Thompson Park Golf Course restaurant's opening delayed until Thursday

Yahoo

22-04-2025

Apr. 21—WATERTOWN — The clubhouse at the Thompson Park Golf Course did not open as planned on Monday because the city had issues with providing water to the restaurant.
David J. Marconi, operator of the golf course restaurant, said Monday that D.J.'s at the Park will now open for the season on Thursday.
The city turned the water back on Monday morning, so he'll use the next couple of days for "prep work."
Marconi was told about nine days ago that there was an issue with water at the city-owned golf course, so he'd have to wait until the repairs were completed before he could open.
"It's unfortunate" that it took phone calls to the city about what was happening to finally get it resolved, Marconi said.
"We're trying to make the best of it," he said. "Obviously, we have to look out for the business and our employees."
The city turned the water back on Monday morning, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Scott M. Weller said.
The golf course opened only the front nine holes. Golf carts were not available Monday and the other nine holes were too wet to open, Weller said.
Weller confirmed on Monday that the city planned to install a backflow prevention system at the park. The city decided about two months ago that the backflow prevention device needed to be installed, even though there haven't been any persistent flooding issues there in the past, he said.
The backflow prevention device is a plumbing fitting that allows sewage to flow only one way — out — so when in times of heavy rain and flooding sewage does not back up into a building.
Contacted later in the day. City Manager Eric F. Wagenaar explained that the contractor hired to install the backflow prevention device was supposed to get the work completed last week but couldn't.
"For whatever reason, they couldn't get it done," Wagenaar said.
The water department learned this winter that the golf course wasn't equipped with the device, so the contractor was retained, Wagenaar said.
The equipment near the course's irrigation system could not be installed this winter, Wagenaar said.
The City Council in March heard from City Engineer Tom Compo about a pilot program to spend $250,000 to install the devices in city homes in flood-prone areas, including Marra and Richards drives, Sherman and Cosgrove streets and Butterfield Avenue. Under the program, homeowners would buy the backflow prevention devices and hire a licensed plumber or contractor to install the equipment. The city would reimburse them up to $2,500 for the work. Over the years, the city has encouraged homeowners to install the devices as a way to prevent basement flooding, it was not immediately clear why the city decided now was the time to require such a device for the golf course, which is at an elevation higher than the rest of the city and has not previously flooded.
Councilwoman Lisa A. Ruggiero saw a Facebook post on Sunday night about the restaurant not opening on time and sent out emails to the other council members and Wagenaar trying to find out why.
Councilman Benjamin P. Shoen said Monday morning that he and his colleagues should have been made aware of the situation.
"I didn't know anything about it," Shoen said.
Council members weren't told why the backflow prevention system is needed or why the city waited until the golf course was about to open this spring before it would be installed.
"Those are valid questions," Shoen said, adding that the golf course doesn't need any more bad publicity.
This spring's wet weather has prevented the maintenance staff at the historic golf course to get started preparing for the season.
This will be the third season under the city's ownership after the $3.4 million purchase from developer Michael E. Lundy in January 2023.
Marconi took over the clubhouse restaurant last year.
The menu will mostly remain the same from last year, with the addition of a picnic basket consisting of a sandwich, chips, drink and a novelty ice cream that he'll market to people enjoying the park, the playground, pool and other attractions.
The restaurant will have about 15 employees and be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and serving dinner from 11 a.m. to closing.