The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has decided to close a local disc golf course.
The Clinton Conservation Area disc golf course first opened in 2016. However, "safety concerns" have caused the ABCA board to vote to close the course.
Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship and Lands Manager for the ABCA, says when they resumed management of the conservation area when the Clinton Lions Club disbanded, they also resumed management of the disc golf course, and they had a third party with expertise on the courses come and have a look.
"They confirmed some of our concerns, as well as identifying some safety issues that ultimately could not be addressed given the footprint the course has. There's also a lack of a group to look after the Clinton course after the Clinton Lions disbanded following a great partnership over multiple decades," Schoelier explained.
The lack of a Disc Golf Club, resulting in minimal use of the course, coupled with identified safety issues from the third party consultant, factored into the decision to close the course following the ABCA meeting on July 20.
Schoelier also notes that some of the main safety concerns stem from the sport itself, which is still a relatively young and ever evolving one. He says that was part of why a consultant with expertise on the sport was brought in, and the consultant found that the Clinton course wasn't going to fit with the modern standards of the game which continue to rapidly change.
"Some of the distances that were common, even in 2016 when this course opened, are distances that aren't uncommon for people to throw now. So we really have a situation where the sport has outgrown the area. So we had some concerns with discs flying throughout the area and potentially hitting other users and neighbouring properties," noted Schoelier.
In terms of maybe something else being installed where the course is, Schoelier says it's too early to say right now what that might look like, but it's possible. He says it would likely depend on an idea being presented that could acquire some funding to make it happen.
"There is limited funding for that sort of thing, so some of that might be reflected off funding that becomes available to determine how the space can be used, and different groups, like how the old Lions Club had a great agreement with us and took such great care of the property. So future uses maybe reflective of funding opportunities and community engagement," Schoelier said.
Despite the loss of the disc golf course, Schoelier says the Clinton Conservation Area, as well as the other ABCA conservation areas and managed properties, are still very valuable community assets for everyone to enjoy.
"I encourage everyone to visit our website at www.ABCA.ca and learn more about some of our conservation areas that are located throughout our watershed, which spans a significant area. We have 9 conservation areas, as well as some management areas, with excellent trails, and I really encvourage people to get out and enjoy them. Whether that's hiking, bird watching or one of the permitted uses that appeals to them, I encourage people to get out and explore them," Schoelier concluded.
