SEBASTIAN — What looks like a glorified game of Frisbee and might be the most popular family-friendly sport you’ve never heard of?
It’s Disc Golf, and now Sebastian is taking a serious look at adding the sport to its recreational offerings, which City Parks Superintendent Chris McCarthy feels could be accomplished for under $20,000.
At the behest of Sebastian resident and professional disc golfer Bala Haesseler, who spoke at a previous Sebastian Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, City Parks Superintendent Chris McCarthy was asked to research the activity and, on July 28, he reported back.
Billed as “a new revenue generator for parks, camps, golf courses, schools and other venues,” and “an environmentally friendly sport that leaves a nominal footprint,” disc golf has similar rules to traditional golf, but uses “high-tech flying discs” (aka Frisbees) and above-ground baskets.
Currently there are an estimated 700,000 players, and the Professional Disc Golf Association has been around for 30 years, sanctioning more than 1,200 tournaments.
The Parks & Recreation Committee liked the idea.
“I’m in favor,” said Vice-Chair Matthew Sims. “I just want more research (on) making it an 18-hole course, maybe in the Stormwater Park, because there’s a lot more room.”
Commission Chairman John Tenerowicz wondered whether clearance would be needed from the St. John’s River Water Management District.
“I’ve played in tournaments,” Committee Member Greg Paschall said. “You can have nine or 18 holes, the full gamut. And anybody can play.”
He added that a consideration when designing the course should include people walking their dogs nearby, so the flying discs would not encourage dogs’ fetch-and-retrieve instincts. Tenerowicz noted that dogs are supposed to be leashed at Stormwater Park.
Committee Member Rosemary Flescher agreed.
“I’ve heard good things about it,” Flescher said. “It’s not an intrusion; it’d be a good addition.”
Committee Member Tammy Nelson also felt disc golf would be a good addition to the city’s recreational offerings.
McCarthy said he will visit the popular disc golf facility at Wickham Park in Brevard County before the next meeting.
The committee plans to make a decision at its August meeting after discussing such issues as the required number of parking spaces – McCarthy suggested opening the gates by the Stormwater Park pumps, so cars could park on the grass, and the best venue.
Tenerowicz noted that, in locations other than the Stormwater Park, which is lighted, the course would have to close at dusk.