A proposal to install an 18-hole disc golf course at John Ford Park generated extensive public comment Monday night, with residents divided over recreation, conservation, and the future use of one of Easton’s public spaces.
After hearing nearly two hours of testimony, the Easton Town Council voted to send the proposal back to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for additional review and discussion of possible alternative locations.
Supporters of the project described disc golf as an affordable and accessible recreational activity that would increase public use of the park while creating new opportunities for families and younger residents.
Several speakers noted that local disc golf advocates had already raised private funds for equipment and course development. Others said tournaments and organized play could bring additional visitors to Easton.
Supporters also argued that the course design would have minimal environmental impact and would coexist with existing park uses, including walking trails and open space.
Opponents focused primarily on the park’s natural setting and questioned whether the property was an appropriate location for organized recreation.
Residents expressed concern about possible impacts on meadow areas, wildlife habitat, and the overall character of the park. Several speakers said they valued John Ford Park specifically because of its open and relatively undeveloped landscape.
Others raised concerns about the public process, saying they believed more community discussion should have occurred before the proposal advanced to the Council level.
Council members acknowledged the strong public interest in the issue and discussed whether additional study was needed before moving forward.
Town Manager Andy Kitzrow mentioned Woodland Park as one possible alternative location that could also accommodate a disc golf course.
By the end of the discussion, the Council agreed to return the matter to the advisory board for further evaluation rather than approve the proposal immediately.
The issue is expected to return for additional public discussion at a future date.
5 Responses
The course will be 18 holes, not 9. I wanted to point that out. Generally, 9 hole courses don’t have nearly the draw or engagement of 18 hole courses. It would be almost impossible to do fundraising tournaments on a municipal 9 hole course. Tournaments offset the town or county maintenance and equipment upgrade costs for the course.
Thank you for your coverage of this developing story.
Yesterday’s Town Council meeting, where we discussed the importance of preserving the natural lands at John Ford Park, reminded us once again of how lucky we are to have this Town of Easton Town Council, led by Don Abbatiello. Councilmembers managed the meeting with a consistent, professional and collaborative tone. They patiently listened to a long series of public comments. They acted swiftly to lower the temperature and direct the appropriate committee to review the matter at hand. THANK YOU EASTON TOWN COUNCIL!
Here is the motion that was passed unanimously by the Town Council:
“Council tasks the Park Advisory Board (PAB) with investigating a solution to the impasse involving disc golf. The PAB should investigate if there is an alternate location in the Town of Easton where disc golf can go; and simultaneously examine whether a course could be laid out at JF Park that would limit interference with the meadow and the active trails.”
One correction: Disc golf proponents have stated several times that a 9-hole course is insufficient for tournament play. Development of an 18- or 36-hole course is their goal.
What is the purpose of a park other than as a place where citizens can relax, exercise, or play an outdoor game?
Certainly, we love the green open space that John Ford Park provides. And we appreciate the habitat the meadows provide to wildlife.But is this land’s sole purpose to be looked at; to be conserved open space? The town recently purchased a forest off Oxford Road for that purpose. And the county bought the adjacent fields once slated for the Poplar Hill development.
The proposed frisbee golf course will have much less environmental impact than other kinds of sports facilities (i.e. soccer fields or pickleball courts), which might go on any piece of public land. Why shouldn’t our parkland be put to recreational use?
I am 76 years old. I wore out many body parts during the 35 years I played racquetball. At 55 I switched to Disc (NOT Frisbee) golf. Frisbees are Civics, Driver Discs are 89mph Bugattis. I live a half mile from Wickham Park in Melbourne FL, site of the 36th Annual Melbourne Disc Golf Open Professional event to be held in June this year. I suggest compromise: Allow a temporary 9 hole course to see if the interest is there. Form a Disc Golf Club to run events and work out the temporary course configuration. Adjust the location of holes real-time to accommodate other park uses by observing and correcting issues that arise during play. Purchase 9ea ~$100 portable, temporary baskets/Holes on Amazon for the 9 hole course. Temporary Baskets and Tee Pads can be set up in an hour by two or three volunteers with a pickup. Our Pro course is routinely reconfigured and expanded for tournaments. In time local enthusiasts may be able to expand the Easton course to 18 permanent holes using the experience they gained by designing, building and playing on the temporary 9 hole course. Good Luck! Its a great game for all ages.
I’d reference Tuckahoe State Park as an example of disc golf in a natural setting. I see no impact at all on wildlife, hikers or campers. There’s even a bluebird trail alongside it.
Disc golf is a quiet sport that works nicely and unobtrusively in a park setting.