(10/8) Emmitsburg’s Board of Commissioners approved the design of a disc golf course at their October 7 town meeting. Town Clerk, Madeline Shaw, and Town Manager, Cathy Willets, presented the Board with an overview detailing the design and concept behind implementing a disc golf course within town.

As discussed, the disc golf course would be constructed in the town’s Community Park. The design, by the Fredrock disc golf group, includes an eighteen-hole disc golf course throughout a large portion of Community Park, including the wooded area currently sitting vacant and unused. The town would need to purchase 36 rubber matted tee pads and 18 baskets. Each hole would have two tee pads (for different levels of difficulty), as well as a sign for each hole. A two-mile, natural surface hiking trail would connect each hole.

As discussed by Shaw, the town is only using approximately 50% of the park, but this project would utilize the entire park. Disc golf is an activity that everyone, of all ages and varying athletic abilities, can participate in, promoting walkability and healthy lifestyles. Additionally, disc golf would provide one more avenue to bring non-Emmitsburg residents into town. Tracy Jones, representative from Fredrock, explained that there are several groups of disc golf players that travel between the different courses throughout Frederick County. He also mentioned the possibility for hosting a tournament, which could bring 80 participants, not including family members and spectators, into town.

Back in the spring, the town submitted for a $14,000 Community Parks and Playground grant, and received full funding for the disc golf course. The town has the grant funding plus an additional $5,000, if needed, that was budgeted last year.

Town staff is adamant about protecting native plant species in the forested area of Community Park. In order to create the walking path and make room for the baskets and rubber mats, invasive species would be cut back. The only trees to be removed would be diseased or deceased. Town staff may also be looking to plant some additional trees across the span of the course to add some added challenges for players. This may be where the additional $5,000 budgeted would come into play; the removal and planting of new trees.

Residents in attendance voiced concerns over the planned course design bordering some residences, pointing out that they wouldn’t want discs landing within private yards. Concerns regarding the marshy areas of Community Park becoming water logged and the clearing of brush and its effects on wildlife were also brought forward.

Willets remarked that there would be no clearing of mature trees. The town is only looking to remove six diseased Ash trees. Additionally, Jones commented that the holes could be easily moved if the course design proves to cause any issues. The baskets ad rubber mats are not permanent fixtures and can be relocated easily, if need be.

The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Ritz against, voicing concern with water logged areas.