New course on Portland's west side

[spindoctor]

Send a one or two sentence email to the local decision makers saying it's time for a new course over here! All their email addresses are here:

http://discspindoctor.org/help.html

And then ask your disc golfer friends to send an email.

[Flash]

Are you looking for something specifically in the Hillsboro area?

Maybe a better plight would be to ask Washington County if we could re-design a better flowing 18 hole course on land that would not be flooded if the county won a 6 billion dollar lottery to install the new levy.

We also have 18 hole courses further out: Stub Stewart in Buxton and Hornings in North Plains. We also have the 15 hole course at Lunchtime.

Send a one or two sentence email to the local decision makers saying it's time for a new course over here! All their email addresses are here:

http://discspindoctor.org/help.html

And then ask your disc golfer friends to send an email.

[spindoctor]

Are you looking for something specifically in the Hillsboro area?

Maybe a better plight would be to ask Washington County if we could re-design a better flowing 18 hole course on land that would not be flooded if the county won a 6 billion dollar lottery to install the new levy.

We also have 18 hole courses further out: Stub Stewart in Buxton and Hornings in North Plains. We also have the 15 hole course at Lunchtime.

Hornings is great. I haven't played Stub. And Hagg Lake is pretty good too. But I'm looking to get something built closer in. These are all 35+ minutes away. Which is about as far as Pier Park. I work 10 minutes from Lunchtime, so I play there a lot when it's nice. It's interesting that 2 of the most accessible course on the west side (Hornings and Lunchtime) are private! I think the parks people should step up here. Disc golf continues to grow, so more courses are needed.

I hope I'm not the only one who thinks we need another course on the west side...

[Scott]

Hornings is great. I haven't played Stub. And Hagg Lake is pretty good too. But I'm looking to get something built closer in. These are all 35+ minutes away. Which is about as far as Pier Park. I work 10 minutes from Lunchtime, so I play there a lot when it's nice. It's interesting that 2 of the most accessible course on the west side (Hornings and Lunchtime) are private! I think the parks people should step up here. Disc golf continues to grow, so more courses are needed.

I hope I'm not the only one who thinks we need another course on the west side...

Nobody would turn down the opportunity for more courses, but where exactly are you proposing a course? It's not like the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton are sitting on huge unused chunks of park space. Land on the west side is far too valuable to just be sitting around un-used. If we're going to see more courses close in they will likely be on private land.

[spindoctor]

Nobody would turn down the opportunity for more courses, but where exactly are you proposing a course? It's not like the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton are sitting on huge unused chunks of park space. Land on the west side is far too valuable to just be sitting around un-used. If we're going to see more courses close in they will likely be on private land.

So true. I recently spent 2 hours with Hillsboro Parks people looking at maps and locations. There are lots of regulations (environmental, land use, water rights, wetlands, nature preserve, etc...) that make it very difficult. They do have some space that may be able to host a 9 hole course, but probably not an 18 hole course. We discussed public/private partnerships (private land but publicly funded baskets, signs and tees) and looked at properties for that.

All that said, my impression was that there was no urgency on their part to want to tackle a new course. But they were open to it. So that's why I'm trying to get disc golfers to send emails to encourage them in that direction. They recognize there's a need, but it's up to us to help them prioritize it. If we don't, it may be 2, 3 or more years before a new course get's on their project plate. Citizen support could greatly shorten that timeline.

[Mcw5378]

Is the area where the 9 hole course is possible large enough to make 2 tee pads per hole so 18 could be played on a slightly varied hole?

[Scott]

Is the area where the 9 hole course is possible large enough to make 2 tee pads per hole so 18 could be played on a slightly varied hole?

I think I know which land he's referring to. I've spoken with a planner with the Hillsboro Parks deptartment and it's on our to-do-list after Orchard Park is finished. I haven't walked the land yet, but my impression is that it would be 9 holes only.

[spindoctor]

Is the area where the 9 hole course is possible large enough to make 2 tee pads per hole so 18 could be played on a slightly varied hole?

