A group of disc golf advocates came to the Park and Recreation Commission meeting on April 7 seeking a clearer timeline and information about fitting a proposed course into the town’s Claxton (active recreation) project or pursuing it separately.

Joe Abruzzi, a local resident, urged the commission to consider a disc golf course as a relatively low‑cost, low‑maintenance amenity that draws families and visitors; he said his children travel outside town to play.

Commissioners and staff said they see value in the project but need concrete information before advancing it. Commissioners asked staff to check three areas: procurement and contracting (could the Claxton contract be amended or extended to include disc golf if money remains?), permitting and conservation constraints (including whether concrete tee pads are required or if stone/asphalt pads would be acceptable), and realistic vendor cost estimates that reflect prevailing wages.

Staff follow‑up and next steps

Stacy Mulroy, director, said she would discuss procurement options with the town’s procurement lead (Cecilia) and would contact vendors for price estimates and permitting requirements. Mulroy noted the disc golf feasibility study is already on the commission’s capital plan as a “future form” and said the commission could either try to fit disc golf into Claxton if there is scope or plan it as a stand‑alone project if needed.

Advocates offered flexibility on design and maintenance: proponents said tee pads can be cement, stone or compacted crushed stone and that community clubs commonly adopt maintenance roles so long‑term town maintenance obligations can be limited.

Why it matters

Disc golf supporters argued the sport delivers public recreation value with comparatively small capital investment and, if placed near other facilities, could become a destination amenity. Commissioners emphasized the need to assess permitting and abutter outreach, and to resolve whether any proposed hardscape (concrete pads) would trigger conservation or additional maintenance obligations.

Quotes

“This is a relatively simple plan… it is possible to get some baskets into the ground very quickly,” a disc golf proponent said at the meeting.

“What I was hoping we could talk about is what kind of a timeline we could do for disc golf,” a commissioner said; staff agreed to gather procurement, permitting and budget details to inform a timeline and next steps.

Ending

The commission kept the item on its agenda, asked staff to return with procurement and permitting information and vendor cost estimates, and encouraged proponents to help identify a working group of users and abutters to meet with staff for early outreach.