THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON

REQUEST FOR COUNCIL DECISION

DATE: November 4, 2019 Regular
TOPIC: Disc Golf Course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park
PROPOSAL: Installation of Disc Golf Course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park
PROPOSED BY: Staff
_____________________________________________________________________
ANALYSIS SUMMARY:
The Nelson Disc Golf Society (NDGS) has proposed that a nine-hole disc golf course be
installed in the wooded area of Art Gibbon Memorial Park. A Council decision either
approving or denying the proposal is now requested.

BACKGROUND:
Art Gibbon Memorial Park is located in the Rosemont area of the City. The main
parking lot is accessed by Beasley Street West. Other pedestrian ingress points are
along Richards Street West and Choquette Avenue. Along with a large forested area
and wooded trail, the park amenities include a large skatepark installed by the Kootenay
Outdoor Skatepark Society, a bike-park, and an area set aside for a playground which is
to be built by the Nelson Rotary Club. There is a washroom and a drinking fountain
near the skatepark.

The NDGS first presented its proposal to install a disc golf course in the wooded area of
Art Gibbon Memorial Park at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 25,
2019. The proposal has since been modified to address certain concerns (as described
in detail below). The modified proposal is attached and includes specific details
addressing:
• what disc golf is and how it is played;
• why the NDGS believes Art Gibbon Memorial Park is an appropriate location;
• the work that would be required to install and develop the course;
• anticipated site usage;
• anticipated cooperation with existing users;
• safety considerations;
• anticipated costs;
• routing map of the proposed course.

Staff have been working with the NDGS to consider all aspects of the proposal. The
dialogue has been professional and the proponents have yielded to a lot of concerns
raised by staff and residents. The NDGS has been considerate of the current uses of
the park (bike-park, skatepark, trails) and the neighbours including the Rosemont
School who hold outdoor education sessions in the park.

Members from NDGS have volunteered their time to promote disc golf with students at
Rosemont School and have donated discs for the students to use. In consideration of
the Rosemont School outdoor education sessions, the NDGS will provide bags to
temporarily cover the baskets in the area of this activity to effectively eliminate those
baskets during the outdoor education sessions.

The NDGS attended the RDCK Recreation Commission No. 5 meeting twice, once in
the spring, and then again on September 1, 2019. At the September meeting, the
Recreation Commission passed the following resolution: “That the Board provide a letter
of support to the Nelson Disc Golf Society in their endeavor to find a location within the
Nelson & District Recreation Commission No. 5’s catchment, for the purposes of barrier
free disc golf activity.” The letter from the Board is attached. The NDGS have also
received letters of support from the City of Cranbrook and the Regional District of
Kootenay Boundary describing how a disc golf course benefits their communities and
how shared use is possible. Letters of support have also been received from Blewett
Elementary School and School District 8.

Based on recommendations from staff, and similar to the model utilized by the Nelson
Daybreak Rotary in 2018 for a survey, the NDGS conducted a community consultation
session at Rosemont School, and posted an online survey to gauge public feedback
and support for their project. The survey collected feedback, including general
comments, from 290 respondents. The survey evidences a high level of support for the
proposal. Key questions and responses captured by the survey include:

• Where do you live? (278 Responses)

o 65% from Nelson (180)
o 28% from RDCK outside Nelson (62)
o 7% from outside the RDCK (19)

• Nelson respondents by neighbourhood (total 180)

o 39.2% Uphill
o 38.8% Rosemont
o 10.0% Gyro Park Area
o 11.5% Fairview

• Support for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Memorial Park (287 Responses)
o 74% in favour
o 13% in favour if community considerations met
o 13% not in favour

Based on the survey results, 212 people (138 from Nelson) were in favour of the
proposal, 37 people (24 from Nelson) were in favour if community considerations were
met, and 37 people (24 from Nelson) were not in favour of the proposal. The NDGS
also collected general comments and answered individual concerns one at a time.
They have also altered their proposal several times based on feedback from user
groups, including Rosemont School and the Nelson Cycling Club.

The City has also received approximately two dozen electronic letters from residents in
the Rosemont area that are opposed to the proposal and believe that the installation of
a disc golf course will negatively impact the park and the surrounding area. As these
letters were submitted through the City’s online portal, they did go directly to Council
and are not attached here. Specific concerns include that the disc golf course could
increase traffic to the neighborhood, create safety issues, cause a parking shortage,
and increase noise and congestion in the park. An October 24, 2019 letter from the
“Grassroots Organizers on Behalf of Art Gibbon Park Greenspace” is attached as it was
received by staff and not through the City’s online portal.

