A new nine- to 12-hole disc golf course in Grand Forks got a preliminary thumbs-up from city leaders Tuesday.
City staff brought maintenance cost estimates to the City Council's service committee, which totaled $2,800 a year. The cost of equipment and setup would be borne by the Park District and the Grand Forks Disc Golf Association.
If approved, the course would be on the north side of Riverside Park up against the river where the grass grows wild now.
Disc golfers say the sport has boomed in popularity and the three area courses see a lot of use. Lincoln Drive Park in Grand Forks has two 18-hole courses and East Grand Forks has a 12-hole course.
Melanie Parvey, the city's Greenway manager, said there have been some instances of vandalism in the relatively isolated area of Riverside Park and having disc golfers present would reduce the problem as it did at Lincoln Drive Park.
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Committee Chairman Curt Kreun agreed the investment was a small one, and the rest of the committee recommended the full council approve the project.
Other costs include $3,150 for nine baskets that serve as "holes," $500 for garbage cans and $700 for locks, all paid by the Park District. The disc golf association would pay $500 for tee markers and signs. Association members would also layout the course.
Some Riverside residents said in emails provided by the city that they worry about more traffic in the north end neighborhood, but other residents said they see the park as a part of their work to encourage growth in the neighborhood.
"As we fight to keep our school, I think we need to encourage growth in our area at every turn," wrote resident Maureen Riley. "The more people that come to Riverside, the more people will see how wonderful it is!"
City officials said they will look at features to slow down traffic.
To see city documents about the disc golf course, go to tinyurl.com/riversidedg .
Reach Tran at (701) 780-1248; (800) 477-6572, ext. 248; or send email to ttran@gfherald.com .
