Adam Schneider
March 10th, 2009, 10:54 AM
Here's the deal, Oregonians (and Washingtonians): a new disc golf course is on the table as a possible option for a new park being planned in northern Clackamas County, just east of Milwaukie -- this would be the only course on the east side of the river inside I-205. But it's just as likely that they might decide to go with a "100% wilderness, 0% recreation" option. So, the powers-that-be need to hear from every last disc golfer in the metro area.
I've personally attended several public meetings about the future of the "Harmony Community Campus," but the people in charge have assured me that comments submitted through their Web site will carry just as much weight as the paper forms they had available at the meetings.
Here's the page with the suggestion form: http://www.harmonyvision.org/public_involvement.html
They've put two options out there, for which they've created PDF maps: "Option 1" (http://www.harmonyvision.org/dd/HCC_map_option1.pdf) (with disc golf) and "Option 2" (http://www.harmonyvision.org/dd/HCC_map_option2.pdf) (no disc golf). But they've made it clear that it's not either/or -- some aspects of each map will eventually be used.
So don't just write a message saying, "Option 1 is awesome cuz I love disc golf." Tell them why you think there should be a course there. Here are some potential "talking points":
A disc golf course requires little modification of the natural environment
All ages and abilities can play, including young children
Another recreation option for bored teenagers
It would be a good fit with recreation programs at the adjacent Aquatic Center & O.I.T.
This part of town has zero disc golf options at the moment
A close-in course means less wasting gas driving to the 'burbs to play; this course will also be MAX-accessible (they're really emphasizing "sustainability" in this planning process)
Sustainability notwithstanding, disc golfers do often travel to play a quality course, and spend money at local businesses (restaurants, etc.)
People play disc golf year-round, meaning there would always be "eyes" on the park, which would help keep the transients away; the "wilderness-only" option would make it more welcoming to sketchy characters
Other local urban courses (Greenway, Leverich) have shown that disc golfers and pedestrians can co-exist
The course could be installed using volunteer labor from local clubs and individuals
So let's flood their inboxes with enthusiastic but well-reasoned support. Tell your friends and neighbors. Maybe we should put up flyers at local courses that have "kiosks" -- like Lunchtime?
...also, I see there's a Stumptown meeting this week; I assume someone will put this on the agenda?
I've personally attended several public meetings about the future of the "Harmony Community Campus," but the people in charge have assured me that comments submitted through their Web site will carry just as much weight as the paper forms they had available at the meetings.
Here's the page with the suggestion form: http://www.harmonyvision.org/public_involvement.html
They've put two options out there, for which they've created PDF maps: "Option 1" (http://www.harmonyvision.org/dd/HCC_map_option1.pdf) (with disc golf) and "Option 2" (http://www.harmonyvision.org/dd/HCC_map_option2.pdf) (no disc golf). But they've made it clear that it's not either/or -- some aspects of each map will eventually be used.
So don't just write a message saying, "Option 1 is awesome cuz I love disc golf." Tell them why you think there should be a course there. Here are some potential "talking points":
A disc golf course requires little modification of the natural environment
All ages and abilities can play, including young children
Another recreation option for bored teenagers
It would be a good fit with recreation programs at the adjacent Aquatic Center & O.I.T.
This part of town has zero disc golf options at the moment
A close-in course means less wasting gas driving to the 'burbs to play; this course will also be MAX-accessible (they're really emphasizing "sustainability" in this planning process)
Sustainability notwithstanding, disc golfers do often travel to play a quality course, and spend money at local businesses (restaurants, etc.)
People play disc golf year-round, meaning there would always be "eyes" on the park, which would help keep the transients away; the "wilderness-only" option would make it more welcoming to sketchy characters
Other local urban courses (Greenway, Leverich) have shown that disc golfers and pedestrians can co-exist
The course could be installed using volunteer labor from local clubs and individuals
So let's flood their inboxes with enthusiastic but well-reasoned support. Tell your friends and neighbors. Maybe we should put up flyers at local courses that have "kiosks" -- like Lunchtime?
...also, I see there's a Stumptown meeting this week; I assume someone will put this on the agenda?