DISC GOLF IN CLALLAM COUNTY Staff Report to

DISC GOLF IN CLALLAM COUNTY Staff Report to the Parks Board May 4, 2010 1 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Proposal History The idea of a Disc Golf course in a County Park originally surfaced back in 2007. It was presented to the Parks Board by a proponent and was unanimously approved for inclusion into the Parks Master Plan to “add Disc Golf as item 9 at Robin Hill Farm”. Because of opposition to the proposed location at Robin Hill Farm, and also because some felt left out of the site evaluation process, a committee was formed in order to address concerns brought up during the public input meetings. The committee would later disband after only one meeting and the proposal was dropped. 2 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Policies 461, 462 & 463 It was clear that a change was needed in the process of how a facility or new use was placed in the Parks Master Plan. Policies 461, 462 and 463 were drafted, Public comment was received, the Parks Board approved, and in December of 2009 the BOCC approved all three Policies. The first time the newly approved process was used was when a citizen, per Policy 461, requested that Disc Golf construction at Robin Hill Farm be removed from the Master Plan, and in January of 2010 the BOCC voted to remove it. 3 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Policies 461, 462 & 463 (cont’d) Policy 461 establishes the process to amend/update the Master Plan by the Park Board and BOCC. Policy 462 establishes procedures for park acquisitions or new park developments already included in the Master Plan. Policy 463 establishes procedures for new Park Acquisitions or Park and Recreation Facilities requested to be added to the County Parks system that are NOT already approved by the Park Board and BOCC in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 4 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Policies 461, 462 & 463 (cont’d) In February of 2010, per Policy 463, a proponent requested that Disc Golf be added to the Master Plan stating, “We, the undersigned formally request that the Board of County Commissioners secure land appropriate governmental approvals for a Disc Golf Course in the Sequim area or the area between Sequim and Port Angeles. ” This request WAS NOT site specific to Robin Hill Farm or any other existing County Park. At the March 2, 2010 Parks Board meeting, the proponent presented a Power. Point presentation on Disc Golf and asked the Parks Board to consider adding it back into the Master Plan. 5 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Policies 461, 462 & 463 (cont’d) After a discussion on the issue, and hearing several comments made by citizens in attendance at the meeting, the Parks Board requested that staff review the proposal; assess existing County Park sites; assess other potential non-County sites, and finally, make a recommendation to the Parks Board at a future meeting as to whether or not to approve the addition of Disc Golf to the Master Plan at a site to be determined. Here we are. 6 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

What is Disc Golf? Disc golf is a game where individual players throw a disc, much like a Frisbee at, and into, a basket. The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end, with the fewest number of throws of the disc. It is played much like regular golf. The sport began in the 1960 s, and over the past decade, has seen a 12 to 15 percent annual growth rate across the country. 7 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

2008 41 DISC GOLF COURSES IN STATE 32 PUBLIC COURSES (IN RED) 9 PRIVATE COURSES (IN GREEN) 2010 59 DISC GOLF COURSES IN STATE 48 PUBLIC COURSES 11 PRIVATE COURSES 8 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

What is Needed to Play? Acreage – An 18 -hole course needs approximately 20 acres, and ideally should include open and treed areas. Tees – Located at the beginning of each hole. Concrete tee pads are typically used because of their low maintenance. Holes or “Pins” – This is the target. Chain and metal baskets are standard. Discs - The “clubs”. 3 -4 discs are all that are required. Signage – Directional signs and signs illustrating hole dimensions and directions and site layout. 9 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Who Can Play? • Existing and New Disc Golfers • Families • Youth Groups (Boy Scouts, Church Groups, Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Schools, etc. • College Students • Mothers and Fathers, Grandmas and Grandpas 10 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Who Can Play (cont’d) • Disc Golf can be played by people of nearly all ages, from 5 years of age and up, and virtually all skill levels. • It is a sport that can be played with friends or new people met on the course, and provides a fun time for all while also getting people outside and exercising. • It is inexpensive to play. Discs costs anywhere from $6. 50 to $120 based on personal preference and abilities. 11 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Existing County Parks 1. Currently, there are 19 County Park sites. 2. Of those, 16 are Day-Use facilities and 3 are campgrounds (Camp David Jr. , Dungeness Recreation Area, & Salt Creek Recreation Area). 3. Current Day-Use Areas consist of The Agnew Soccer Fields, Clallam Bay Spit, Cline Spit, Dungeness Landing, Fred Orr Ball Fields, Freshwater Bay, Lake Pleasant, Mary Lukes Wheeler, Panorama Vista, Pillar Point, Port Williams, Quillayute River, Robin Hill Farm, Scriven, Three Waters and Verne Samuelsen Trail. CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & 12 FACILITIES

