Pittsfield Disc Golf Course Jumps Second Hoop
 Parks and Recreation Director James McGrath presented the idea to the Conservation Commission on Thursday. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The proposed disc golf course at Kirvin Park jumped another hoop Thursday after the Conservation Commission gave their approval.
The proposal faced questions of how it would "co-exist" with other usages at the park and future uses. Parks and Recreation Director James McGrath told the commission that the course is mostly laid out in a portion of the park that is currently not mowed or maintained so it shouldn't disrupt anything.
"It's a minimally invasive layout," McGrath said. "We really feel disc golf can exist without conflict with other activities."
Commissioners questioned the extent it would be used and need for maintenance and while McGrath said there have been no surveys performed, the sport is rising in popularity and parks across the country are making courses.
"I have a feeling this will be well used," he said.
McGrath said the area is not likely to need mowing because of the foot traffic. The course is set up on an area that is currently only mowed once a year.
In other business, the commission agreed to extend the conditions on the Pontoosuc Lake draw down. The lake is drawn down every winter. Every three years, it has a "deep draw down" of 5 feet and every other year it is drawn down 3 1/2 feet.
The deep drawdowns have been adopted by the city and the town of Lanesborough to help fight milfoil, a weed that had been increasing in density. The deep drawdown exposes the land under the swimming areas to the winter elements and kills the roots.
Tags: conservation commission, parks & rec,
