Murrysville council reviews proposal for 18-hole disc golf course at MCP wetlands parcel

Murrysville Borough Council discussed a proposal on July 14 to install a wooded, 18-hole disc golf course on a largely unused parcel behind Murrysville Community Park (MCP) between Farm and Bollinger roads.

The project was presented by Dan Flanagan, a course designer and Professional Disc Golf Association member, who described the sport as rapidly growing and argued that a wooded course would be a low-impact trail amenity that keeps mature trees and requires only limited underbrush clearing. "Disc golf is extremely fast growing sport," Flanagan said, adding that a finished course would include concrete tees, signage, and competition‑grade baskets.

Michael (Chief Administrator) told council the concept began after a suggestion by a 13‑year‑old resident, James Burke, and that the Parks & Rec Foundation has expressed willingness to fund much or all of the initial cost. Staff estimates the full build — tees, baskets, signage, and installation — would be roughly $50,000 to $70,000. "The foundation does have funding that would be available for this project," Michael said during discussion of funding sources.

Flanagan said construction typically proceeds from design to limited brush clearing, then target installation (so the course can be calibrated) and finally concrete tee pads and full signage. He said a wooded course typically requires only seasonal maintenance: spring debris removal, summer trimming and occasional storm cleanup. "For wooded course, you're really looking at seasonal maintenance," he said, adding that community volunteers and local clubs often support upkeep and special events.

Council members asked about recurring municipal costs and liability. Michael said public works would perform periodic maintenance and respond to storm-related removals; staff did not provide a fixed annual maintenance cost but estimated only a few crew-hours seasonally for routine upkeep, with additional work required after major storms. On liability, Flanagan said elevated or decorative features are avoidable and that standard course features do not create unusual hazards.

Councilors also asked about expected usage and tourism; Flanagan cited usage statistics from nearby courses to show strong and growing participation, and pointed to UDisc (a disc‑golf tracking app) as evidence that courses can attract players regionally. The course would be free and open to the public; tournaments occasionally reserve course time.

At the end of the workshop discussion, staff asked whether council wanted them to continue exploring design, funding, parking logistics and waste/amenity placement; councilmembers expressed general support and asked staff to return with more detailed plans.

Next steps: staff will continue design discussions with the designer, map parking and trail impacts, and return with a project plan and funding details for future council consideration.