Disc‑golf club proposes junior short course at Rain Shadow; board to include project in master‑plan amendment

The Olympic Peninsula Disc Golf Association (OPDGA) presented on March 3 to the Clallam County Parks Advisory Board, outlining upgrades to Rain Shadow and Lincoln Park courses and proposing a new junior/short course aimed at youth, seniors and beginners.

Representatives described improvements completed with club funds and volunteer labor—cement tee pads, new baskets, benches and improved signage—and highlighted the club’s tournament activity and fundraising history. OPDGA said it will fund and build a short course (holes roughly 100 feet in length), install temporary baskets and signage, and operate volunteer maintenance; the group argued the course would expand youth access and reduce congestion on the full course.

The club proposed siting the junior course on existing county parcels adjacent to Rain Shadow and noted a referenced 80‑acre parcel the DNR has signaled could be conveyed for recreation. Staff said the project would be added to the parks master plan amendment to provide the public‑notice and hearing path needed for formal acceptance and to clarify parking and pedestrian crossing needs across Thompson Road.

Why it matters: OPDGA argued the short course is low impact, largely volunteer built and maintained, and would support local tournaments that bring overnight stays and visitor spending. Board members asked staff to coordinate with roads for any required pedestrian crosswalks and with the DNR on the adjacent parcel if acquisition proceeds.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the proposal into the master‑plan amendment materials, work on community transparency and field‑trip opportunities for board members, and coordinate with roads for potential pedestrian improvements.