Finally, two petitions in opposition of the disc golf proposal have also been submitted to
the Corporate Officer with a total of 180 unique signatures. The petitions are largely
compiled of signatures from those living in Rosemont.
BENEFITS OR DISADVANTAGES AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS:
Allowing the installation of a disc golf course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park would provide
a course for disc golf enthusiasts while introducing another outdoor recreational activity
to others who may not be familiar with disc golf. Meanwhile, residents have raised
concerns regarding safety, traffic, parking, and congestion in the park. Staff believes
these concerns have been adequately addressed by the NDGS as reflected in the
modified proposal.

Art Gibbon Memorial Park was identified by the NDGS as the best possible site within
City limits for this activity due to the variety of the terrain and the forest setting, and the
proximity to parking and other amenities. Staff evaluated several other locations within
City limits as alternate sites for the disc golf course. No other sites are as suitable as
the proposed location.

The NDGS met with a group of concerned residents to discuss the project and address
the concern that disc golf is dangerous. Staff were present at this discussion which was
held at the proposed location with some temporary disc golf baskets in place. The
NDGS demonstrated how safe the activity is and how the routing could be done to
minimize conflicts with people walking on the trails. The course is designed to include
shorter holes that emphasize finesse over power. As a result, players will not have to
throw the discs with much force, reducing the risk that players and bystanders might be
struck by a disc.

The NDGS also commented on the anticipated level of participation, stating that on any
given day there could be up to 25 people playing, but the expectation is that usage
would generally be spread out over the course of a day. Staff believes that given the
passive and active recreation already occurring at the park on a daily basis, the addition
of disc golf will not create a greater hindrance or disturbance to the natural environment.

The NDGS also does not expect that disc golf players would overload the parking lot or
the spaces in and around the park. Notably, in advance of the Granite Pointe Golf
Course redevelopment (which is in the same area as the Art Gibbon Memorial Park) a
traffic study was conducted. The study concluded that the redevelopment will have a
minimal impact traffic on Richards Street West and Choquette Avenue. The parking lot
for the Art Gibbon Memorial Park is accessible from Beasley Street West - on the
opposite side of the park to these streets.

Given all these considerations, staff is recommending that the NDGS proposal be
approved for a one-year trial period (commencing after installation of the course is
complete). Additional data and feedback following the trial period could be used to
make further modifications as necessary.

LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS, PRECEDENTS, POLICIES:

It is within Council’s authority to approve or deny the NDGS proposal to install a disc
golf course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park.

Council’s Strategic Plan priority of expanding local jobs and local prosperity states the
following: “Facilitate vibrancy in sport, culture and recreation to enhance economic
growth through partnerships, events, festivals and business development. Renewal and
enhancement of parks and facilities, building capacity for sporting events, community
events and festivals.”
The Official Community Plan (OCP) Policy #9 provides that “The City will assess
community needs on an ongoing basis to ensure that the amenities and facilities in
public parks continue to be appropriate for the needs of park users.”

Art Gibbon Memorial Park was purchased by the City of Nelson and a bylaw (No. 1799,
1978 Rosemont Park Reserve) was enacted to “reserve certain lands within the City of
Nelson as a Park, and for recreation purposes pursuant to the Provisions of the
Municipal Act.” Opponents of the proposal have also raised questions regarding the
history of the park and limitations on use, suggesting that disc golf may not be
permissible. Staff researched this matter and found that the land was purchased by the
City with the intention of making it a park. Staff has not found any indication that usage
at the park is limited in any way that would preclude the installation of a disc golf course.

Notably, the City of Nelson Parks Bylaw (No. 3330, 2016) does not prohibit flying discs
in any park, only the playing of traditional golf (with clubs and balls).

COSTS AND BUDGET IMPACT - REVENUE GENERATION:

If the proposal is approved, the NDGS will cover the costs and installation of the disc
golf course baskets and teeing areas, which amounts to approximately $10,000. The
City will have the ability to alter or adjust the disc golf course at any time and regulate
the activity if necessary. If the course is deemed to be suitable after the one-year trial,
the equipment would be donated to the City.

The City will oversee installation of the course and provide regular maintenance of the
area including garbage collection and regular inspections for safety and functionality.

IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES AND STAFF RESOURCES:

The City’s Path to 2040 – Sustainability Strategy identified “Natural Areas, Recreation
and Leisure” as a focus area and provides that an objective is to protect and enhance
parks and open spaces, and establish a distributed, restored natural areas network to
serve as natural playgrounds for residents. Furthermore, as noted above, Council has
identified developing recreational amenities within City limits as a priority in Strategic
Plan.

Additionally, in 2015, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association collaborated to

create a framework for recreation in Canada. The five goals of this framework – active
living, inclusion and access, connecting people and nature, supportive environments,
and recreation capacity – will all be advanced by installing a disc golf course at Art
Gibbon Memorial Park.

