Northgate Disc Golf Course Proposal

Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 - - treyscheiddiscgolfcourse.weebly.com

By Trey Scheid with guidance from the Devil Mountain Disc Golf Club

Email: trey11sport@gmail.com

Devil Mountain Disc Golf Club: dmdgc.com

Facebook Group: Devil Mountain Disc Golf Club

 2

Description of the Project

LOCATION
This course will be located in the flood control basin on Castle Rock Rd in Walnut Creek.
The holes will be positioned around the perimeter of the area so that when rain comes it
will not be affected by the pooled water. The area totals at 46.5 acres between the two
general agricultural zones. There are three more zones located to the SouthEast which
total in an additional 36 acres that we would like to consider use of as well, such as future
expansion.

The area is lightly wooded with trees mainly in the center at the source of water and close
to the perimeter making for a variety of hole options. The ground is mostly flat with some
gentle slopes. Tall grass covers the ground year round.

DESIGN
A possible course design is included at the end of this proposal which includes one pin
location for the first 9 holes. This could be expanded to 18 on the current land by circling
inward towards the center of the basin. These baskets could be removed before each rainy
season if needed. The current design includes many long holes and if shortened more
could fit as well. If further land was granted in the additional zones mentioned, additional
holes could be added and a new design would be made. A professional course designer
would likely need to be hired.

As with all disc golf courses, the walking paths and beyond will be clearly marked as out of
bounds and also the center area with the water. This way walkers are kept safe. Another
precautionary step would be to erect a mesh fence along the residential fences such as by
holes 2 and 3.

CONSTRUCTION
The teepees will be laid as cement rectangles 9 feet by 4 feet accompanied by a fence
post with two bars to hang bags and a sign with the map for each hole. The entrance to
the course will have a general course map and the rules for safety and etiquette. Each hole
will have between 1 and 3 pin locations that will need collars to hold a basket. A trash can
(locked in place) will be located at least every 5 holes and at the start and finish of the
course.

COST
There are many variables that will influence cost, some depending on outside agencies
and some can be choices made to reduce the cost at a loss of quality to the course. The
general estimate is $5,000-10,000.

INSTALLATION
The disc golf community will gladly volunteer to help install the course on all aspects
possible except those requiring licensed professional contractors. All guidelines will be
followed in accordance with Parks and Rec.
 3

MAINTENANCE
There will be a board created under the supervision and authority of Parks and Rec that
will oversee maintenance. This will include the following:

- Indicating if the course is open or closed. If there is ever a level of water in the basin that
makes use of the course a danger to the players or the environment then the course will
be closed.

- Changing the pin locations of baskets and switching the appropriate markers at the
teepad.

- Periodically checking the quality and safety of the equipment such as: teepees, signs,
and baskets. Emptying the trash regularly.

- Mowing the grass when it becomes too tall to find discs. For such a large and wooded
area goat herds could be an effective solution to pursue.

About Disc Golf

WHAT IS IT?
Disc golf is an easy to learn sport for all ages that, at a low cost will allow people to use the
land for recreation.

HOW TO PLAY
Disc golf is an individual sport, the goal is to get your frisbee into the basket in the least
amount of throws possible from a starting location. There can be limits to the field of play
from water obstacles to fences to mandatories (forces you to throw to one side of a tree). A
round consists of any multiple of 9 unique holes. Each hole often has multiple locations
that the basket will be moved between throughout the year to add interest; they can range
from 150 to 700 feet in length.

POPULARITY
This is a fast growing sport that has 11,000 courses worldwide and 8,000 in the United
States alone. There are 13 courses in the greater surrounding area including: Walnut
Creek, Concord, Moraga and San Ramon. The cheap cost to play which only includes discs
starting at $5, makes it affordable for anyone to play. Young children as well as seniors can
play although there are some physical limitations.

Benefits

PERSONAL
Disc golf is an opportunity to strengthen the upper and lower body, engage in aerobic
exercise, and challenge or relax your mind. Playing will build concentration skills by
 4

mastering shots and avoiding obstacles. Plus you can play as long as the sun is out and
there is no limit to time spent playing.

COMMUNAL
Every individual in the city will have easy, free access to the course and can reap the
benefits aforementioned. These local players will no longer have to travel to the
neighboring and distant cities effectively reducing traffic. Events held weekly or on
random occasion can bring like minded individuals together or help them meet diverse
groups to widen their perspective in a safe environment. They can grow together and form
a community to add to the existing one.

This sport will provide a healthy and safe alternative to harmful or illegal practices that
people might otherwise do in their free time or on the premises. By finding a community
of people and creating goals for people to achieve to become better at the sport it may
can provide for people struggling in these areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL
The steady use of the course will reduce incidents of vandalism and littering so the area
will stay clean. No harm will be done to the existing flora of plants or grasses unlike many
other recreational facilities or installations. The alternative basket placements allow for the
foot traffic to be spread out onto different areas and not wear down specific ones to harm
the habitat. The great love disc golfers have for their courses will encourage players to
work to preserve and protect the environment. Regular use of the fields for disc golf would
require regular mowing and if done with goats or other methods the area will be healthier
and a more attractive site for the public.

ECONOMIC
A course here would increase tourism to the city bringing in money to be spent at stores
and restaurants. The cost of a course is minimal in comparison to its alternatives such as a
basketball court, ball golf course or a playground. The course can comfortably support 4-6
players per hole at once which greatly outnumbers the alternatives. If costs cannot be fully
covered from government grants and fundraising it is not uncommon to have a small fee
to play the course. The longevity of a course and the growth it will bring to the area can far
outweigh the costs of installation and maintenance and make an entry fee unnecessary.
5