Castlegar city council has given its blessing to creating a disc golf course through the woods at Kinnaird Park, but it remains to be seen whether it will have nine holes or 18.
Several members of the Kootenay Rockies Disc Golf Society appeared before council Monday to present the results of a public meeting they held last month.
Patrick Audette explained that of the 50 people who attended, 35 to 40 were disc golf players in favour of the idea. However, a number of concerns were identified: preservation of huckleberry habitat, the presence of potentially hazardous trees, safety of kids at a nearby daycare who use the forest, and broader forest conservation.
Audette said they feel using the forest for disc golf would have a “pretty low impact,” but not everyone agrees. He admitted creating fairways could possibly result in the loss of some huckleberry bushes, which was “quite upsetting to some people” for whom Kinnaird Park is a favourite berry-picking area.
Another person was concerned about dead trees in the forest, suggesting that the city doesn’t have to worry about them right now because there isn’t much traffic in the woods, but if the public is encouraged to come through, something may have to be done about those trees.
Audette also spoke to the husband of the woman who owns Silly Monkeys Childcare, who suggested a nine-hole course would leave room for those already using the space.
In response to the concerns, Audette said they are looking at adjusting the course’s design, including a nine-hole option, although shorter courses are usually more well-trod because most people play two rounds. They would like to review hazard trees, maximize space for the daycare, and ensure a minimal ecological footprint. Audette said clean-up of debris and dangerous or closely-spaced trees could also reduce the forest fire risk.
Councillors were impressed the society sought feedback, took it to heart, and amended their plans accordingly.
“It’s incredible that you took it on to do the public input,” said councillor Cherryl MacLeod. “It says a lot about the character of the group. That fact you are considering going down to nine because that’s what people suggested is amazing on your part.”
Audette said it “pains” him to go from 18 holes to nine, because a nine-hole course doesn’t have the same appeal to players. “But that’s okay. We can add another nine holes two or three years from now if it goes well, if the other user groups feel ‘hey, this isn’t so bad.'”
He said another reason they may start with nine is that they don’t have enough money to build 18 yet. The association has secured grants from the Columbia Basin Trust and Regional District of Central Kootenay and has applications before the local Rotary clubs. They also plan to do their own fundraising.
“You’ve almost talked yourself from 18 holes into nine holes,” said councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff. “There is a path to grow to 18. But it has a lot to do with Castlegar doing something with danger trees. Thanks for listening to people in the community.”
Mayor Maria McFaddin argued the society should go for 18 holes because it would be a greater tourism draw, citing the example of a disc golf course in Clearwater that draws an “insane” number of people to its tournament.
McFaddin added that disc golfers are “quite respectful” of other users, plus the park has a lot of space and other amenities besides the trails through the woods. Furthermore, she said the course can be moved if needed, and she trusts the society can make good on its promises.
Ultimately, council passed a unanimous motion to support working with the disc golf society on a course with up to 18 holes. A couple of councillors requested mapping to show exactly where the course might go.
