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Park board hears plan for 18‑hole disc golf course at Lions Park; $33,000 estimate and property, liability questions raised
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Summary
Park board member Johan Marsland presented a proposal to expand Lions Park's nine‑hole course into an 18‑hole PDGA‑style course with an estimated cost of about $33,000, noting private‑property crossings, retention‑pond liability and opportunities for phased installation and community fundraising.
Park board member Johan Marsland presented detailed plans to expand the existing nine‑hole disc golf course at Lions Park into an 18‑hole course intended to draw players from across the region. Marsland said he worked with the Rochester Disc Golf Association and prepared a course map and high‑level budget estimate; he told the board the most complete professional installation would cost "around $33,000."
Marsland argued the upgrade could attract tournaments and visitor traffic to Kasson City, and outlined design features including holes that use the new retention pond and wooded "grotto" areas. He also explained proposed safety design elements—moving tees to keep throws off walking paths, using mandatory markers on some holes, and placing baskets so they do not encroach on private yards. "If we're gonna invest a little bit of effort and money, why not make it into something that will attract people to town?" Marsland said.
Board members pressed on two practical constraints: property ownership and liability. Several speakers noted one or more holes would cross land that appears to be privately owned; the board agreed to have staff and council check property lines and confirm any necessary agreements. Members also asked whether use of the retention pond would create new safety liabilities; staff said they would consult engineering and legal guidance on pond grading, fencing and signage. "We'd have to investigate what the relationship the city has with the private owner and can we drop a disc golf basket in here which would be right on the line of the property," a Park Board member said.
Marsland recommended a phased approach: begin with volunteer clearing and wood‑chip tee pads while fundraising the remainder of the budget in partnership with the disc‑golf community and nearby municipalities. Board members suggested potential joint purchases with Manorville, local signage partners and sponsorship of holes by businesses. Several members volunteered tools and crew time to start low‑risk clearing on city land if council approval and property questions are resolved.
No formal appropriation or final approval was made. The board asked staff to check legal constraints, discuss a potential Joint Ventures ask in the coming budget cycle, and return with clearer cost breakdowns and a proposed phasing schedule.