City staff will provide in-kind support in the form of oversight and administration for the
implementation of the project, anticipated to be valued at less than $2,000. Staff will
ensure the routing and construction is done to minimize conflicts and maximize
enjoyment of the activity.

COMMUNICATION:
If the proposal is approved, staff will establish a plan and schedule for the installation of
the disc golf course and share the plan through media releases, social media, and the
City’s website. Signage will be placed at the entrance to the park showing the course
routing and including rules and etiquette for quiet enjoyment of disc golf and shared use
of the park.
Staff will also create an evaluation tool to determine the success of the project over the
course of its first year. Staff will track usage of the course, any problems or safety
incidents, and will continue to collect and evaluate feedback from the community.

OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES:

1. Approve the NDGS proposal for a disc golf course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park
for a one-year trial period.
2. Do not approve the NDGS proposal for a disc golf course.
3. Direct staff to host an open house and/or conduct a community survey before
proceeding further.
4. Refer to staff with other direction.

ATTACHMENTS:
• NDGS Disc Golf Proposal (including routing map)
• Bylaw No. 2971: Amendment to the Rosemont Park Reserve Bylaw No. 1799,
1978
• Recreation Commission No. 5 Letter of Support
• Grassroots Organizers Letter of Opposition
• Staff powerpoint

RECOMMENDATION:
That Council passes the following resolution:

THAT staff work with the Nelson Disc Golf Society to implement a nine (9)
hole disc golf course at Art Gibbon Memorial Park for a one-year trial period
commencing when the course is completed.

AUTHOR: REVIEWED BY:

__________________________________ ____________________________
PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR CITY MANAGER
Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

Prepared by: The Nelson Disc Golf Society

Prepared For: The City of Nelson

July 15, 2019

Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

The Nelson Disc Golf Society

The Nelson Disc Golf Society (NDGS) was formed in 2007 with the aim of increasing
infrastructure and opportunities for disc golf in the Nelson area. Our membership includes more
than 40 people of all ages who enjoy disc golf as a significant component of their recreational
activity. We are an actively registered society in British Columbia (Incorporation Number:
S0070725).

Our vision is to build a vibrant multi-generational disc golf community throughout the West
Kootenays, with courses accessible from every town. We want to build a regional disc golf
scene that includes multiple annual tournaments and events, provides programming for youth,
and attracts players from other parts of Canada to visit our local courses. We want to support
competitive players and encourage the growth of the next generation of athletes. We want to
encourage new people try disc golf and strive to develop a disc golf community that is open to
all people.

The development of an accessible family level course in Nelson is the first step towards realizing
our vision.

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf (also known as “Frisbee golf”) is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball
and clubs, players use a flying disc. The game shares with “ball golf” the object of completing
each hole in the fewest number of strokes, or in the case of disc golf, the fewest number of
throws. A disc is thrown from a tee pad toward a target which is the “hole” - an elevated metal
basket. As a player progresses through the course, she or he must make each consecutive shot
from the spot where the previous throw landed. Trees, shrubs, and terrain changes provide
challenging obstacles for the disc golfer. Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of
traditional golf, whether it’s sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the “fairway.”
However, there are a few differences:
● Disc golf is usually free and available to the general public.
● Most courses are usually on public parkland and easily coexist with other park users.
● Disc golf can be played inexpensively with the purchase of a $10 disc.
● The game can be enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds; including
children and families, regardless of economic status.
● Disc golf is enjoyed all year long and in many types of weather conditions, even in snow.
● Nine holes of disc golf can be played in as little as 45 minutes.

Disc golf is a growing sport played by thousands of residents and visitors to BC. There are 63
courses in the province, with new public courses being added to rural and urban municipalities
each year. Several regions including the Gulf Islands, the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, and the
East Kootenays have thriving disc golf communities which hold tournament series’ and attract

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

players from throughout the province. With courses in Rossland, Ymir, and Fruitvale, the West
Kootenay region is poised to become a notable disc golf region – pending the development of a
public course in the Nelson area.

Proposal Objective
The NDGS is seeking an agreement with the City of Nelson to partner on a project to develop a
nine-hole disc golf course in the wooded area of Art Gibbon Park in Nelson.

We are consulting with community members and stakeholders including the City of Nelson, the
Nelson Daybreak Rotary Club, Rosemont Elementary School, and the Nelson Cycling Club to
integrate disc golf with the multigenerational vision for Art Gibbon Park.

We are grateful for the opportunity to open discussion on this topic and consider this proposal
to be a “living document” that will be updated based on community feedback.

