Critical News
Feeding Wildlife at Oak Hills is Prohibited – September 10, 2024
This is the second message in two weeks I’ve relayed to the Oak Hills community on the topic of wildlife, specifically, coyotes. I’ve heard several disturbing reports that prompt me to re-visit the subject. First and foremost,
FEEDING WILDLIFE AT OAK HILLS IS PROHIBITED
The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection states:
“NEVER feed coyotes! DO NOT place food out for any mammals.”
The Humane Society of the United States advises:
“Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid human contact. Coyotes who have adapted to urban and suburban environments, however, may realize there are few real threats and may approach people or feel safe visiting yards even when people are present. These coyotes have become habituated (lost their fear of humans), probably owing to the bounty of food that they have become accustomed to feeding upon in your neighborhood. These bold coyotes should not be tolerated or enticed but instead given the clear message that they should not be so brazen.”
Effective immediately our Rangers will begin hazing, a method the Humane Society of the United States advocates, that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity. Hazing can help maintain a coyote’s fear of humans and deter them from backyards and play spaces.
Jim Hollyday
General Manager
Oak Hills Park Authority
New Bunkers Coming Soon – September 6, 2024
US Pitchcare Golf Construction is going to begin our bunker restoration project between September 10 & 15. This will be the first phase. The exact start date will be announced as soon as possible. The project will take approximately 6 weeks and holes 1, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and our practice range will have new bunkers. Holes 1, 9, 10, 15 & 17 have 2 bunkers each that will be renovated. The 1st and 8th tee boxes will also be restored.
The restoration of each hole is different, but the basic procedure includes; removing existing turf from around the bunker, create a new edge, remove existing sand and shape the new bunker floor, install new drainage and a liner that will promote good drainage, install 5” of new sand and prepare bunker surround for the new sod that will be installed around the new bunker.
With all good things come minor, temporary, inconveniences and this project is no exception. Bunker restoration requires considerable removal of earth, stone, sand and turf and the heavy equipment required to accomplish the work must travel to and from these areas. Creation of temporary greens will be required at some holes and the crews will not stop working while you play your round.
Please be mindful of the workers, as they won’t see you coming.
We appreciate your understanding and like you, look forward to new bunkers at Oak Hills.
Feeding Wildlife – August 23rd, 2024
From the desk of OHPA General Manager Jim Hollyday:
We have many different types of wildlife on our beautiful 144 acres. One of the most prevalent animals is the coyote, and ours has become too comfortable with people, as a result of being fed by some golfers. As noted in material produced by CT DEEP, feeding coyotes is not recommended.
Feeding coyotes at Oak Hills Park is unsafe and not permitted.
The information below is excerpted from the CT DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection).
As coyotes have become more common and occasionally prey on or attack pets, public concerns about coyotes attacking people, especially children, have increased. Although some coyotes may exhibit bold behavior near people, the risk of a coyote attacking a person is low. This risk can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people with food.
Tips on Preventing Conflicts with Coyotes
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NEVER feed coyotes! DO NOT place food out for any mammals. Clean up bird seed below feeders, pet foods, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage and compost in animal-proof containers.
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If approached by a coyote, calmly leave the area. DO NOT run or turn your back. Coyotes are territorial and many reports of bold coyotes can be attributed to this territorial behavior.
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Attempt to frighten away coyotes by making loud noises (e.g., shouting, air horn) and acting aggressively (e.g., waving your arms, throwing sticks, spraying with a hose).
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Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
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Contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for more information on coyotes or other wildlife problems.
Water News & Special Thanks – July 18th, 2024
On Tuesday, July 16, the Oak Hills Park Authority was granted a special variance to water the golf course from our water provider, SNEW (South Norwalk Electric and Water). Previous to July 16, we were under restrictions that only allowed watering on Tuesday and Saturday.
Through the efforts of Rocco Cundari, Oak Hills Golf Staff Member, Jim Schell, Course Superintendent, Mark Gartner, OHPA Controller and Alan Dutton, OHPA Chairman, we made a successful appeal to the SNEW Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners voted unanimously to lift the watering restrictions. The conditions of the variance have not been written. However, we’re confident that we’ll be able to agree on terms that will allow us to keep excellent course conditions while maintaining measures to conserve water.
