By Karen Haave
The giant golf dome at Green Garden Country Club collapsed earlier this month under the stress of the cold, windy, rainy weather punishing the suburban area. It was the second time in 13 years that the roof of the popular indoor golf center had given way. The stadium is a favored winter recreation center for golfers, who just can’t wait for mild weather and the greens.
“The roof over the indoor driving range did collapse earlier today,” confirmed Deputy Chief Paul Kinsella, Frankfort Fire Protection District. “This is a ‘balloon’ dome and maintains its shape by being pressurized.
“A combination of rain, heavy snow, and wind direction caused the roof to sag,” he explained. “It was then punctured by a light pole that was inside of the dome. This caused the roof to burst, like popping a balloon. There were no injuries, and the dome is unusable at this time.”
The giant, at 9511 W. Manhattan-Monee Road, was replaced in 2011 after it collapsed sometime during the blizzard the night of February 1 into the early morning hours of February 2.
No one was in the popular stadium that time, and there were no injuries reported. The fabric dome was in shreds the next morning when GGCC staffers arrived.
Although it was uncertain what caused that collapse, it was believed the weather had a role in damaging the dome. Gale-force winds, frigid temperatures and the weight of more than 20 inches of snow in that storm very likely caused the cave-in, officials said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Kinsella said there is no dollar loss estimate for the current domed replacement. But in 2011, when asked the replacement cost, a Green Garden Country Club staffer smiled, “A lot.”