Very likely no. Here's a link to a map of that site I mentioned.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=45.516512,-122.930574&spn=0.00857,0.021458&t=h&z=16

I mentioned this location in our meeting and if I remember correctly, HPR owns a portion of it, which was a pleasant surprise. The problem with this site was that Turner Creek runs through it, so there are lots of restrictions for its use.

I'll post the others shortly so anyone can look at them.

[spindoctor]

I think I know which land he's referring to. I've spoken with a planner with the Hillsboro Parks deptartment and it's on our to-do-list after Orchard Park is finished. I haven't walked the land yet, but my impression is that it would be 9 holes only.

And this was one of the best properties we looked at. 9 holes would be a squeeze there due to all the restrictions.

[spindoctor]

Here's another site:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=45.523736,-122.930242&spn=0.004285,0.010729&t=h&z=17

Not the best for a disc course, but could comfortably fit 9 holes, even some long ones. There are LOTS of plans for this space; they're just waiting for money to break ground on them. So this was a dead end.

[spindoctor]

This site is on the PCC Rock Creek campus:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=45.569427,-122.862017&spn=0.008277,0.021265&t=h&z=16

It would be a joint effort between HPR and PCC, but those 2 organizations have a good working relationship. This site has plenty of parking and could easily host 18 holes; it's the 2nd largest site we discussed. Once again, due to the creek, there are restrictions.

[spindoctor]

This property is just north of the Valley Memorial Cemetery. I believe the city owns some property adjacent to this lot.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=45.506828,-122.945337&spn=0.008286,0.021265&t=h&z=16

This could be another public/private joint venture. Once again, there's a creek running through it, so some restrictions apply.

[spindoctor]

Last one! This property is just off Brookwood between Costco and the airport. It's owned by the Port of Portland, so another joint venture. I don't think they can build on it because of the air traffic. It's very heavily wooded, but there's a large open space. So throwing into and out of the woods could make for a nice 9 hole course.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=45.535814,-122.939436&spn=0.008282,0.021265&t=h&z=16

And there's another set of restrictions associated with this property. I don't remember all the details, though.

[Flash]

Hornings is great. I haven't played Stub. And Hagg Lake is pretty good too.

Hagg lake is an 18 hole course but its in need of some help to make it better and more user friendly. I think it presents the greatest opportunity to finish a solid 18 hole course on the west side. It could also lead to maybe a second course across the road.

[spindoctor]

Hagg lake is an 18 hole course but its in need of some help to make it better and more user friendly. I think it presents the greatest opportunity to finish a solid 18 hole course on the west side. It could also lead to maybe a second course across the road.

The front side of the course at Hagg Lake is pretty good. The back side is pretty rough. I have been in discussions with Washington country, who suggested that there's an obstacle course tree park in Gaston that could host a course. Does anyone know those people?

Mary O. from HPR also mentioned that Hagg Lake has a ton of property and there might be an opportunity there for another course, so you're not the only one who has considered that. I'll be following up on that over the next several weeks.

[tmk]

The airport/Costco land seems like a prime candidate. What else would the it be good for?

Looking at the map, it appears like more than nine holes would easily fit. For example, put a basket & the next tee into the open area near the Airport & 48th intersection. I'd guess parking could be a problem if Costco's lot were used by discers.

Heard any more about additional restrictions?

[PDX_Stu]

FYI,

I ran into a guy last night that just retired from the water district in Washington County . The Hagg Lake Dam raising is dead. There were federal government conflicts. The water district options to get more H20 to Washington county is in limbo for the indefinite future. At least, until the world end later this month..

:chug:

[spindoctor]

The airport/Costco land seems like a prime candidate. What else would the it be good for?

Looking at the map, it appears like more than nine holes would easily fit. For example, put a basket & the next tee into the open area near the Airport & 48th intersection. I'd guess parking could be a problem if Costco's lot were used by discers.

Heard any more about additional restrictions?

This lot is excellent. We discussed the space across 48th (near Triquent) for parking too. Lots of opportunities for throwing into and out of the woods. The restrictions have to do with how much underbrush can be cut. This wooded area is VERY heavily wooded. If you've walked through it, it's pretty thick. To make a good course, brush and some trees would very likely need to be removed. This land isn't useful for building on since it's too close to the airport or something like that. Since it's owned by the Port of Portland, I'm trying to get in touch with someone there. Maybe HPR will fund the baskets if PoP will let us use the land. It's worth a try.

