Wilson also designed nearby Merion Golf Club's east course.
[1] There was initial controversy surrounding the environmental impact of the restoration from several local organizations.
Specifically, clear cutting trees without notice, damaging habitats, reducing biodiversity, and contributing to soil erosion and flooding.
The course was eventually granted an exemption from legal minimum anti-erosion standards.
The restoration is being overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.