Location and Site Description

The proposed site for the disc golf course is Art Gibbon Park in Nelson BC. Multiple community
groups share this space for multiple uses, including:
● A concrete skatepark installed by the Nelson Daybreak Rotary Club and the Kootenay
Outdoor Skatepark Society and currently managed by the City of Nelson.
● A bike-park maintained by the Nelson Cycling Club
● An area set aside for a playground which is proposed as part of an multigenerational
park in a proposal put forward by the Nelson Daybreak Rotary Club.
● Regular gatherings including outdoor school groups.

The proposed area for disc golf is the wooded part of the park, not including the area where
the bike-park extends into the trees (Appendix 1). The area of interest is a rolling open forest
with very little understory vegetation. The lack of understory vegetation creates good visibility
which is a key component of designing a safe disc golf course. Rocky features throughout the
area create visual interest and excellent obstacles for a disc golf course. A trail network running
through the park is accessed by local pedestrians and dog walkers. Though the park is very well
used by a variety of visitors, underutilized parts of the forested area are sometimes used for
potentially dangerous activities such as illegal camping and campfires.

The NDGS has created a provisional site plan for a disc golf course on the site (Appendix 1).
The proposed layout of the of the disc golf course can be modified based on community
feedback.

Site Suitability
Art Gibbon Park is an excellent location for a disc golf course for several reasons:

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

● Location - The location of the park allows citizens of Nelson to conveniently access the
course rather than commuting long distances to other regional courses. Based on
conversations with City of Nelson Parks staff, Art Gibbon Park may be the only possible
site for a course on Nelson park land.
● Topography - The gently rolling topography of the site favors the development of a
beginner friendly course that would be accessible to the widest possible range of
players.
● Land Cover - The relatively open forest in the park is suitable for the development of a
disc golf course without any further clearing of vegetation. Open sight lines among the
trees will allow for a safe course design without blind spots.
● Multigenerational benefits – Disc golf is an activity that can be shared by children
and seniors at the same time. Adding this additional multigenerational activity will only
increase the potential for families to make memories together at Art Gibbon Park.

Site Usage and Stewardship

It is anticipated that as many as 25 players would access the course each day during peak
summer months. Winter usage may range down to 10 or 12 regular players on weekends. The
course could accommodate up to 36 players at a time in the case of a tournament. The NDGS
would host a weekly league night for locals and visiting players. A league night is the social glue
in a disc golf community and would provide an opportunity for leaders within the NDGS to
maintain awareness regarding course etiquette and stewardship responsibilities.

Nelson Disc Golf Society members would provide “eyes and ears” on the ground and would
report unauthorized activities or vandalism to the City of Nelson. The presence of disc golfers in
previously underutilized forest areas will help to discourage potentially dangerous activities such
as illegal camping and campfires.

On an annual basis, the Nelson Disc Golf Society would provide volunteers to assist City of
Nelson Parks staff with maintenance activities including removal of deadfall and hazard trees.

Course Design
A preliminary layout for the disc golf course is proposed (see map in Appendix 1). Modifications
to the course design, based on feedback from the City of Nelson and other community
stakeholders can be integrated into an updated version of this proposal. We designed this
layout to start the discussion. Input is welcome.

Preliminary course design has been guided by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)
Disc Golf Course Design Guidelines, which identify five important goals:

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

1. Satisfy the design requirements of the people and organizations who approve use of the
land and fund the equipment for the course.
2. Design course to be safe for both players and non-players who may pass near or
through it.
3. Design course with the potential for multiple configurations to serve not only beginners
but players with advanced skills; consistent with the budget and design needs in Goal 1
above.
4. Design a well-balanced course with a wide range of hole lengths and a good mixture of
holes requiring controlled left, right and straight throws.
5. Utilize elevation changes and available foliage as well as possible. Take care to minimize
potential damage to foliage and reduce the chances for erosion.

Additional PDGA Disc Golf Course Design Guideline documents and supporting literature are
available on the PDGA website (www.pdga.com). Ongoing adjustment of the layout will be
informed by communication with the City of Nelson. The NDGS is confident that a safe disc golf
course with wide community appeal can be developed in this space.

The course design proposed in Appendix 1 has been improved based on feedback gathered
from the Nelson Cycling Club, and from preliminary survey responses. Likewise, the design
remains open and can be further amended based on community feedback and the expertise of
City of Nelson Parks staff.

Based on initial feedback the following improvements have been made to the proposed course
design:
• Parking – The proposed starting point for the course has been moved from the main
parking lot to the pullout parking area off Choquette Ave.
• Safety – The density of holes has been reduced in the wooded area next to the bike
park and skatepark. This change eliminates potential hazards that could arise from
overlap between multiple activities.
• Underutilized spaces – The course routing focuses on filling underutilized spaces in
the park which are more likely to see potentially dangerous activities such as illegal
campfires, and camping. Increased traffic in these areas should discourage these
activities and make the park safer for everyone.