Potential County Park Sites 1. Dungeness Recreation Area – 206 acres Space available and possibly could house 18 holes. 2. Robin Hill Farm County Park – 195 acres Space available and could house 18 holes. 3. Salt Creek Recreation Area – 198 acres Space available for 9 holes. Holes could be doubled to make 18. 13 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Dungeness Recreation Area 1. Dungeness Recreation Area – 206 acres Located approximately 12 miles east of Port Angeles. Pro • Close to the majority of population. • Best weather in the County year-round. • Adequate parking already available. • Park Manager on site. • May increase off-season camping numbers. • Due to hills and trees, course wouldn’t feel crowded and it makes for a challenging course. 14 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Dungeness Recreation Area (cont’d) 1. Dungeness Recreation Area – 206 acres Located approximately 12 miles east of Port Angeles. Con • Hunting currently allowed 4 months out of the year, for next 3 years. • Large wetlands could make it difficult to play yearround. • Windy. • Possible additional mowing would be required for course maintenance. • Possible user group conflict. • Currently it is not in DRAFT DRA Master Plan. 15 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Robin Hill Farm 2. Robin Hill Farm County Park – 195 acres Located approx. midway between Sq/PA. Pro • Large acreage available for course. • Topography and trees make for a challenging course. • Close to majority of population. • Near Hwy 101 and bus service. • 40 acre addition could be used to segregate the course from other users. • Large buffer areas possible. • Best weather in the County year-round. 16 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Robin Hill Farm (cont’d) 2. Robin Hill Farm County Park – 195 acres Located approx. midway between Sq/PA. Con • No manager on site. • Major user group conflicts. • Park is currently viewed as a “passive” area and the addition of Disc Golf will draw complaints from opponents. • Less than 6 months ago the BOCC voted to keep Disc Golf out of RHF. 17 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Salt Creek Recreation Area 3. Salt Creek Recreation Area – 198 acres Located approximately 12 miles west of Port Angeles. Pro • • • 18 Much of park is already developed for athletic activities. Adequate parking already available. May increase off-season camping numbers. Park Manager on site. Topography and trees make for a challenging course. Not much additional maintenance would be required. CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Salt Creek Recreation Area (Cont’d) 3. Salt Creek Recreation Area – 198 acres Located approximately 12 miles west of Port Angeles. Con • Much of park is already developed, only room for a small course. Possible user group conflict. Most popular park, greater chance of someone getting hit with a disc. Quite a distance from majority of the population. More wind and rain, than other two parks. • • 19 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Potential Non-County Park 1. Remaining County Parks – All remaining existing Sites County Parks are too small. 2. Clallam County Fairgrounds – 40 acres Most of the site is developed and used year-round. 3. Existing County Properties – County owned properties were assessed and only a few generally meet the requirements. Need to verify these. 1. Thompson Road 2. Kirner Road (Rd. Pit? ) 3. Highway 101 4. Herrick Road 5. Whitcomb-Diimmel Rd. 20 40 acres 38. 46 acres 23. 95 acres 13. 99 acres 15. 74 acres CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Potential Non-County Park Sites (cont’d) 4. Reconveyance of D. N. R. Land – 70 acre Blue Mountain Road Property is a possibility (former shooting range proposed site). One other property was assessed but it was not large enough and was divided in half by Anderson Road. No others currently available from the DNR. 5. Privately Owned – Privately owned properties are probably available, but we did not look at this as an option at this point. 21 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Potential Non-County Park Sites, (cont’d) 6. City of Port Angeles – Lincoln Park A portion of this day use park has a 9 -hole course. Limited space until the course is allowed to extend into the forested area. This may be underway. 7. City of Sequim – Carrie Blake Park Fully developed. 8. State Parks – Sequim Bay and Diamond Point offer possibilities but the distance from population centers is likely an issue. 22 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Potential Costs 1. 4’x 8’x 4” concrete slab: $800 2. Metal Chain Pins: $8, 100 3. Hole Signage: $1, 000 4. Miscellaneous: $1, 000 TOTAL ESTIMATE: • $10, 900 (All costs assume 18 holes, and assumes installation in an existing County Park with parking and facilities. ) • • Staff Time/Equipment Volunteer Time 23 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Costs Comparisons • Compared to some other park amenities, Disc Golf would be considered at the low end of total cost. • Disc Golf Course • • • Playground Tennis Courts (2) Restroom Skate Park Soccer Field Baseball Field 24 $10, 900 $50, 000 $85, 000 $145, 000 $200, 000 $220, 000 $250, 000 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Common Misconceptions • A Disc Golf course looks like a “normal” golf course – In fact, a Disc Golf course is much smaller. The course is measured in feet, not yards. The width of a course is 20 to 40 feet in a wooded area. Typically, a 3 -4 foot path runs from tee to hole. A Disc Golf course needs 20 acres for 18 holes and a golf course needs 140 to 200 acres. • “Flying discs can kill” – There is no documented evidence of this that we could find. 25 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Common Misconceptions (cont’d) • “Total disregard for the environment” – The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has official rules and flyers discouraging plant abuse and destruction. Penalties for such behavior include disqualification and suspension. It is also specifically addressed in our Parks Policies & Procedures Manual. • “Disc Golf Courses are a blight on the community” – Over 3, 000 courses are currently in the U. S. A. , with more being built every year. Other park and recreation boards have faced the same questions and found the sport to be a PARKS, welcome. FAIR addition. CLALLAM COUNTY & 26 FACILITIES