[SMOKIN JOE]

Hagg lake is an 18 hole course but its in need of some help to make it better and more user friendly. I think it presents the greatest opportunity to finish a solid 18 hole course on the west side. It could also lead to maybe a second course across the road.

Solid is a good review. My favorite local course. Tee pads, back to original form, a restroom on fairway 16 right(easy to get to), someone to empty the trash cans, a bigger parking lot to the right, another restroom there. The best time of year to play is when the park is closed. The brush and grass are down. It's quiet. The lake is still. Me and Fritz had an eagle checking us out yesterday. Yes, fixing up Hagg and building more around it sounds like the best Idea to me as well.

[discdog]

Hagg Lake, Milo McIver west.

[spindoctor]

I met with Garry H last night. We talked a lot about Hagg Lake. Several here and in my meetings have also mentioned that park, probably because of its size. So I'm going to pursue that opportunity.

I've played it a few times over the years, and I think that to make it more of a draw for players of all abilities, it could use these improvements:

More parking
A and B tees (for less experienced players)
Signs
Rework or relocate some of the holes in the woods on the back side


These in addition to some of the ideas from this thread should be enough to get a discussion going with WA County. I'll monitor this thread for other ideas that may come in too and keep a list.

[hawgman]

If the property can hold a 9 hole course, the use of duel teepads, duel basket location on each hole can be a very viable option to look at. Tee pads do not need to be all that far from each other to greatly vary the shot. I reference Woodmansee park in Salem as a Great example of this style course in small park area. If you haven't been this way to check it out in last year lots finished, all cement teepads (-1), signage, and generally well maintained trails and such.
Just my two cents on how smaller property size can be used to it's maximum.

Steve

[SMOKIN JOE]

I met with Garry H last night. We talked a lot about Hagg Lake. Several here and in my meetings have also mentioned that park, probably because of its size. So I'm going to pursue that opportunity.

I've played it a few times over the years, and I think that to make it more of a draw for players of all abilities, it could use these improvements:

More parking
A and B tees (for less experienced players)
Signs
Rework or relocate some of the holes in the woods on the back side


These in addition to some of the ideas from this thread should be enough to get a discussion going with WA County. I'll monitor this thread for other ideas that may come in too and keep a list.

Why would you need to rework the course? Putting it back to it's original form sounds the best. I'd rather walk to a good hole than play an average one.

[emmarose]

Why would you need to rework the course? Putting it back to it's original form sounds the best. I'd rather walk to a good hole than play an average one.

while i agree with this sentiment i would have to argue that some of those holes with the weird ass walk outs left much to be desired...

hagg has a ton of potential... it's great that it's not being abandoned or dead in the water... would love to see these improvements (altho, despite it being over here on the west side, it's still a 45 minute drive from my house... )

[spindoctor]

Why would you need to rework the course? Putting it back to it's original form sounds the best. I'd rather walk to a good hole than play an average one.

No one's talking about reworking the whole course, but it's possible some holes would need to change in order to add parking, for instance. My role is to get WA county talking and thinking about it. When we get to the point where changes are likely, I'll bow out and we'll get someone else involved who's good at course design. Hopefully, they'll bring some consensus to the process. It's an awesome property and many people have commented that the course there could be improved.

[spindoctor]

I've finally heard back from the Port of Portland on the property adjacent to Costco in Hillsboro. Here's a link to see it on a map (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=hillsboro+ore&hl=en&ll=45.53628,-122.939329&spn=0.007199,0.015943&sll=37.579413,-95.625&sspn=33.147422,65.302734&t=h&hnear=Hillsboro,+Washington,+Oregon&z=16).

They said they'd look into letting HPR use it for a disc golf course and that they'd get back to us before Feb 1! They asked questions about cutting trees down. I said it would probably be necessary, but I'd back off of that if it meant not having a course there. They also mentioned aviation restrictions and not being able to put any structures on the property. I'll update here and on my web site (http://discspindoctor.org/news.html) when I hear back from them.

