want them to look like something we found and uncovered.

This morning, we had a great volunteer crew out. GCAers Andy Johnson and Peter Korbakes dug the bunkers out and C&C Shaper Quinn Thompson sunk the sleepers. Along with John and Nick from our grounds staff and several of our local volunteers, Tony Dear and Graylyn Loomis from Links Magazine pitched in with shaping the surrounds and sodding.

Great group of guys and we had a blast talking golf, travel, life, etc, while getting the work done. Very grateful for all of the support, and excited for our players to experience this creative improvement to the course.

My little guy Henry and I snuck out to have our evening chipping contest, and I caught one more photo of the fruits of our labor at the golden hour.

Onward we go...

« **Reply #99 on:** September 06, 2017, 10:55:45 AM »

Worth a read:

He won’t take the credit and will insist nothing could have happened without the Board’s efforts prior to his becoming involved, but it’s safe to say Jason Way has been the catalyst behind the restoration/renovation project currently going on at Canal Shores Golf Club, 15 miles north of downtown Chicago.

https://www.linksmagazine.com/chicago-canal-shores-community-golf/

News:

Tim_Cronin

Jud_T

Jason Way

Jason Way

Jason Way

Jon Wiggett

Jason Way

Jason Way

Jason Way

Jon Wiggett

Matthew Mollica

Jason Way

Jason Way

Jason Way

Matthew Mollica

Ira Fishman

Jason Way

PCCraig

Jason Way

Scott Weersing

Jason Way

Scott Weersing

Jason Way

Jason Way

Buck Wolter

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