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Volunteers propose disc‑golf course at Veterans Park; organizers offer design and volunteer labor, request town coordination
Summary
A volunteer group led by the Worcester Sports Foundation proposed an 18‑hole disc‑golf course at Veterans Park (Harris Pond area). Organizers offered to design the course, raise funds for baskets and tee pads, and coordinate volunteer brush clearing; the board asked town counsel and staff to vet procurement and land‑use issues and to report back.
Representatives of the Worcester Sports Foundation, the New England Flying Disc Association (NEFA) and local volunteers presented a proposal to build a volunteer‑led disc‑golf course at Veterans Park near Harris Pond.
Jeff Turgeon, representing the Worcester Sports Foundation, described disc golf as a low‑cost, low‑maintenance, multi‑use recreation amenity that uses metal‑chain baskets and natural terrain for play. He said an 18‑hole course can be built for roughly $30,000–$40,000 in construction costs, with baskets and tee pads as the main hard costs, and that much of the labor and design can be provided by volunteer groups and regional disc‑golf organizations.
Ken Allard and residents including Gail and Kirk Van Dyke described the sport’s recreational and community benefits, noting nearby courses in Franklin and Milford as models. Eric Wilson, president of NEFA, and other volunteers said the organization can help with grants and with establishing a “friends of” stewardship group to handle routine maintenance.
Selectmen and staff discussed site constraints: seasonal wet areas, sight lines where trails cross, parking availability and whether the parcel is formally under Parks and Recreation or other town control. DPW Superintendent Kevin Sullivan advised that clearing and construction would need coordination with the highway/DPW because equipment (tractor/brush hog) would speed volunteer work.
Town Administrator Lauren said town counsel must review whether any procurement or other legal steps are necessary to authorize volunteer work and to accept donated materials; she also suggested involving CMRPC for broader site planning. The board directed staff to consult counsel, coordinate with Parks & Recreation and DPW, and return with guidance on procurement, land‑use implications and next steps. No formal authorization or construction funding was approved at the meeting.
