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Council moves to relocate recently planted trees at Stockfield golf course; residents reported immediate improvement after earlier operational changes
Summary
After residents and players raised safety concerns about errant golf balls, the council approved moving recently planted hybrid cottonwoods inside the course fence and removing/relocating certain pines to reduce future conflicts with power lines and improve safety; staff reported short‑term mitigation steps had reduced incidents.
The Committee of the Whole on Aug. 5 addressed community concerns about errant golf balls from Stockfield Golf Course affecting nearby properties. Councilor Johnson reported the committee hosted a well‑attended meeting with 10 teams and residents, and staff noted immediate mitigations — such as using the red tee box for regular play and placing marshals during tournaments — appeared to stop incidents over the recent weekend.
Councilor Paulson asked that newly planted hybrid cottonwood trees along the course edge be moved inside the fence to prevent future interference with overhead power lines as they mature. Staff confirmed the hybrid cottonwoods grow quickly and could reach power lines; moving them inside the fence would place them in the rough where they would not conflict with lines. Councilor Paulson moved to relocate the newly planted trees (and address three small pines as needed); the motion was supported and passed 5–1.
Other short‑ and medium‑term measures discussed included moving tee boxes, installing taller netting or fencing, changing cart paths and implementing a tree‑replacement program. Staff said they are procuring larger trees for strategic placement and will reconvene the stakeholder group with further proposals. Councilors emphasized balancing player experience, park aesthetics and neighborhood safety.
