A project aimed at creating a more flood-resistant golf course at Oak Meadows Golf Preserve in Addison, Illinois, is now underway.

Work will be carried out to help restore natural habitat and improve flood control along the Salt Creek river, which runs through the site, while creating flood-resistant golf operations.

“Greg Martin of Martin Design will be supported by architects Art Schaupeter and Forrest Richardson on the project, and will work alongside contractors Martam Construction and representatives from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County – the course’s owners and operators.”

Built in the 1920s, Oak Meadows originally opened as Elmhurst Country Club. The club’s course was designed by architect C.D. Wagstaff.

A new 7,100-yard course will be created as part of the current project, keeping portions of the original routing while also introducing a compelling assortment of new holes.

The 288-acre project footprint covers both the 18-hole Oak Meadows course and the adjacent nine-hole East Course at Maple Meadows Golf Club, which is also owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

“The purpose is to develop a golf course that will respect the landscape, allowing the game to be played while carefully revealing the land’s natural amenities, its history and charm and restoring its vital environmental function,” said Greg Martin, golf architect for Martin Design and project contractor.

The site’s overall stormwater storage capacity will be increased to more than 20 million gallons. 25 acres of wetlands will be created, while 43 acres along Salt Creek will be restored.

The project has been partly funded by the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, a group organisations that aims to help improve water quality in Salt Creek and the nearby DuPage River.

The club’s practice range will remain open during the work, as will the remaining 18 holes at Maple Meadows.

The course is expected to reopen in May 2017.