City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: May 3, 2005

Item No.:         14

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve development of a disc golf course in Abendschein Community Park and authorize the Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry to seek bids for equipment.

Background: Disc golf is played much like traditional golf.  Instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee.  The object is to complete each hole in the fewest number of strokes (throws).  See enclosed literature.  Disc golf courses can coexist with existing park facilities and activity areas.  There are over 70 disc golf courses in Wisconsin.

Oak Creek resident and twenty-year disc golf advocate, Paul Nytsch, attended the April 14, 2005, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission meeting to request their approval for development of a proposed 18 hole disc golf course in Abendschein Community Park (see enclosed proposed disc golf course design).

A disc golf course can be run similar to a normal golf course holding lessons, leagues and even tournaments.

Development of the disc golf course would require the purchase of disc golf tee signs and target baskets estimated at $9,000 to $12,000.  Parks employees and volunteers can install the signs, baskets, and clear access trails or fairways from tees to baskets where needed.  Waste containers will be located every few holes and an additional port-a-let will be located near the parking lot.  When the park’s master plan is developed, the disc golf course may be incorporated into the park plan or easily relocated to another site.

The Commission feels that a disc golf course would give youth and adults another opportunity to get outside, be active and have fun.  They would like to see as many holes developed for use as soon as possible.  The Commission unanimously recommends that the Council approve the development of the disc golf course in Abendschein Park and to use community park impact fees for development of this facility.

Fiscal Impact:  There are sufficient funds ($710,000) in the community park impact fees account for the disc golf course development.

Prepared by: Douglas A. Schachtner, CRPR Director Parks, Rec. & Forestry Dept.	Respectfully submitted, Barbara S. Blumenfield, Ph.D City Administrator
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk