From PCJ General Manager Betsey Krumholz:
Looking to play a round of golf -- disc golf that is -- over the upcoming July 4th weekend. Don't plan on doing it in Burlington, Vermont.
"The debate over same-sex marriage may have been emotional, but it's got nothing on the ongoing disc-golf fracas in Burlington (Vermont)" reports Shay Totten in Burlington's Seven Days newspaper.
Readers of the daily Burlington Free Press have been "treated" to the continuing saga of a proposed disc-golf course to be located in one of the city's parks.
Disc-golf involves throwing a modified "Frisbee" (discs) into chain baskets (holes) at the end of a fairway. Most courses have multiples holes -- usually between 9 and 18 -- and use "hazards" like trees, water features, or other irregularities in the terrain to create a more or less challenging course for users.
Players throw a disc (weighing less than half-a-pound), with the goal of making the fewest number of throws to reach each hole. It can be played in rain and snow, by young and old, by the fit and by the, well, less fit.
Then why the fracas?
Apparently the sound of chain-saws in one city park drew the attention of neighbors, even when the publicly noticed Parks and Recreation Commission meetings about the proposed disc-golf course did not.
At a supplemental public hearing on the issue after the work on the approved course was underway, dozens of outraged residents expressed concerns about the impacts on other recreational uses within the park, potential environmental damage from the discs on the flora and fauna, and the (alleged) inappropriate behavior by (potential) players.
But an equally large group of advocates praised the sport for being inexpensive, family-friendly, a great way to exercise outdoors year-round, and a fun and inclusive activity for all ages -- perfectly suited for this park.
Family-oriented sports enthusiasts versus environmental protectors. And both sides faulting city government for not providing clear information and an open process. Money spent, trees cut, and angry neighbors. As of now, disc-golf is dead in Burlington, rejected by the city's Parks & Recreation Commission after a heated debate.
Perhaps this is a "Tale of Two Cities" because Springfield, Minnesota had no such drama.
Derek Tonn was one of driving forces behind the Springfield Municipal 14-Hole Disc Golf Course which is free to all, and open year-round. There the course was proposed by community members who were looking for ways to improve recreational opportunities for families and youth.
The City Manager and City Attorney worked with citizens (like Derek) to identify appropriate site locations. "Throwaway land" -- municipally owned space on the old landfill, a strip adjacent to an existing rail-line, and some within the flood plain -- was found to be suitable for the purpose. With the approval of the governing body, the city engaged a professional designer to lay out the course.
Derek, an avid disc-golfer himself, worked with the course designer to make sure that it would be attractive to players, as he believes that "so much of the success or failure of a course is in the design." They paid specific attention to areas of competing use (such as where bikers may ride near the fairways), degraded or potentially dangerous spots (where concrete and road materials had been dumped), and to sensitive environmental areas (like the river banks). Hundreds of volunteer hours went in to trimming trees, filling in holes, clearing brush, and making the space attractive and safe.
The $7,200 they raised from city coffers and private sources has been well spent, he says. His proudest moments come when he hears his community refer to this area now as "park" space. He isn't aware of any conflicts or safety issues, and the course is even being expanded.
Disc-golf is growing, nationally, and it is likely that a course will be coming (or proposed) in a town near you. Perhaps the message in this tale involves being prepared -- and keeping your head up and your eye on the disc.
Recent Comments