Kudos to a great team effort!
Golf & Restaurant Update – March 14, 2024
Golf News
- Carts available this Friday, March 15.
- Tee boxes remain closed until there’s no ongoing threat of frost – anticipate them opening within a week or so.
- Chipping and putting greens open.
- Hitting bay available this Saturday, March 16.
Restaurant Update
- Team working hard to meet normal City requirements to open the restaurant.
- Still shooting for an April 1st opening at the Halfway House.
- Water available for purchase at the first tee and for now, please bring snacks from home.
- Planning an open house, date TBD, to introduce Oak Hills customers & Odeens team.
- Menus nearly complete - we’ll share them as soon as possible.
- John Lloyd and Barb Musser (owner and manager) busy interviewing folks to assemble a friendly, welcoming service staff.
- Experienced chef hired, who’s worked for several years with Odeen’s catering business.
- Thrilled that Kathy and Barbara will return to anchor the Halfway House staff.
- Kitchen equipment replacement/repair and deep cleaning continues.
- Restaurant signage designed - to get installed in April.
- Finalizing outreach to our Outing partners to ensure event success.
- Appreciate your patience and believe deeply that it will be rewarded.
There are many moving parts in every imaginable aspect. However, we’re doing everything to begin serving delicious food and drinks as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about reserving the restaurant for future events, please contact me @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at 203-858-4801. I’ll make sure to put you in the capable hands of either John or Barbara. Their phone number will be published shortly.
As always, please shoot me an email or give me a call to discuss any concerns.
Thanks for your support as we continue to build and grow.
Jim Hollyday
OHPA General Manager
OHP Tee Box Sodding Project – December 19, 2023
Restaurant Search – December 13th, 2023
I wanted to share with you what we've been doing about our restaurant. Odeen's at Oak Hills is closed to the public and will be leaving on or before January 10, 2024. They will host 6 private parties in December, and one final event on January 7.
The OHPA Board of Directors tasked Alan Dutton, OHPA Vice Chairman, with forming a committee to search for a new concessionaire for the restaurant. To that end, he appointed board members Robert Stowers and Richard Dellinger, and club members Anne van Geldern, Andy Glazer, Steve Shepherd and Bob Pattacini to serve with him.
The committee will hold four meetings culminating in a recommendation to the board of directors for a vote on January 18, 2024. The kick off meeting was held on Friday, December 8. The Request for Proposal was posted on the websites for the City of Norwalk and the State of CT as well as on bonfire, a software program designed to assist municipalities with bid and RFP evaluations. Bonfire creates a scorecard allowing each committee member to rate all proposals across a broad spectrum of specifications. All committee members' scorecards will be reviewed together to ensure the best possible outcome. In addition to the general solicitation the committee has been doing outreach to private restaurateurs and golf course restaurants in our area.
The proposals will be opened and reviewed by all committee members this week. The 2nd meeting is scheduled for the week before Christmas. At this meeting finalists will be selected and interviews will be scheduled for the first week in January. The final meeting will be used for discussion and decision. The process is thorough and we all hope the recommendation to the board will signal the beginning of a new era for our club.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our progress and we appreciate your confidence and support. Should you have any questions or suggestions, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For the OHPA Board of Directors,
Jim Hollyday
Optimum Report – November 11th, 2023
Many of the emails we've sent from oakhillsgc.com and 1-2-1marketing.com to optonline.net
email addresses have not gone through.
We've spoken to Optimum Customer Service representatives and asked them to stop blocking email
from oakhillsgc.com and 1-2-1marketing.com; they have responded by informing us that:
- The Optimum customers must contact the Customer Service department directly to request that email from these domains is not blocked, AND
- A month ago, they sent all their customers a notification that they were discontinuing the optonline.net
email domain, and that all customers that wish to maintain email with Optimum must contact them
to establish an optonline.net account.
Please follow-up with Optimum (or switch your email provider) so that we'll be able to communicate with you
in the most direct way possible.
Thanks for your consideration!