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

Visibility within Art Gibbon Park is excellent. There The proposed disc golf course traverses little-used
would be no “blind” throws or throws across paths. areas of the park and will help discourage
potentially dangerous activities such as illegal
campfires.

Proposed disc golf parking is the pullout and on In response to feedback, the density of disc golf
street parking available on Choquette ave. holes has been lowered in the bike park area and
increased in the steeper northwest corner of the
park which sees relatively fewer users.

Course Development
The proposed development of a disc golf course would involve only light alteration of the site.
No major earthworks would be required, and the construction activities could be completed
using hand tools. No tree or shrub removal would be required. This is in distinct contrast with
the development of most recreational amenities like skateparks or sports fields which require
relatively large budgets and prolonged periods of disruptive site development.

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

Infrastructure required for a nine-hole disc golf course include:

● Nine tee pads (4’x8’x4”). Concrete tee-pads provide the best surface for the initial throw
(the “drive”). Concrete tee-pads require virtually no maintenance and can be installed at
a reasonable cost. Alternative materials other than concrete are also available, though
concrete provides the safest most maintenance free option. The installation of tee-pads
is completed by hand and involves a small footprint with limited overall soil disturbance.
● Nine baskets. Baskets provide the target for each hole. DISCatcher Pro baskets
(Manufactured by Innova. See innovadiscs.com) are the most common basket found on
disc golf courses worldwide. The DISCatcher Pro is made of galvanized steel, with a
bright yellow powder coated band for visibility. This basket provides excellent durability
and value. The baskets are set into the earth with a small concrete foundation (8” in
diameter) and include a locking mechanism which allows for removal of the basket when
necessary. The basket on the cover page photo is a DISCatcher Pro.
● Welcome signage including a course map, disc golf rules, etiquette, and suggestions to
practice good stewardship of the site (e.g. “Pack out your garbage”, “leave the course
better than you found it”, “Do not throw until other park users are out of range”, etc.
See Sample course map and signage in Appendix 2).
● Safety signage (e.g. “Caution, flying discs”).
● Navigational signage consisting of unobtrusive markers for each tee-pad which help
users safely and efficiently move through the course (See example navigational signage
in Appendix 2).
● All signage would be printed locally on outdoor grade aluminum and installed on wood
green treated posts.

Cooperation with Existing Users

We anticipate no apparent conflict of uses on this site. We intend to keep disc golf activities
strictly within the area designated for disc golf. A preliminary conceptual design for a nine-hole
disc golf course is presented in Appendix 1. The present course design has been designed to
minimize the potential for discs to be inadvertently thrown into adjacent roads, the bike park,
the skatepark, and other high traffic areas.

To practice full diligence in cooperating with our neighbors we also plan to implement the
following practices.

● Design – To minimize potential overlap with existing and planned uses of the park, the
layout of the course will be guided by feedback from stakeholders including, but not
limited to, The City of Nelson, the Nelson Cycling Club, and the Nelson Daybreak Rotary,
and Rosemont Elementary School.
● Signage - Our welcome signage would remind disc golfers to practice courtesy in
sharing the space with other users. In keeping with City of Nelson Bylaws signage would

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

indicate that smoking, and alcohol consumption is prohibited in all areas of the park.
Additional notes on site etiquette could be added to the signage based on community
feedback.
● Temporary closures - Disc golf baskets can quickly be removed or disabled when
required. If other community groups (e.g. Outdoor school groups) required use of the
space for a special event, the disc golf course could be temporarily disabled by removing
the baskets. Rosemont Elementary staff have indicated that the area around proposed
holes 8 & 9 is regularly used by their classes. During class use, these holes could be
deactivated by placing a sack over the basket. The main signage would indicate that
school groups have the right of way in the park, and that part of the course may be
temporarily deactivated at the discretion of Rosemont Elementary staff.
● Volunteer Contribution – Volunteers from the Nelson Disc Golf Society would be
available to assist City of Nelson Parks crews with annual maintenance of Art Gibbon
Park (e.g. brush removal).
● Other suggestions - This is a living proposal that we will happily update based on
feedback. The use of this site would be a tremendous opportunity for our club and the
community of Nelson as a whole, and as such we are flexible to adapt plans to
accommodate stakeholder requirements.

Safety
Public safety is a primary consideration at any sports facility. The NDGS is committed to working
with the City of Nelson to design and maintain a space for disc golf that is safe for participants
and members of the public. We are happy to collaborate with the City of Nelson on updating
this plan with policies and strategies to ensure a safety in and around the disc golf course.