[Adam Schneider]

I guess it depends on how you define "structure."

[tmk]

Wowzers! Good news. Let me know if I can help out. Love to get in on the course design.

[spindoctor]

I guess it depends on how you define "structure."

My guess is buildings.

[spindoctor]

Wowzers! Good news. Let me know if I can help out. Love to get in on the course design.

In all my meetings with HPR, space for a disc golf course has always come up as a limitation. My role is to help them in that area so they can focus on installing the course. If the Port of Portland says it's okay to put a course there, I'll turn everything over to HPR and let them take it from there.

[Adam Schneider]

Well, fortunately, I can't imagine the "aviation restrictions" will come into play. Ball-golf courses are a VERY common use of land adjacent to airports.

[puttmin]

Have you played hole 4(?) at Adair ? One super hyzer bomb and you'll hit an airplane and bring it out of the sky!:biggrin2:I've tried to play Hagg a couple times in the summer05? and 2011 and there wasn't much golf goin' on. Just alot of walkin, gettin lost and searchin. The land is epic for a super course, but the days I had been there, it was all overgrown and not very golfy. I didnt really get it... broke out the mtn bike and saved the day. Dont mean to be a grumpy, just waitin for others to tell it like it is, no one really has stepped up...it could be a great place if redesigned and maintained, which ,yes ,would take someones hard work and thoughtful design.(encouragement)
Well, fortunately, I can't imagine the "aviation restrictions" will come into play. Ball-golf courses are a VERY common use of land adjacent to airports.

[emmarose]

Have you played hole 4(?) at Adair ? One super hyzer bomb and you'll hit an airplane and bring it out of the sky!:biggrin2:I've tried to play Hagg a couple times in the summer05? and 2011 and there wasn't much golf goin' on. Just alot of walkin, gettin lost and searchin. The land is epic for a super course, but the days I had been there, it was all overgrown and not very golfy. I didnt really get it... broke out the mtn bike and saved the day. Dont mean to be a grumpy, just waitin for others to tell it like it is, no one really has stepped up...it could be a great place if redesigned and maintained, which ,yes ,would take someones hard work and thoughtful design.(encouragement)

part of the redesign would probably be to move the course off of what i understand to be an elk sanctuary... hence the lack of mowing of the tall grass.

[spindoctor]

I was with some guys who play all over the state. This was their first time at Hagg. They said the property had incredible potential as a disc golf course; it has hills and flats, trees and open space, and water. They too noted without someone who knew the layout, it would be difficult to find all the holes.

[Sam]

Hagg Lake is going to be raised considerably. The course we see there now will mostly be gone when all is said and done. The powers that be have stated their intention to give us land to create a new course out there when the time comes so any thoughts on "improvement" should be saved for a later date, unfortunately.

[loki]

Now, it is far from the westside (and not even Oregon) but last week when I was out at Bonneville I went for a walk between rounds. I parked by the baseball fields and walked around the park there on the shores of the Columbia and if there was ever a place more suited for a great disc golf course this would be it. Does anyone know the land of which I speak? A second course out that direction would get a lot more people traveling that way. Anyone know if that would be an avenue worth exploring?

[emmarose]

Hagg Lake is going to be raised considerably. The course we see there now will mostly be gone when all is said and done. The powers that be have stated their intention to give us land to create a new course out there when the time comes so any thoughts on "improvement" should be saved for a later date, unfortunately.

... i don't believe that this is happening any more...

[Scott]

Hagg Lake is going to be raised considerably.
Pretty sure that's off the table.

