HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-02-2016 -13-6 - Information Item - Parks and Recreation Council Memo - Disc Golf Course 1
INFORMATION ITEM
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Department of Environment,
Agriculture, Parks &Recreation
To: Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager
From: David Stancil, DEAPR Director
Date: February 2, 2016
Re: Parks and Recreation Council Memo - Disc Golf Course
Over the past several months, the Parks and Recreation Council have discussed
the need for a disc golf course in Orange County. Please find attached a
memorandum from the Council that notes a finding of existing demand for such a
course, and proposes the County identify a location for a disc golf course in
central and northern Orange County and work to create a course in FY 2016-17,
working with area disc golf organizations. The Council suggests Blackwood Farm
Park or another park as a desirable location.
I have incorporated the potential for a disc golf course into the draft Capital
Investment Plan, for our review this spring.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Copies: Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager
Parks and Recreation Council
DEAPR staff
Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks&Recreation
PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: (919) 245-2510; Fax: (919) 644-3351
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PO Box 8181, 306-A Revere Road, Hillsborough, NC (919) 245-2510
November 6, 2015
Mr. Earl McKee, Chair
Board of County Commissioners
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Re: Recommendation for Disc Golf Course
Dear Chair McKee:
Over the past 11 months, the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council (PRC)
discussed the potential for a disc golf course at a County park. After receiving a
request from a local disc golf group enthusiast and learning of other interest in such
an amenity, the Council asked staff to examine possibilities for a disc golf course at
a County park.
Staff, the Council, and the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group have since that
time analyzed the current inventory of disc golf courses in the county, looked at the
potential demand for such a facility, and learned that the Town of Hillsborough was
also approached about creating a disc golf course. Staff also investigated the costs
and maintenance responsibilities of recent courses.
In early-October, staff presented a report to the Council on disc golf that looked at
the subject as discussed in the adopted Parks and Recreation System Master Plan
2030, examined the inventory of existing facilities, reviewed potential compatibility
with existing County parks, other looked at planned future courses and potential
collaboration opportunities.
After examining these factors and reports, the Parks and Recreation Council voted
unanimously on November 4 to make the following recommendation to the Board of
Commissioners:
1. That demand exists for a disc golf course, especially in the central and
northern parts of the county where there is no public course, and that a disc
golf course should be added as an amenity at a County park preferably
funded in FY 2016-17.
2. That Blackwood Farm Park seems appropriate for the location of such a
facility, and that the Board of Commissioners amend this (or another) park
master plan to reflect this amenity.
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3. That disc golf organizations are willing partners in the creation of courses,
and would likely help fund the costs and design of a new course in central or
northern Orange County.
The Council respectfully suggests that the Board of Commissioners ask staff to
revise the Blackwood Farm Park or other park master plan for Board approval, and
that funding (estimated at $25,000 construction and $5,000 in annual
maintenance) be included in the FY 2016-17 budget and/or FY 2016-21 Capital
Investment Plan.
Sincerely,
Neal Bench, Chair
Parks and Recreation Council
Copies: P&R Council
David Stancil, DEAPR Director