The following is a list of safety measures which are included in this proposal:
● Design - The course layout eliminates potential conflict with the bike-park, the
skatepark, and the future playground. The layout also limits potential conflict with
pedestrians by avoiding pathways and eliminating the possibility of any blind throws.
● Signage - Welcome signage at the course entrance will encourage etiquette and safe
conduct among all players. Additional signage will indicate to disc golfers that all other
park users have the right of way, and to warn members of the public that flying discs
are present in some areas (See example in Appendix 2).
● Culture - Disc golfers yield to pedestrians and communicate directly with passersby to
ensure safety. This culture is maintained during regular events such as league night,
when experienced players pass on knowledge and etiquette to new players.

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

Project Roles
Our proposed approach to sharing responsibility would be for the NDGS to provide leadership
and resources to develop and maintain the course, with the City of Nelson providing planning
support and ongoing routine parks services such as emptying garbage cans.

A proposed division of responsibilities is outlined in the following table.

Task NDGS Roles City of Nelson Roles

Planning ● Draft work plans, maps, and signage. ● Review and provide
● Revise based on feedback. feedback during
planning.

Development ● Provide baskets, tee-pads and signage. ● Install an extra garbage

● Organize volunteer labor and provide can if necessary.
leadership during course construction. ● Provide supervision of
course installation if
necessary.

Maintenance ● Maintain and repair disc golf baskets and ● Maintain normal park
tee-pads. services including
● Promote stewardship ethic among players emptying garbage cans.
during league nights. ● Assist in maintenance
● Assist city staff in annual forest and repair disc golf
maintenance (e.g. deadfall removal). baskets and tee-pads.

Work Plan
The installation of a nine-hole disc golf course at Art Gibbon park could be completed within a
2-3 week work window at anytime throughout the months of May-October. Construction
activities would include pouring concrete tee-pads and installing signage and baskets. These
activities could be completed with minimal disruption to ongoing activities in Art Gibbon Park.

Financial Strategy
The estimated cash budget to install nine holes is ~$8000 including baskets, tee-pads, and
signage. Additional value will be provided through in-kind hours volunteered by club members
during course installation. Currently we have $3000 of grant funding available for this project.
Additional funds will be raised through a community sponsorship campaign.

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Proposal for Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Park

We have conducted market research to confirm the viability of this funding model. We were
able to collect donation pledges in excess of $20,000 within a period of weeks. This financial
commitment indicates the overwhelming community will to see a disc golf course in Nelson.

The NDGS is proposing that project supporters will be acknowledged on signage at the course.

The estimated budget for course installation is provided in the following table*
Item Quantity Cost
Disc golf baskets (Innova DISCatcher Pro @ $325/basket, plus freight) 9 $3,730.56
Concrete tee pads (4' x 8' x 4” concrete, installation is included) 9 $3,685.06
Tee signs (Full color, 9”x12” aluminum panels) 10 $161.81
Welcome sign (Full color, 3’x4’ aluminum panel) 1 $300.00
Handi forms (Sono tubes - for basket installation) 3 $44.99
Cement mix (For basket installation. 25 Kg bags) 8 $62.45
Green-treated posts for signs (For signage installation) 9 $81.55
Total $8,066.41
*All prices include taxes. All labor (other than tee pad installation) will be provided in kind by volunteers
from the NDGS.

Ongoing maintenance costs for the disc golf course will be covered by the NDGS. All
maintenance activities will be conducted in kind by NDGS volunteers. Ongoing income to fund
maintenance will be gathered through membership fees and periodic fundraising events.

Conclusion
Thank you for your consideration of our proposal. This document represents a preliminary
sketch of a collaborative plan to bring a disc golf course to Nelson. It is our hope that you will
accept this invitation to commence partnership on an initiative to develop a community disc golf
course at Art Gibbon Park.

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Appendix 1. Site Map with Proposed 9-Hole Disc Golf Course Layout
Appendix 2. Example Signage
Appendix 2. Example Signage

zzz
Appendix 2. Example Signage
 Regional District of Central Kootenay
Box 590, 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC V1L 5R4 Web: www.rdck.ca
Telephone: (250) 352-6665 Email: [email protected]
BC Toll Free: 1-800-268-7325 Fax: (250) 352-9300

File No. 0210-01

September 24, 2019

ATTENTION: Iraleigh Anderson - President

Nelson Disc Golf Society
1613 Ward St.
Nelson, BC
V1L 1V7

RE: BARRIER FREE DISC GOLF - LETTER OF SUPPORT

Dear Iraleigh:

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to provide a letter of support to the Nelson Disc Golf
Society in their endeavor to find a suitable location for barrier free disc golf activities within the Nelson and District
Recreation Commission No. 5 area.

The RDCK, which includes Nelson and District Recreation Commission No. 5, is committed to supporting inclusive
recreational activities for residents within the region. Disc golf is a low barrier activity as it is inexpensive and can be
played by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds regardless of economic status.

