[weaver_youtube AMYyLECVDLs rel=8]

Disc golf may bring more activity to Lucerne Park following, approval by Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board, to add an initial nine-hole course and an additional nine-holes in several years. But it wasn’t without discussion.

Concern disc golf would interfere with general use of the park was expressed during the board meeting on Tuesday. Larry Plummer, Warsaw Parks superintendent, commented on  the concern reporting the park is not used a “whole bunch any more since the Y camps are not there” and the senior group no longer utilize the outdoors. “Special events and rentals,” was all Plummer reported the park is being utilized for.

The board’s vote was unanimous to proceed with creating a disc golf course.

The course will be installed by late summer, early fall. Noted in a handout to the board, eight-weeks would be taken to raise funds to purchase necessary tee signs and baskets. An additional eight weeks would be needed for the production of the items as well as two to four weeks for clearing and clean up of low and dead branches and placement of trash cans. It would take one to two weeks to install the course.

Tim Dombrosky, who proposed the idea last month, provided a sample of a brochure to be published about the program. An estimated coast — to be raised through grants and sponsorship for the first nine holes is estimated at $4,505.

Dombrosky provided board members with photos of a group playing the game with portable tees. He addressed several questions he had been asked: Disturbance with fishing and those using the property and facilities for birthday parties and disturbing wildlife in the wetland area along with needing a permit.

He stated he is confidant there would be no disturbing any events as the course is laid out to avoid people and playground. Regarding wildlife and need for a permit, he stated there was no knowledge of large wildlife in the wetland area and no permit would be needed as long as no dirt was moved or grades changed.

“I think its a great idea,” stated Rick Paczkowski, board member, noting the players are careful of other people and there would be signage.

Dombrosky stated he spoke with K21 Health Foundation officials who feel it falls in the range of a grant request. Under the park department authority, Dombrosky will seeking a grant for equipment purchase.

Plummer stated there is potential revenue from the program, through rental of discs, offering park programs and hosting tournaments. A tournament could be hosted using the temporary baskets.