“Pros” of Disc Golf? • It is good exercise and a low impact recreation. • It is age, gender, family friendly and interactive. • Cost to benefit ratio is very good. • It is played all across the country so skills can be used elsewhere. • Low maintenance • Can be played year round. 27 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

“Pros” of Disc Golf? (cont’d) • The activity is not placing a lot of users in one location. • Cost for course operation and maintenance is low, with no utilities or structures. • Flexible time management, don’t have to make appointment or tee time. • This could lead to the addition of a new group of volunteers in the parks. 28 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

“Cons” of Disc Golf? • Discs can mark trees on impact. • “Off-line” throws can cause foot traffic into wooded areas causing damage to vegetation. • Discs can be lost or stuck in trees, other vegetation. • Potential for after-hours use. • Possibility of near-miss or hits by flying disc. Disc can cause physical injuries if impact is great enough. 29 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

“Cons” of Disc Golf? (cont’d) • Possibility of increased litter in park. • User group conflicts. • Possibility of losing volunteers who are unhappy about adding disc golf. 30 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

County Parks Goals-Objectives Chapter 1, Policy and Procedures Manual states in part: “The purpose of the Clallam County Parks and Recreation Board is to maximize park and recreational opportunities and thereby improve the quality of life for all residents of the County. ” “Every County resident has a need for recreational opportunities at various times and in varying amounts; the Board should supply facilities and services which are impossible or difficult for most individuals or small groups to provide for themselves. ” 31 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

County Parks Goals-Objectives (cont’d) “To provide a variety of recreation opportunities for all citizens regardless of age, sex, race, or economic status. ” “To maintain full awareness of environmental concerns in the development and use of public lands and in the implementation of programs. ” “To adopt, support and communicate the philosophy that recreation means any activity, voluntarily engaged in, which contributes to the refreshment, enjoyment, education or entertainment of the individual and which contributes to a sense of self worth. ” 32 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Staff Conclusions Considerations: 1. There a number of local citizens who currently play this sport. 2. There also a number of local citizens who do not want to see this use added to the Parks system; specifically Robin Hill Farm. 3. There apparently several sites that could house this use in our existing County Park system, as well as others outside of the Parks. 4. It is the Parks Department’s objective to provide safe, clean, recreational opportunities for its citizens. CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & 33 FACILITIES

Staff Conclusions (Cont’d) Conclusion: Based on the information staff has been able to gather on the sport of Disc Golf, it is our conclusion that this activity meets the prescribed objectives of the Parks Board as outlined in Chapter 1 of the Parks Policies & Procedures Manual. Parks Staff recommends the Parks Advisory Board consider approval of the proposed Disc Golf addition to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan at a site to be determined. 34 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Where Do We Go From Here? 1. If the Parks Board approves the recommendation, Parks Staff will present the request to the BOCC at a scheduled and advertised Work Session. 2. The BOCC will consider the request and may direct staff to gather additional information prior to action on the proposal. 3. The BOCC may hold public input meetings, workshops, or a formal public hearing prior to making their final decision. 35 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

If BOCC Approves 1. The Park Staff will gather a team of the proposal’s proponents and opponents to work on the selection of an appropriate site which will work best for all park users. This site may be within the current County Park system or not. 2. Park Staff will work with donors, volunteers, and others to produce a course that uses a minimum of County funds; maintains the integrity of the park; provides a high quality recreational experience for all park users; and is environmentally sensitive. 36 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

If BOCC Does Not Approve 1. This request will be considered closed and no more work will be done on this issue at this time. 37 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES

Thank you. Presentation prepared by: The Parks, Fair & Facilities Staff of Clallam County, WA 38 CLALLAM COUNTY PARKS, FAIR & FACILITIES