[spindoctor]

The conversation went very well! They have been looking for someone to engage on this course for a while now. They have had some leadership changes there too, which is a good thing in our case. Here are some details and history as told to me from WA county. This is important because it gives us an idea of where they're coming from:


The original group that installed the course was a disc golf club (maybe even just 1 guy who had some help; his name isn't relevant for this discussion) from Forest Grove. The club moved on and passed the baton to 2 others. They've been good about maintaining the course (some signs, trash, etc...) but WA country doesn't have much contact with them.
Lots of disc golfers complain about the tall grass in the summer. This course is on an elk preserve, so the grass can only be cut occasionally. Bottom line is the tall grass isn't going to be cut any more frequently than it has been in the past. I don't believe this is a problem; see the next item.
WA county is absolutely open to some course redesign (e.g., moving holes). Moving some holes from the middle of the field to the periphery and hugging the tree lines may help. I'm sure there are several other options here.


I committed to pursuing this further by coming up with a plan that I will run by them. This plan will certainly consist of multiple steps over many weeks and months. It will include vision and goals, a business case to help with funding and a timeline. I think it's highly dependent on how fast we can move and organize.

I will definitely need help! I'll be contacting people I know, and some I don't know as well to get this started. This is in its very early stages, but I think there's lots of potential and a huge opportunity here. I may fork this off onto another thread on this forum that is specific to Hagg Lake.

[Garro]

Way to go Jim! Nice work on this. Everyone agrees that Hagg is a great piece of property. Did they mention the issue of raising the water level in the lake? Some of us have heard that idea has basically been shelved.

Anyhow, I'm into helping with this. I used to live out there and have a real affinity for the place.

Garry

[spindoctor]

Way to go Jim! Nice work on this. Everyone agrees that Hagg is a great piece of property. Did they mention the issue of raising the water level in the lake? Some of us have heard that idea has basically been shelved.

Anyhow, I'm into helping with this. I used to live out there and have a real affinity for the place.

Garry

Raising the water level has not come up in our discussions. We have exchanged contacts and I correspond with them regularly now. I'll ask for the official position on that and update the answer here so we can know all where we stand.

[PDX_Stu]

Thanks for all the follow up and work. I will routinely drive over 30 miles to play Timber, McIver, and N. Bonne, but I never go to Hagg. It would be nice to see this become a destination course. I think a little redesign, maintenance, and adequate parking is the ticket.

[jdinteg]

Thanks for all the follow up and work. I will routinely drive over 30 miles to play Timber, McIver, and N. Bonne, but I never go to Hagg. It would be nice to see this become a destination course. I think a little redesign, maintenance, and adequate parking is the ticket.

Stu, would you pay to park?

[Bob Horning]

Originally Posted by Sam View Post
Hagg Lake is going to be raised considerably.
Pretty sure that's off the table.

Actually it is still very much on the table and because of water needs I'm sure it will be done in the future. The only real question is how high it will be raised. Hillsboro is now looking to add water from the Willamette, which will lower the height originally needed which was about 25 ft to about half of that.

[Trozzle!!!]

The conversation went very well! They have been looking for someone to engage on this course for a while now. They have had some leadership changes there too, which is a good thing in our case. Here are some details and history as told to me from WA county. This is important because it gives us an idea of where they're coming from:


The original group that installed the course was a disc golf club (maybe even just 1 guy who had some help; his name isn't relevant for this discussion) from Forest Grove. The club moved on and passed the baton to 2 others. They've been good about maintaining the course (some signs, trash, etc...) but WA country doesn't have much contact with them.
Lots of disc golfers complain about the tall grass in the summer. This course is on an elk preserve, so the grass can only be cut occasionally. Bottom line is the tall grass isn't going to be cut any more frequently than it has been in the past. I don't believe this is a problem; see the next item.
WA county is absolutely open to some course redesign (e.g., moving holes). Moving some holes from the middle of the field to the periphery and hugging the tree lines may help. I'm sure there are several other options here.


I committed to pursuing this further by coming up with a plan that I will run by them. This plan will certainly consist of multiple steps over many weeks and months. It will include vision and goals, a business case to help with funding and a timeline. I think it's highly dependent on how fast we can move and organize.

I will definitely need help! I'll be contacting people I know, and some I don't know as well to get this started. This is in its very early stages, but I think there's lots of potential and a huge opportunity here. I may fork this off onto another thread on this forum that is specific to Hagg Lake.



