By Greg Ellison

(Sept. 16, 2021) Eastbound Disc Golf organizers will return next month to revive discussions with Berlin officials about a proposed 18-hole course at Stephen Decatur Park after the town council voted 4-1 on Monday, with Councilmember Dean Burrell opposed, to table the issue for four weeks.

Local disc golf pro Austin Widdowson said three trial events were staged last month, which were well received by park patrons.

“As a tourist attract this place is gold,” he said.

While organizers initially envisioned installing 36 baskets to create both advanced and elementary courses, after further assessment an 18-hole configuration was deemed preferable.

With course layout details still to be firmed up, Widdowson proposed a phase-two trial run from October until March.

“We’re not looking to hold a bunch of tournaments,” he said. “We want to install equipment and let people play.”

Widdowson said typical course use would involve groups of under 20 people visiting the site.

“The trial run proved the site handled parking,” he said.

Mayor Zach Tyndall attended the trio of trial events last month.

“I didn’t feel unsafe,” he said.

Tyndall said based on conversations about the course with park users the general opinion was favorable.

Eastbound Disc Golf president Joshua Maxfield said the goal is blending the course layout with other park facilities.

“We know we don’t own the park we just want to be a part of it,” he said.

Widdowson said disc golf baskets are semi-permanent and could be relocated at will.

“We can adjust basket placement in the ground to determine best angles for each to make the most ideal layout for this particular park,” he said.

Burrell said any agreement for the town to accept equipment donations from Eastbound Disc Golf would be dependent on establishing maintenance responsibilities.

Eastbound Disc Golf member Shawn Johnson said the intent is providing a community amenity.

“We’re asking to leave our equipment in the park for anyone to use it,” he said.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood inquired about the value of course equipment, which organizers estimated at $15,000.

Councilmember Jay Knerr said multiple residents have voiced concerns about the course being adjacent to a pond area, along with one hole bordering Route 113.

Knerr proposed scaling back the course to nine holes with multiple tee pads used to create an 18-hole experience.

Widdowson said limiting the course to nine baskets defeats the point of building the attraction.

“A typical game is 18 holes,” he said.

Widdowson also noted the walking trail around the pond is sparsely used.

“I think the park is underutilized as a whole,” he said.

Maxfield said tourists would be less likely to visit Berlin to play a nine-hole course.

“We’re looking to foster a community,” he said. “We take care of courses and parks.”

Widdowson also stressed the course is primarily intended for residents use with few plans to hold large scale competitions.

“We would seek town approval for any future tournaments,” he said.

Burrell said attracting tourists to the park was less of a priority than maintaining the facility for the community.

Councilmember Troy Purnell voiced support for the course and the proposed six-month trial run.

“In six months we’re going to figure out if we like it,” he said.

Purnell also said equipment donations from Eastbound Disc Golf would be dependent on the town assuming responsibility for long-term maintenance.

“I think everybody’s concern is where are these holes,” he said.

Burrell took exception with approving the disc course project until Eastbound is certified as a tax-exempt 501C3 nonprofit.

Johnson said the group is an established federal nonprofit but is still awaiting 501C3 certification.

“We’re stuck in the que waiting,” he said.

Burrell said the town should refrain from moving forward on the proposal until federal tax status is established.

After Purnell suggested the group return in two weeks, Tyndall recommended extending the period to four weeks to provide sufficient time to develop an agreement with the town and a course layout map.

The council is tentatively set to revisit the matter during its Oct. 12 meeting.