Resident proposes disc golf course at Oliver Park; council signals support, asks for coordination

A Columbiana resident on Monday proposed building a disc golf course at Oliver Park, telling the City Council the amenity could encourage outdoor activity, increase use of an underused trail and bring visitors to downtown.

“We would like to build a disc golf course in Columbiana,” Alex said during a presentation, proposing a course routed around the existing cross‑country trail near the elementary school and the high school. Alex described the sport as low‑cost and accessible and outlined equipment, construction and maintenance needs including baskets, concrete tee pads and signage.

Project details presented to the council included portable baskets priced roughly $200–$250 each with conversion kits available to secure them as permanent baskets; permanent basket systems at about $500; and concrete tee pads sized approximately 4 feet by 6 feet with a 6‑inch thickness for traction and durability. Alex said a basic course could be built for about $12,000 to $15,000, based on “the good baskets and the concrete.” He suggested starting with a nine‑hole course and expanding later; the layout the presenters flagged contained more than 18 potential holes, including some longer holes up to roughly 400 feet.

Alex proposed locating the course on the cross‑country loop at Oliver Park. He said the course would be near other activity areas — pickleball courts and the 500 Club — and that sponsorships from local businesses could offset initial costs and attract visitors. Alex also suggested hosting tournaments in the future to help fund upkeep and grow a local disc‑golf community.

Council response: The mayor and other council members expressed support for the idea and noted the cross‑country area needs maintenance. The mayor recalled an earlier maintenance agreement with the school and said the city had clarified responsibilities in a revised agreement; he urged renewed collaboration among the city, the school and public works to revitalize the site. A council member estimated the starter cost at $12,000 and encouraged the proposers to coordinate with staff and with the school’s athletic director and maintenance staff.

Safety and operations: Council members asked whether holes and tee pads provide clear lines of sight and whether the proposed routing would avoid conflict with the cross‑country team; Alex said the planned layout keeps tees and baskets separated and includes beginner‑friendly holes. The presenters recommended concrete tee pads for safety in the park’s wooded, often damp terrain and described signage and out‑of‑bounds rules to reduce user conflict.

Next steps: Council members asked Alex to work with city staff, the school (the mayor said he had already met with the new high‑school principal) and the parks/maintenance team to return with a refined plan and cost estimate. The mayor suggested bringing representatives of the three parties who manage the area back together to explore funding, maintenance and specific placement before any installation.

Why this matters: If approved and built, the course would reuse an existing city trail and may increase recreation opportunities for residents, attract visitors and provide modest economic support to nearby businesses through event activity and sponsorships.