Although the original course designer C.E. is now in Cali, The course is still being maintained (as much as we can) by myself and many others who were involved in the original development and install of Hagg. We do regular trash runs and course maintenance (clearing whats needed). We have been doing this for years and still do it. We all know it needs lots of work and I have been in contact with some who are very interested. Unless I hear different, the course is pretty much in my groups control. The land is of course County owned, but the baskets belong to us. If anyone is interested in working together on this, please message me here, or on FB. Troy Trozzle Grotte

[Garro]

Trozzle, thanks for the updates. What do you here about raising the water level of the lake? Is that still on the table? And if so, how do you think it will effect the current course lay-out?

[Trozzle!!!]

I havent heard anything lately about the dam. Last i knew if it was going to be done, it would still be another 20 years or so. No immediate threat.

[spindoctor]

I think it's still in consideration. I contacted WA County and they said they're not sure, but they think its likely too. They also sent me here:

http://www.tualatinbasinwatersupply.org/project_description.html

There are a couple different plans. I've emailed the project manager for the Hagg Lake effort. I should hear back pretty soon, and if I don't hear back, I'll call him. When I hear something, I'll post it here.

[spindoctor]

Although the original course designer C.E. is now in Cali, The course is still being maintained (as much as we can) by myself and many others who were involved in the original development and install of Hagg. We do regular trash runs and course maintenance (clearing whats needed). We have been doing this for years and still do it. We all know it needs lots of work and I have been in contact with some who are very interested. Unless I hear different, the course is pretty much in my groups control. The land is of course County owned, but the baskets belong to us. If anyone is interested in working together on this, please message me here, or on FB. Troy Trozzle Grotte

Sounds like we should join forces!

[spindoctor]

The short answer is there is serious consideration for raising the water level of the dam. Current thinking is to go up about 12 feet. No date is projected, but the timeframe being thrown around is 2025. I'd say this is a non-issue from a disc golfer's perspective there.

Their full response is here if you're interested. I had to call them to get the projected date.

The two options that are described on the website for raising Scoggins Dam were identified in 2006 when the project was preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. Since that time, concerns about a possible large earthquake off Oregon’s coast and dam safety have arisen. The Bureau of Reclamation has been studying the structure and identifying options for strengthening the dam. Meanwhile, two partners in the project - the City of Hillsboro and Tualatin Valley Water District – are considering other water supply sources (Willamette River). Clean Water Services as the project manager is still considering a possible dam raise, but a much small one about 12 feet which would need to be coordinated with Reclamation’s efforts to reduce the safety risk of the dam.

[Trozzle!!!]

check your email spin

[Matt B.]

The short answer is there is serious consideration for raising the water level of the dam. Current thinking is to go up about 12 feet. No date is projected, but the timeframe being thrown around is 2025. I'd say this is a non-issue from a disc golfer's perspective there.

Their full response is here if you're interested. I had to call them to get the projected date.

The two options that are described on the website for raising Scoggins Dam were identified in 2006 when the project was preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. Since that time, concerns about a possible large earthquake off Oregon’s coast and dam safety have arisen. The Bureau of Reclamation has been studying the structure and identifying options for strengthening the dam. Meanwhile, two partners in the project - the City of Hillsboro and Tualatin Valley Water District – are considering other water supply sources (Willamette River). Clean Water Services as the project manager is still considering a possible dam raise, but a much small one about 12 feet which would need to be coordinated with Reclamation’s efforts to reduce the safety risk of the dam.

Not sure how or if it affects the 12 foot water level rise, but around 2009-10 some federally protected species were also discovered in the park, and my understanding is that the presence of those species also decreases the likelihood of the project happening.

[Bruce]

All I hope with Hagg is this... Holes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18 aren't touched. All of those holes are great. Move hole 2 back to the original location and that hole once again becomes great as well!

[Trozzle!!!]

We will keep that in our thoughts Bruce. I do prefer the old hole 2 as well. I myself have a few changes I have been thinking about for years, but never implemented.

[Bruce]

Hole 7 would also be epic with a B location deeper and left, near the boarder of the cut grass on the slope side. We've talked about that often when out at Hagg, since we get out there 3 or 4 times a year minimum.