The Nelson Disc Golf Society’s request to build a family level course in Nelson aligns with a number of the values
stated in the Nelson and District - Parks and Recreation Master Plan, such as:

1. supporting progressive, innovative, safe and positive recreational experiences for all members of our
diverse communities;
2. removing barriers for the most vulnerable members of the community, balancing accessibility and
affordability; and
3. our commitment to being a community of active and healthy citizens and families.

We wish you luck and hope you are successful in finding a location for this initiative.

Sincerely,

Aimee Watson
RDCK Board Chair

MUNICIPALITIES: Cities: Castlegar, Nelson Town: Creston Villages: Kaslo, Nakusp, New Denver, Salmo, Silverton and Slocan
ELECTORAL AREAS:  A-Wynndel/East Shore Kootenay Lake B C D E F G H-The Slocan Valley IJ-Lower Arrow/Columbia K-The Arrow Lakes
 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO DISC GOLF AT ART GIBBONS PARK
The average speed of a disc golf throw is 80-112 km/hr; top recorded speed is 145 km/hr.
The average launch speed of a good golfer is 185 km/hr. Both can be considered dangerous missiles.
Neither should be played where multiple space users exist!

In golf we require safety nets, no cross user contamination (no pedestrians, kids playing
on the golf course, dog walkers, bird watchers ect). Why would we invite a course in a
city park with multiple users with hard flying objects travelling the speed of a car!

October 24, 2019

Dear Mayor Dooley and Members of Council,

We understand that the proposal to consider Disc Golf in the woodlands of Art Gibbon’s Park woods is
before you. We, the grassroots users of the Greenspace at Art Gibbon’s Park strongly oppose this
proposal on several grounds, outlined below. In support of NO Disc Golf at Art Gibbon’s Park green space,
two separate and independent petitions were circulated by members of our Rosemont community,
targeting the residents immediately surrounding Art Gibbons Park. A total of 184 signatures were
obtained. These are people whose families USE the Park to walk, play with their children, and generally
enjoy nature. Both petitions have been submitted to Council.

Please note that we ARE invested in serving and maintaining the forest at Art Gibbons for the peaceful
enjoyment of nature. We have a proposal before the City to create an annual community clean-up day to
clean up the forest brush, debris and garbage. Some of us already maintain though seasonal garbage
pick-up. And Rosemont School is in the process of organizing a “Clean our Community Forest Day”
as per Tim Mushumanski, Principle of Rosemont School. We are, as a community, quite invested in
keeping our park safe and clean.

----

Issues
1) Public safety – The projectiles used in this sport are smaller and much heavier than flexible Frisbees.
They can travel at great velocity over great distance and often have a sharp cutting edge. These fast-
flying discs would present a significant hazard to the many local residents who use it to walk, hike or
play. For many children who reside in the affordable housing buildings surrounding the park, and whose
parents do not have cars, it is their only access to natural greenspace. Art Gibbons Park is also a
relatively small park, with walking paths, hiking, and nature trails extending throughout. It is far too small
an area to safely accommodate a disk golf course along with existing activities and users. If a disk golf
course were to be installed at Art Gibbons, especially considering part of the forest is utilized as a bike
park, it would effectively remove the park from all other passive recreational uses.

A Hermosa Beach woman who lost most of her sight in one eye after she was struck by a flying golf disc in Polliwog
Park has sued the city of Manhattan Beach. Noreen Goodbody accuses the city of negligence and allowing a
dangerous condition to exist on public property in the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit. She is seeking unspecified
but “serious compensation,” said attorney David Ring of the Los Angeles law firm of Taylor & Ring. “She’s probably
lost 95 percent of her sight in her left eye,” he said. “She’s probably had three or four procedures on her eye to try to
remedy the problem, but none have been successful.” https://www.dailybreeze.com/2014/02/16/woman-disfigured-
in-park-disc-golf-incident-suing-manhattan-beach/
2) Saturation - We are a medium density area, with multiple condo buildings, apartment buildings, and
affordable housing. With the impending water park, and intergenerational park, Art Gibbons Park will
become very congested and completely saturated. There are 2 washrooms at the park, hardly enough or
the current uses and the proposed parks.

3) Parking and Traffic – Parking at Art Gibbons is very limited and often full. The addition of 25 players
during peak summer times and up to 36 during tournments, as outlined in the proposal, would require
significantly more parking than is currently available at Art Gibbons. Parking on neighboring streets is
NOT an option...most notably these streets are already littered with cars on any given day of the week.
The proposal that Disc Golfers could park on Choquette St, in the 4-5 car parkette area is not feasible, as
those spaces are often utilized by vehicles from neighbouring condos and people who drive up to use the
woods. Moreover, traffic in our area is already a significant concern. Issues related to traffic flow and
safety are prevalent on West Richards, Choquette and West Beasley, streets that border the Park
(hazardous intersections, parking on streets rendering the roads 1.5 lanes at best).

