WILDWOOD COUNTRY CLUB

Work has started at golf course

The county is clearing land ahead of going out to bid on project

An aerial view of some of the clearing that’s been done at Wildwood by county crews.

Wakulla county commissioners announced last week that land clearing being done at the old Wildwood Golf Course is almost halfway completed, and that plans for the newly designed course are being prepared.

Wakulla County bought the course from David McQuary several months ago for $1.2 million with the goal of using the property to release treated effluent from the Otter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

When fully operational, the facility should be able to release 2 million gallons of treated water daily.

The Otter Creek facility has been upgraded to treat sewage to Advanced Wastewater Treatment standards, and the capacity of the plant has been expanded.

In order to get rid of the treated effluent, the county first considered using land just south of the Park subdivision off Spring Creek Highway, and constructing a Rapid Infiltration Basin. Neighbors in the subdivision complained about the plan – and especially about the number of sinkholes in the area.

Ultimately, it was determined that parcel of land was unsuitable for use. The county then shifted its gaze to the golf course – where McQuary for years has begged for the water.

The county has closed the golf course during the renovations and it is expected to be open next year.

The golf course is likely to be on the agenda for the county commission meeting on Sept. 19.