[Trozzle!!!]

We are having a meeting today, in about an hour.

[spindoctor]

Troy, Amanda, Jason and I met on Sunday. We brainstormed ideas for improvements at the course. I learned a lot about the history of the course. To their credit and dedication, these 3 have used their own time, efforts, resources and money to maintain and improve this course.

Going forward, we're each going to do a few things before we get back together in a couple weeks. At that time, we'll finalize the list of improvements and our capacity to achieve them. We'll create a proposal and business case and take it to WA county.

If you're familiar with this course and/or have ideas, this would be as good a place as any to float them. We're logging all the ideas we see here. No guarantees, of course, but we'll consider all input as we draft the proposal.

Stay tuned. We'll update here as it unfolds.

[Adam Schneider]

I've only played the course three times, and not in a few years, but one thing I can say for sure is that the "meadow holes" were a LOT better when they hugged the edges of the trees. Moving them out into the open removed some of my incentive for going all the way out there.

Also, I love the forest holes — especially #14 and #9. (Yeah, #9 is aggravating as hell, but it's beautiful.)

[Trozzle!!!]

I wont go into much detail yet Adam, but baskets hugging the tree line, like they used to be, was one option that was discussed. You aren't the only one I have known to prefer the old positions. We will see what we can do.

[Flash]

Parking will always be an issue at Hagg unless the course build or re-design can happen around an existing parking lot. The best option is 1/4 mile further down the road. There is also a bathroom there. If the group involved looked at an out and back design that players could play as 9 holes or a complete 18 hole course would bring more of a destination feel to the park. The group should speak with Washington County about the use of the land near any of the parking lots on the west side of the lake.

You could always leave the original course if there is too much history there that individuals feel tied to and don't want to see changed, don't change it look to add more courses. Its really not that hard to secure funding for 18 baskets, speak with the Washington County Visitors Association. They helped to fund the Meadows Ridge course at Horning's Hideout and the course at LL Stub Stewart. They have grants they award yearly to help improve the tourism to the county. Stu's comment is clear, he would drive twice as far to play Milo or Trojan then go to Hagg Lake. I think these are the things the Visitors Association needs to hear to help the cause. Plus Hagg lake brings revenue with park entrance fees.

[spindoctor]

Thanks for ringing in, Flash. It sounds like you've done this before!

All of these things and more are on our list of potentials, especially the parking. If we move the course to a location where a lot already exists, that's an expense we don't have to incur and a task that we don't have to do. There are 2 other locations around the lake we're scouting as candidates too. Part of the business case will be that more disc golfers increases park usage. The other driving factor to relocate the course is the grass. With long grass, it's only a winter course, and there's no draw during the summer months.

Our relationship with WA county is pretty good right now. We'll be talking with them in 4-6 weeks when we have a firm idea what we want to say/propose.

[Trozzle!!!]

I have been getting private messages on here and on Facebook from people interested in helping out once we get some work going. I will keep a list so we can send out invites to them once we get going. I'm sure we will be making a public notice as well. Thanks for the interest folks :cheers:

Any one else want a personal invite, please feel free to message me.

[discdog]

Not to change the subject, but I am without a car at the moment so i had to go to the Hillsboro library on the bus on Sunday. I took time to walk through the Port of Portland land on the way. Man, that is one big chunk of land. I think you could get 27 holes in there easy. Have you heard back from the Port?

[Garro]

One thing about Hagg Lake, is that now is a good time to play the course. The grass in the fields is short and the brush in the woods is down. Also there is no parking fee until some time in March, so its free to play.

Good to see people cooperating on this project. Hagg is still a great site for a disc golf course--beautiful land, great views of the lake and its big enough to handle a good size course. The idea to move the course (or put in another one) has a lot of merit if it means access to a parking lot and the ability to mow and maintain the course.

It is a bit hard to think about putting in the effort to improve the exisiting course if there's not adequate parking and the course can't be played most of the summer because of the long, long grass.

I'll be headed out there next week, maybe a couple times, to check out other sites and play the existing course again. If anyone wants to join me, let me know.

Garry

[Trozzle!!!]

