Developers of Ironwood, the $1.1 billion community lined up for East End and North Side, have received approval from Department of Environment (DOE) to take recycled shredded tyre material for use in the development of the Arnold Palmer designed championship golf course.

 Ironwood has long expressed an interest in using the estimated two million tyres currently clogging Cayman’s landfills to build the new 18-hole Championship golf course that will be the anchor of the 600-acre Ironwood community.   The developers approached Dr. Jae Kwang “Jim” Park from the University of Wisconsin-Madison back in 2013 to act as a consultant to the project, due to Professor Park’s extensive research into the feasibility and environmental benefits of using waste tire material in the building of golf courses.   

 Jim Park’s research revealed that the tyres, in shredded form, are capable of absorbing pesticides and herbicides from the surrounding environment, further adding to this ‘plus’ side of the green equation beyond the benefits of the recycling exercise alone.

 When presented with the concept, The Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DOE) conducted its own research into the environmental claims and has agreed that use of the material will not be damaging to the environment.  It has also agreed that the shredded fill can be used in the development of the golf course. 

 Ironwood spokesperson Denise Gower welcomed this latest development:  “Undoubtedly, the tyres are a significant environmental threat where and as they are.  But, the Cayman Islands Government has acted responsibly and has found a viable solution.  That Ironwood will be able use material that is currently an environmental hazard and convert it to a product that will benefit the environment is the ideal outcome, for the Government, for Ironwood and the earth,” she said.

 The Arnold Palmer Design Company has been fully behind the initiative since day one.  Senior Designer Thad Layton has been keenly interested in using the recycled tyres, as this proposal positions Cayman’s Arnold Palmer Championship course as a leader in sustainable golf course design.  “Our Charitable Foundation, ‘Arnie’s Army’ is dedicated to health and wellness initiatives and strengthening communities and the environment — this proactive solution matches up well with our design philosophy and our goal to build a golf course that adds value to the entire Cayman Island community”, said Layton.

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