The Parks Commission approved the disc golf course on Tuesday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County could have its only public disc golf course by summer, following approval by the city's Parks Commission of a plan spearheaded by former commissioner James Conant.

 

The new course will be installed within Kirvin Park and will feature nine holes (a basket with a ring on top and chains hanging down, all mounted on a seven foot pole) across varying terrain, played with a Frisbee-style disc.

 

In response to a long expressed interest from Pittsfield residents, Conant worked with Parks and Open Spaces Manager James McGrath to develop a plan for a suitable site.

 

"We kind of quickly came to to the conclusion that Kirvin was the best fit," Conant told the Parks Commission.  "Kirvin really lends itself nicely, because it's just kind of a rolling terrain, with nice wispy grass, which you don't have to mow in the traditional golf sense."

 

Conant described it as a "great passive recreation for families and kids," which would require no special equipment and no maintenance.  Additionally, the installation will be at no cost to the city.

 

"I don't know of any that are here in town," said Conant, "The closest one I know of is in Northampton, and that's very popular."

 

Disc golf as a sport was first pioneered in the early 1960s by Kevin Donnelly, recreation supervisor for the city of Newport Beach, Calif., but has grown wildly in popularity during the past decade.  According to Disc Golf Course Review, the number of courses for the sport worldwide doubled between 2000 and 2008.  
 

A disc golf basket at Bousquet Disc Golf Course, Pittsfield's private, pay-to-play course.

McGrath said the design for the course was developed with consulting help from a firm called Explore Disc Golf, which also helped select the site.

 

"There made to be some minimal clearing required," said McGrath, but most of the course would take advantage of natural features of the park.

 

Conant said the course will be installed with volunteer help and paid for by private donation.

 

"Other than approval to put it up, I'm not going to ask the city for anything," Conant said.  "Which is unique in itself."

 

"I think it's a great idea," said commission chair Dr. John Herman.

 

The Parks Commission voted unanimously to approve the installation, which because the park is also considered a conservation area, will now also have to be approved by the Conservation Commission, who previously looked favorably on the proposal in its informational stage.  As long as approved, installation will take place this spring.