I am always down Garry, just need a ride from Hillsboro. Everything you just mentioned was discussed in our meeting, and are issues we are going to address before we make a good business proposal to the county.

[spindoctor]

Not to change the subject, but I am without a car at the moment so i had to go to the Hillsboro library on the bus on Sunday. I took time to walk through the Port of Portland land on the way. Man, that is one big chunk of land. I think you could get 27 holes in there easy. Have you heard back from the Port?

I've called the people there many times since Jan 24th when I started this; I've left messages a few times, but I've only talked to someone 3 times. The person I'm working with was sick for a while and still has to check with other stakeholders before they can make a decision. I think that's what the hold up is. I try to call every week. I left messages today. The person I'm working with has been good about returning my calls, but no progress is being made on their end so far. I'm still working it though.

Yes, it's a great property, and every time I drive past it, I want to walk through it too. I will soon enough.

[Garro]

If you want to play for free at Hagg Lake, I guess this is the last week to do it. They start charging $5 per car on the first Saturday in March.

Troy, I'll pm you here when I figure out what day i'm headed out there.

[Trozzle!!!]

Sounds good Garry

[Trozzle!!!]

Was hoping to make it out to Hagg to play and do some scouting this last week or this weekend, but no go :(

[Etherag]

I've called the people there many times since Jan 24th when I started this; I've left messages a few times, but I've only talked to someone 3 times. The person I'm working with was sick for a while and still has to check with other stakeholders before they can make a decision. I think that's what the hold up is. I try to call every week. I left messages today. The person I'm working with has been good about returning my calls, but no progress is being made on their end so far. I'm still working it though.

Yes, it's a great property, and every time I drive past it, I want to walk through it too. I will soon enough.

I am excited to hear what they have to say as this property is right by my office. There are several private courses out in Hillsboro/Beaverton but we are lacking anything other than pitch and put inside the city limits.

Some of us at work are pushing to have the company put in a nine hole course and we have the right land to make a very nice layout. Maybe there is a collaboration possible that could move things along. From the corporate view we are using employee health and wellness for justifying building a course.

[spindoctor]

I am excited to hear what they have to say as this property is right by my office. There are several private courses out in Hillsboro/Beaverton but we are lacking anything other than pitch and put inside the city limits.

Some of us at work are pushing to have the company put in a nine hole course and we have the right land to make a very nice layout. Maybe there is a collaboration possible that could move things along. From the corporate view we are using employee health and wellness for justifying building a course.

I have pointed out to Hillsboro Parks that there are 4 companies locally that have disc courses, reminding them of the popularity of the sport. In a meeting with them late last year, we discussed public/private partnerships for a course and we even talked about specific locations too. If your company is open to something like this, we should talk.

[spindoctor]

Ok. I talked to the Port of PDX today. They are still processing the request. There were 3 areas they needed to address:

FAA restrictions - they needed to confirm what could be done and what cannot be done on this property. This effort is still in progress.
Environmental concerns - there's a creek running along the eastern edge of this property; I think it's Dawson creek. They're having trouble getting everything they need in this area, so it may be a few more weeks.
Others uses - apparently, someone else (presumably from the Port of PDX) is checking into this lot too! If this is the case, disc golf will very likely lose.


All of this is good because it means they're giving disc golf here a fair shake. I'm not surprised this has taken 5 weeks. At this point, anything except "no" is totally acceptable, including waiting a few more weeks. She said she'd call as soon as she knows more. I'll continue to update progress here.

[spindoctor]

I did hear back yesterday from the Port of Portland about the property next to Costco in Hillsboro. They cited a number of issues before they said "No":
Environmental concerns

Re-purposing of the land for recreational use

FAA concerns about bird strikes

I know, it's crazy! By the end of the conversation, I summed up their answer as "...it's just easier for you (the Port of PDX) to not do anything." They agreed.

I knew it was a long shot, and it doesn't hurt to ask. Disappointing, yes. I'll be directing my efforts towards another property in Hillsboro.

[Adam Schneider]

Bird strikes?? Are they afraid errant throws will flush out the local avian population?