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Residents urge Maumee committee to abandon proposed Maumee River disc‑golf site, staff says proposal remains preliminary
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Building, Land and Recreation Committee to drop a proposed 18‑hole disc‑golf site along the Maumee River towpath, citing fragile floodplain habitat, wildlife impacts, parking, flooding and archaeological concerns; city staff said the plan is a preliminary proposal, appropriations are conditional and further study with ODNR, Metroparks and the Army Corps would be required.
Hundreds of residents’ comments at a June 8 public hearing pressed the Maumee Building, Land and Recreation Committee to abandon a proposed 18‑hole disc‑golf course along the Maumee River towpath and place any course at an alternative site.
Ed Conn, a River Road resident, told the committee the west‑of‑Fort Meigs‑Bridge site is one of the few remaining wilderness areas inside city limits and warned that building a course "would cause a tremendous damage to a fragile ecosystem" that supports vernal pools, salamanders and eastern box turtles. Linda Lucas, who walks the towpath regularly, said the city's map understates trail use, raised parking and restroom shortfalls and noted the site sits in a floodplain that is regularly damaged by ice flows and spring flooding.
Speakers repeatedly asked whether the city had consulted environmental and permitting authorities. Kate Scaff, an Uptown Maumee resident, specifically asked how the proposal would meet Chapter 966 of the Maumee codified ordinances (tree protection and preservation standards) and whether removal of trees could affect Maumee's long‑standing Tree City USA status. Multiple speakers urged consultation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Metroparks officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers because the area includes wetlands and a floodplain.
Supporters of disc golf said the sport can coexist with wildlife when designed carefully. Joel Zerone (Cambridge Park South) and Mark Cruz, a local disc‑golf designer, cited local courses such as Woodlands Park and Mary Jane Thurston as examples of low‑impact designs; Mike Boroff, who helps maintain regional courses, said organizers do not clear trees or install features without ODNR and Metroparks' consent.
City staff and committee members repeatedly framed the project as a preliminary proposal. A city official told the hearing that council appropriated capital funds in March only on a conditional basis "if we decide to move forward with the project," and that staff have started discussions with ODNR and Metroparks. Staff said no excavation or construction is planned this year and that any work would require additional study and permitting. The committee noted it would solicit expert reports and legal/permit guidance before any decision.
No formal vote on the proposed course was taken at the hearing. Following public comment, committee members moved to adjourn; the motion passed by voice vote.