4) Limited Greenspace - Art Gibbon’s Park Greenspace is THE ONLY accessible public greenspace in
Rosemont. The benefits of nature is evidence based. It is also important to note that this greenspace
allows the only level access woods in the city. This is an important consideration for the elderly, young
children and those with mobility issues. (Note: with its very rocky terrain, the Millennium Trail is not
accessible nor safe for most users of Art Gibbons; access to it requires crossing private property; its
distance for children and seniors is prohibitive).

-------

Dear esteemed leaders, we understand there is a small group of 40 people in Nelson who have been
advocating for disc golf. And that their survey targeted 260 respondents, of which 25% were residents of
Rosemont. This means 75% of respondents did NOT live in Rosemont. Even IF all of the 25% Rosemont
respondents (or n=65) were in favour of disc golf at Art Gibbons (we are not privy to the results), we
have 2 petitions suggesting that 184 people who live around and use Art Gibbons Park DO NOT want to
navigate flying discs when enjoying the woods.

Proposed solution

We are not opposed to Disc Golf in Nelson. We are opposed to the proposed Art Gibbons location. In the
spirit of being solution focused, we propose that:

 Disc Golf geared to kids be set up at a local park with unused greenspace, such as Davies Park.
 Morning Mountain offers a wooded venue with ample parking and no impact to local residents.

Yours in Community,
Donna Lockett, PhD (2016 Choquette Ave, 250-551-9481)

Elizabeth Dey Stewart, PhD (202 901 West Richards, 250-354-9308)

Jen McNutt, PT (606 Kary Cr, 250-352-9730)

Grassroots Organizers on Behalf of Art Gibbon Park Greenspace

Disc Golf at Art Gibbon Memorial Park

Presentation to City of Nelson | November 4, 2019

City Parks
sqm Hectare
Lakeside 129856.7 12.99
Queen E 8722.1 0.87
Davies 44120.4 4.41
Chatham 1267.5 0.13
Tourist-Gyro 52598.8 5.26
Prince Philip 7898 0.79
IODE 833 0.08
Cottonwood 6623.8 0.66
Rosemont 51673.4 5.17
Lions 7112.9 0.71
Cemetery 157644.3 15.76
Hall St 1770 0.18

Total 470120.9 47.01

Background

 February 2019 the Nelson Disc Golf Society presented their proposal at
COW
 Staff have been working with the NDGS to facilitate the process at
arms length
 Parks Department goal is to provide best use of all park space for the
residents of Nelson, for all neighbourhoods
 Listening to the concerns from residents in Rosemont
 Currently the park also contains a bike park, skate park, trails
 Nelson Daybreak Rotary plan to install a playground
Parks Development Process

 Do we want or need this amenity?

 Funding, partnerships, synergies, opportunities
 City drives the project or it is proposed
 Where could it be located?
Preferred location
 Best possible location
 Community engagement
 Inform, consult with, or empower?
 Consult with was appropriate and completed
 Finalize the plan and proceed if appropriate
Disc Golf Proposal

 Routing
 Donated baskets
 Energy to install
 Consultation with the community
 Survey
 Rosemont School Open House
 Art Gibbon Memorial Park
 Constant adjustment to the plan
 Professional, patient, compliant
Survey Results
Residence Location Nelson Respondents by Neighbourhood

7%
11.50%

10%
28% 39.20%

65% 38.80%

Nelson Resident From RDCK Outside Nelson Outside RDCK Uphill Rosemont Gyro Park Area Fairview

Support for the Project

13%

13%

74%

In Favour In Favour If… Not in Favour

 Opposition

 2 Petitions
 180 unique signatures
 Emails
 Letters
 Safety
 Parking
 Intended use
Implementation Plan

 Work with the proponent to design a safe course (DISC)

 Establish a schedule for installation
 Communicate the plan
 Evaluate the success – feedback and monitoring
 Signage
 Installed in conjunction with other parks signage
 Signs at all points of entry notifying users of the activities in the
park
Other Considerations
 RDCK Recreation Commission Number 5 Letter of Support
 Art Gibbon Memorial Park was intended for recreational use
 Parks Bylaw does not prohibit flying disc or “Frisbee” golf
 The activity is appropriate for shared spaces
 The course would be constructed to minimize conflicts
 Environmental impact is negligible
 No trees will be removed for this other than danger trees as per
normal
 Not considered as this park is not protected or preserved
 Any conflicts or hazards will be remediated in real time
 1 year trial will allow staff to determine efficacy and impact on the park
and the neighbourhood