Park board may explore expansion of disc golf
A Vancouver park board commissioner wants staff to study the impact and prospect of expanding the city's disc golf scene.
Commissioner Laura Christensen says the growth of disc golf in Vancouver comes as the popular Jericho playing field is set to close to make way for the Jericho Lands development. This will put pressure on the park board's two other courses: Quilchena Park in Shaughnessy and Queen Elizabeth Park.
In her motion, Christensen says there are tens of thousands of rounds of disc golf played in those three parks each year, and that number is increasing. Around a quarter of those rounds are played at the Jericho Lands course.
The park board co-manages the courses with the Van City United Disc Golf Club.
Christensen is asking park board staff to report “on the scope, budget, and schedule required to develop a plan for the expansion of disc golf in Vancouver.” This includes meeting with the club, researching North American trends in disc golf, and finding potential locations for new or expanded disc golf courses within existing Vancouver parks.
Staff would also be asked to estimate capital and operating costs of the proposed expansion and consider appointing a park board commissioner liaison to the disc golf club.
Club president Corey McKenelley says the club is working with the Vancouver park board on behalf of its members and the public.
Christensen is one of three park board commissioners who separated from the ruling ABC Vancouver party after it sought to disband the board. The board is governed by three ABC commissioners, three independents and the Vancouver Green party's Tom Digby.
The park board manages 250 public parks and beaches, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Bloedel Conservatory and several recreational facilities, including community centres, pools, rinks, fitness centres, golf courses, street trees, marinas, sports fields and playgrounds.
The City of Vancouver is proposing a takeover of the park board, which is reliant on city funding.
Christensen's disc golf motion will be presented at Monday's board meeting.